How Young Is Too Young for Gynecomastia Correction Surgery?
3 Min Read: It’s reported that up to 60% of males struggle with gynecomastia, a cosmetic condition in which males have excess breast tissue and fat in the chest, causing them to develop female-looking breasts. While gynecomastia is physically harmless, it can cause men to feel embarrassed and self-conscious about their appearance.
In fact, having “man boobs” causes many males to exclude themselves from various social activities and events, such as trips to the beach or pool.
Regardless of your age, if you struggle with gynecomastia (male breasts), there’s good news: gynecomastia correction surgery is a simple and effective cosmetic procedure that can eliminate the presence of breasts to help you achieve a more toned and masculine appearance.
Below, we’ll take a look at gynecomastia to help you understand whether gynecomastia surgery is right for you.
How Does Gynecomastia Develop?
Gynecomastia can be caused by a number of reasons.
The first and most common reason is a hormonal imbalance in the bodies (testosterone and estrogen). This is why many boys develop breasts as they go through puberty (when their bodies are changing and their hormones are out of balance). Other reasons for gynecomastia include the use of certain medications and drug use (including marijuana).
In some cases, gynecomastia can be a side-effect of an underlying health condition, such as cancer in the body or cirrhosis of the liver. Because of these possible health concerns, it is important to see your physician about your condition before considering a plastic surgery procedure.
How to Treat Gynecomastia in Young Men?
Some men (especially younger males) outgrow their gynecomastia, which means that the condition clears up on its own. This often happens if the gynecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance during puberty. Once the hormones are balanced again, a more masculine chest will appear. Additionally, if the gynecomastia is caused by medication or drug use, discontinuing use of that medication or drug can cause the gynecomastia to go away on its own.
However, the unfortunate reality is that many males struggle with lasting gynecomastia. And what makes this condition even more frustrating is that you can’t simply exercise or diet gynecomastia away. Instead, gynecomastia correction surgery is the only way to address and correct this condition.
For this procedure, either liposuction surgery, excision of the underlying breast tissue, or a combination of both is used to sculpt a masculine chest that you can feel proud of.
How Old Should I Be for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Because gynecomastia can develop in pubescent boys, many people wonder what age they can undergo gynecomastia correction surgery. However, because gynecomastia can resolve on its own, especially for boys after they finish with puberty, it is important to wait until after the age of 18 to consider this procedure.
At this age, Dr. Pincus can see if the gynecomastia will be long-lasting. If he judges that the condition is long-lasting, he will schedule your corrective procedure.
What Is My First Step Towards a More Masculine Chest?
As with any cosmetic procedure, the first step toward your gynecomastia correction is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pincus. Even if you (or your child) are a teenager or young adult, Dr. Pincus will be happy to evaluate the condition and determine if you are a candidate for gynecomastia surgery.
While gynecomastia can cause males of all ages to feel frustrated and embarrassed, this condition does not need to be permanent. Whether from corrective surgery or natural improvement, you can look forward to feeling comfortable and confident with your body!
Want to Learn More About Gynecomastia Correction?
If you have any questions about gynecomastia correction surgery or you think you may be a candidate, please schedule your consultation with Dr. David Pincus today by calling 631-352-3556 or by filling out our online contact form.