What Is the Best Age for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Posted October 27, 2021 in Gynecomastia Surgery, Male Plastic Surgery
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Gynecomastia is a condition where men develop excess tissue in their chest, giving them the appearance of feminine breasts. Teenagers suffering from gynecomastia are likely eager to get their condition corrected with gynecomastia surgery, as the excess tissue and fat can make them feel uncomfortable and insecure in their own skin.
However, is getting surgery at such a young age really the right answer?
What Causes Gynecomastia?
In many cases, the exact cause of gynecomastia in a patient is unknown (or a combination of many factors); however, it’s often caused by a change in hormonal levels (estrogen and testosterone), which can happen during puberty.
Other reasons for gynecomastia include:
- A side effect of certain drugs and medications, such as antidepressants, ulcer medicines, cardiovascular medicines, antibiotics, chemotherapy, prostate cancer medicines, anabolic steroids, marijuana, and heroin
- Some diseases and conditions, such as testicular cancer, liver and kidney diseases, lung cancer, obesity, injury, trauma, some tumors of the glands, congenital disorders, and thyroid disorders
When Is the Best Age for Gynecomastia Surgery?
If a patient’s gynecomastia results from hormonal changes, there is a possibility it may correct itself over time. In this situation, gynecomastia surgery would be unnecessary, and you went through recovery and spent money for no reason.
Therefore, most doctors recommend waiting until you are at least 18 years old to get gynecomastia surgery. At this point, your body is mostly done developing. This reduces the risk of you getting the surgery and having the condition come back or getting the surgery when waiting could have seen the condition reverse itself.
However, it’s important to note that there are cases where individuals get gynecomastia surgery under the age of 18. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including extreme self-consciousness due to the condition or an understanding that the gynecomastia didn’t occur due to hormones.
It’s best to consult a plastic surgeon to understand what age is appropriate for you to pursue gynecomastia surgery. Your doctor will try to diagnose (if possible) what caused the condition and when it’s safe to get the procedure.
Schedule Your Male Breast Reduction Surgery Today!
Gynecomastia could be preventing you from living your happiest life, and you don’t have to live feeling uncomfortable in your body.
Book a consultation with Careaga Plastic Surgery to find out if you qualify for male breast reduction surgery, as well as have any questions and concerns answered by your doctor. Call (305) 960-7511 or fill out this online form today.
You can also learn more about your potential results by visiting our gynecomastia before and after photo gallery.