I'm 17 years old and I've had true gynecomastia for 4-5 years. Is Surgery a Good Option?

Question

I'm 17 years old and I've had true gynecomastia for 4-5 years. The condition has seriously impacted upon my self-esteem and confidence, so obviously, I'm very eager to oust it! I'm not overweight, (my BMI is 19.4 and I do lots of cardio) I've never taken drugs and I have no underlying illnesses I'm aware of which could cause gynecomastia. Since it's been roughly 5 years, I'm doubtful it will ever go away; so is surgery a good option, or should I wait longer? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.While there is no “youngest
age” to undergo #gynecomastia surgery, many surgeons make sure that teenage
patients have had gynecomastia for at least two years and have no other
identifiable causes for their gynecomastia before having #surgery.  You may want to consult a #boardcertified #plasticsurgeon in person to see if surgery is your best option at this time.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

Your body continues to develop through adolescence, and most boys find that their gynecomastia corrects itself of its own. If after losing weight their chest is still not aesthetically pleasing, surgery can then be considered once another medical condition has been ruled out.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgery is a good option to address your problem since it is very unlikely that it will resolve spontaneously at this point.  See a board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

We generally recommend waiting until patients are at least
18 years of age before proceeding with the surgical
correction of gynecomastia. Never the less there are always exceptions to the
rule. Although you’re only 17, you’re probably an excellent candidate for this
type of procedure. Since your breast enlargement has been stable for five
years, it’s probably not going to regress without surgery at this point in
time. It’s also impacting your self-esteem and self-confidence and is adversely
affecting the quality of your life.

For
all these reasons treatment of gynecomastia is appropriate for you and consultation
with a board certified plastic surgeon would be appropriate.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I firmly believe that treating the gynecomastia at an early age is best. It's not going to go away and will probably continue to be an issue for you. You should discuss this with your parents and go for a consultation. Remember, weight loss/gain, exercise, lifting, muscle building will not work. Don't get frustrated.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi,Thank you for your post. Based on your history, you likely have physiologic gynecomastia which is not uncommon in boys who go through puberty. In most boys who develop gynecomastia during puberty, it resolves within 2-3 years and so I typically advise waiting at least that long before entertaining surgery. I recommend being evaluated by a plastic surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia surgery. If there are no other medical conditions responsible for the gynecomastia, then surgery will be very effective in obtaining the results you are seeking. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for  gynecomastia surgery. Like any type of surgical procedure, you will need to weigh the risks/potential  complications against the benefits of the procedure.  Exactly what procedure you may benefit from  (if any)  will depend on your physical examination and goals.

	I would suggest that you meet with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons;  ask to see lots of examples of their work.

	Best wishes.

Marc Schneider, MD · Answer

Sounds like it is time. Most men tolerate the recovery extremely well and are gratified by the results.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Gynecomastia can be treated in several ways. Sometimes with just liposuction, sometimes with tissue excision, and sometimes skin excision is added as well. It really depends upon how extensive it is. An exam is key. Good luck.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

What you describe is the typical presentation for gynecomastia. I often find that as a young adolescent matures and looses some weight the breasts can remain large. Many young boys with gynecomastia are embarrassed by their appearance and wear two shirts to hide the chest deformity. There are many surgical options for gynecomastia including liposuction and direct surgical excision, termed a subcutaneous mastectomy. Usually the excess skin will shrink down and the patient is left with a nice male chest contour. If your gynecomastia has been present for over 5 years it is unlikely that it will resolve on its own. Discuss your condition with your parents and schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced with gynecomastia.

I'm 17 years old and I've had true gynecomastia for 4-5 years. Is Surgery a Good Option?

Answers (15)

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