Advice For Seeking Gynecomastia Correction at 21?

Question

I am a 21 year old male and when I was about 13 my right nipple started to become enlarged and when touched you can feel a mass inside. I went to the doctor then and they just said it was gynecomastia and that it would go away. But Im now 21 and its still there, I would like it fixed, any advice would be appreciated,

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Gynecomastia can appear as a fullness of the entire male breast or as puffiness only under the nipple. Most commonly it presents involving both sides of the chest however gynecomastia of one breast only is quite common as well. 

	Correction of gynecomastia will fix the breast fullness and usually does a great job at correcting the puffiness of the nipple as well.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Healthy male patients with excess breast tissue or unwanted breast development who have no underlying breast disease.Men who desire improved physical and aesthetic appearance should have realistic expectations based on their condition and the procedure performed. You should meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to be able to get a formal diagnosis and to be able to decide on a course of treatment if necessary.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

There are several common factors which contribute to gynecomastia. These include excessive levels of #estrogen, natural #hormone changes, use of recreational drugs or alcohol, medications and their associated side effects, and, various health conditions. Also, there are different types of #gynecomastia. Particularly, Normal Gynecomastia is usually apparent in males between the ages of 12 to 15 years old. It is also common for older men 65 years old or more who experience a drop in their testosterone levels. #Normal Gynecomastia takes approximately one to two years to naturally regress on its own.Adolescent Gynecomastia is hereditary and usually appears in 30% to 60% of boys between the ages of nine to fourteen. Many cases of adolescent gynecomastia resolve on its own as the boy grows into adulthood. Some with #Adolescent may choose to undergo surgery to correct the situation, this usually happens at the age of 18 or above. In severe cases in young boys, the physician and child development specialists will need to speak to the parents regarding the severity of the gynecomastia and if surgery is an option before the age of 18.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Judging from your photo, I would recommend liposuction and direct excision of subareolar glandular tissue.  Of course you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.  Good luck
and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

There are three causes of the enlarge breast in a male patient.  True gynecomastia  is firm glandular tissue underneath the nipple. The only way to remove this is through excision, which can generally be accomplished through a small incision underneath the areola.

	Pseudogynecomastia is fatty tissue within the breast .  This can usually be treated with liposuction if the patient has good skin tone.

	The most common gynecomastia that I see is usually a combination of both and we treat it with a combination of liposuction and direct excision.

	I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for an evaluation.  He or she will be able to tell you which option may best suit your goals. 

	Best wishes.

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

A combination of Vaser liposuction and glandular excision provides consistent, safe treatment for gynecomastia. Liposuction alone, even with Vaser (ultrasound) assistence, often doesn't give enough improvement. The incisions are small and can usually be hidden in the areola. The treatment can also reduce the puffiness of your nipple/areolar complexes.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Gynecomastia develops in a high percentage of young men during puberty. This is triggered by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. Most cases resolve with maturity but for about 5% of young men the tissue becomes firm and fibrous upon reaching adulthood. Unfortunately the only option for treatment is surgery.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Many men, including teens, are too ashamed of their
overdeveloped breasts to take off their shirt at the beach. The common
condition known as gynecomastia (Greek for "womanlike breasts") is
characterized by enlarged breast tissue.  Gynecomastia affects an
astonishing 40 to 60% of men. Fortunately, the condition is easily reversed
with liposuction just by making a small incision under the nipple. It is now
possible to reduce the size of the breast using virtually scar less
technique.  Through a small incision around the nipple  Liposuction
with ultrasound and  fine laser beams liquefy the fat and glandular tissue
recontouring the breast around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the
breasts. Because liposuction stimulates the skin to tighten, a smooth contour
after fat is removed is possible.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi Aug2790,Thanks for the post and photo. It sounds like you have what is referred to as physiologic gynecomastia. This is not uncommon in teenage boys going through puberty. In a vast majority of these boys it resolves after 2 to 3 years. Clearly that is not the case with you, and at this point it will not resolve without surgery. I recommend you see a plastic surgeon experienced in gynecomastia surgery. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

You have a rather classic history of Gynecomastia (Man Breasts). Although most teen age boys have some increase in the size of their breasts the condition largely resolves in most by age 18. If it persists, as it has in your case and hundreds of thousands of others, you have a variant of Man Breasts or GYNECOMASTIA.

	Although a minority of such cases do have an underlying medical reason, the vast majority of Gynecomastia cases have NO explicable medical reason and the best treatment is SURGERY. Unless you have large or very hanging breasts, very nice results and a flat chest wall may be obtained with a combination VASER Liposuction and removal of the "puffier" enlarged breast gland.

	Your condition is completely treatable.

	Good Luck

	Peter Aldea, MD
	Memphis, TN

Advice For Seeking Gynecomastia Correction at 21?

Answers (14)

More Gynecomastia Surgery Questions

Contour Deformity Following Unilateral Gynecomastia Surgery, How do I Address this Issue? (photo)

After Gynecomastia Surgery, Chest Has Collapsed. What Can I Do? (photo)

Can Pectoralis Muscles Grow Again in Men if the Nipple and Aerola is Removed?

Did I Take the Rib Belt Off Too Early After a Gynecomastia Operation? Chest Is Sagging.

How Often Are Revisions Needed After Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS