I'm a 19 year old male. Do I have puffy nipples/gynecomastia? (Photo)

Question

I've had them since I was about 12 years old and they still have not gone away, so I'm starting to think that it's something that requires more attention. I'm not overweight and actually very skinny: 5'8'', 135 lb. I recently went to my primary care physician, but he said it is nothing to worry about. However, I am not completely satisfied with that answer, so I have scheduled a consultation with a plastic surgeon, but I wanted to get the opinions of other doctors as well.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The male breast is composed of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. An excess in either type of tissue can cause the chest to take on the look of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can affect men of all different body types. There are different types of #gynecomastia. "Puffy Nipple Areola Complex" is among the most common forms of gynecomastia. This gland and/or adipose tissue accumulation can be located under the areola or can be slightly extended outside the areola, causing the areola to appear dome shaped.This form of #Gynecomastia can be found in all age groups but is more common in young adult.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.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hi Omair,You have a very mild form of Gynaecomastia that is causing the puffy nipple & slight deformity of the  chest.the best way to get rid of it is surgery.best of luck

Edward J. Ricciardelli, MD · Answer

All aesthetic surgery is based on weighing the risks versus the benefits of surgery and the options.  I agree that if you want to reduce the puffiness, surgery is the best option.  You will need to decide if the cost, recovery, and mild scarring are worth the improvement in the nipple area, and only you can make that decision.  That being said, the risks from surgery are low and the satisfaction rates with male breast reduction surgery are high.  The procedure I perform takes about an hour and involves excising the breast tissue beneath the nipple, then liposuction in the fatty tissue around it.  Recovery is about 10 days, with compression garments like Under Armor for 8 weeks.  Hope this helps

Bernard Kopchinski, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. From the pictures you provided, it does look like you have a mild case of gynecomastia. I would recommend consulting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to go over your options based on what is found during your consultation.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

You will need surgery to get rid of puffiness on your chest.  This condition is called gynecomastia.  Many young men develop this condition at time of puberty.  In most cases it settles and goes away on its own.  However if it persists as it did in your case surgery is required.

I'm a 19 year old male. Do I have puffy nipples/gynecomastia? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Gynecomastia

Answer: Gynecomastia

Answer: You have gynecomastia

Answer: You have gynecomastia

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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I'm a 19 year old male. Do I have puffy nipples/gynecomastia? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Gynecomastia

Answer: Gynecomastia

Answer: You have gynecomastia

Answer: You have gynecomastia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.