How Long could Teenage Boys Suffer from Male Boobs, when Should Surgery Be Considered?

Thank you for your question.Up to 2/3 of boys going
through #puberty develop some form of #gynecomastia. This form of gynecomastia is
due to the surges in testosterone and estrogen which often lead to an imbalance
of the testosterone:estrogen ratio.  In up to 75% of boys who
develop pubertal gynecomastia, it will disappear without treatment within 2
years. In 90% of boys with pubertal gynecomastia, it will disappear without
treatment within 3 years. While there is no “youngest
age” to undergo #gynecomastia surgery, many #boardcertified #plasticsurgeons make sure that teenage
patients have had gynecomastia for at least two years and have no other
identifiable causes for their gynecomastia.

Ideally, gynecomastia surgery is delayed until full development, around age 18 after adolescent hormonal influenced breast development ceases. Sometimes it will resolve to a degree afterwards. Also if your child is overweight, often the breasts will diminish with weight loss once in the normal range. However I have operated on several adolescent males to develop gynecomastia for those stigmatized and traumatized by the size of his breasts in severe cases with good results. Yes it is possible they will grow again and another procedure may be required for best results, Discuss the risk vs benefits with your board certified plastic surgeon that has experience in this age group.

Your body continues to develop through adolescence, and most boys find that their gynecomastia corrects itself of its own. A boy with gynecomastia should first try to lose weight by going on a healthy diet and exercise regimen. This helps improve the chest contour. If after losing weight their chest is still not aesthetically pleasing, surgery can then be considered once another medical condition has been ruled out.

In my practice, I usually ask teenage patients with gynecomastia to wait until 17-18 years old to undergo gynecomastia reduction surgery.  Good luck and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon 

For a high percentage of boys the growth of male breast tissue seems to occur between the ages of 10 to 13 years. It  is triggered by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. For most boys, the condition will resolve itself on reaching adulthood. But for approximately 5% it never diminishes, leaving surgery as the only option. It is best to be evaluated by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia to determine when or if surgery is recommended.