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  • Adolescent Male Breast Reduction: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
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Adolescent gynecomastia is one of my favorite procedures. The reason I like it is because it is basically debunking what has been a misconception amongst physicians for a long time including a lot of pediatricians. A lot of pediatricians will see a 12, 13, 14 year old boy who has some gynecomastia and large breasts and says, "Don't worry son. It's gonna disappear. Wait 'til you're 18." And that's totally wrong.

Number one, if it's been around for a year or two or more, it is not going to disappear. You're condemning that adolescent to three, four, five years of waiting in vain for something that's not going to happen. The other pediatrician will say, "Well, if you operate upon him at age 13 or so, it's gonna grow back." That's wrong too. It does not.

What I've done is to work on probably close to 300 young men from the age of 12 to 18. I have removed their gynecomastia. They have done very well. It has not recurred. I have salvaged their teenage life when otherwise they would have been sitting hunched over, not participating in sports and not having a social life. The bottom line is it is doable and it is safe and it works.

Adolescent Male Breast Reduction: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

Dr. Elliot Jacobs advocates for adolescent gynecomastia surgery by addressing some of the most common misconceptions and fears.