Teenage Gynecomastia Treatment
Teenage gynecomastia is a condition in which male breasts can grow during puberty. Gynecomastia in teenagers can be caused by hormonal changes, especially in estrogen and testosterone. Breast tissue may grow as a result of an increase in estrogen compared to testosterone. Gynecomastia in teenagers can create emotional discomfort and have an impact on teens’ self-esteem. The breast itself may become larger, and the nipples may be puffy or protruding. Gynecomastia is not the same as having fatty tissue from being overweight, and the enlarged breasts will remain despite diet and exercise. Most patients, however, will have a combination of gynecomastia and stubborn chest fatty tissue. Regardless of the cause of male breasts most boys and men seek to have a masculine, contoured, or flat appearing chest. In teenagers, the condition can sometimes clear up on its own, but many men are frustrated by persistent breast tissue, which can last a lifetime if untreated. Board-certified Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Solomon Azouz can help restore the chest to a natural, masculine form with teenage gynecomastia treatment.
Causes of Gynecomastia in Teens
The causes of gynecomastia in teens can vary, but it is most commonly caused by hormonal imbalances. During puberty, changes in hormones can lead to an increase in the production of estrogen and a decrease in the production of testosterone, resulting in the development of breast tissue in males. This is a normal part of puberty and is experienced by many boys.
Other factors that can contribute to gynecomastia in teens include certain medications, such as anabolic steroids, anti-androgens, and tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the use of substances such as marijuana and alcohol. In some cases, an underlying medical condition, such as liver or kidney disease, can also cause gynecomastia in teens.
Specialist in Teen Gynecomastia Serving Dallas and Beyond
Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz is a specialist in gynecomastia treatment and has helped many teenage boys permanently get rid of their gynecomastia. Many men report that gynecomastia developed in puberty did not go away and wish they had met with a plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz sooner.
Why does gynecomastia develop during puberty?
Gynecomastia can develop as early as the age of ten in young boys, but most commonly, it will develop between the ages of 12 and 14. The teen years are a critical time of psychological, emotional, and physical development. Male breast tissue can be embarrassing and cause low self-esteem. Understanding the cause and treatment options for gynecomastia in teens can help boys receive the care they need. Male breast development in puberty is normally accompanied by an increase in muscle mass, which when covered by gynecomastia, can often cause the breasts to look even larger.
Does gynecomastia go away after puberty?
Some patients report that gynecomastia can grow quickly in puberty, while others report slow growth. Gynecomastia that has been present for years usually does not go away. Some teenagers also have very large breasts, and with excessive amounts of breast tissue, it is also unlikely that the gynecomastia will go away. It’s important to remember that gynecomastia is unique to each individual. The persistence or resolution of gynecomastia can be influenced by many factors, including heredity, general health, and the particular hormonal imbalances that occur during puberty.
Why Does Gynecomastia Bother Boys and Men?
A female-appearing chest can cause a variety of negative emotions in boys and men. Patients often report difficulty looking in the mirror or looking down in the shower. Many teens report they are uncomfortable discussing their gynecomastia and try to hide it by wearing loose-fitting clothing or sweatshirts. Parents who have children with gynecomastia are encouraged to talk to their children. Interestingly, teenagers are often the ones who do thorough research and discover that a plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz can help.
Can you get rid of gyno as a teenager?
Everyone experiences gynecomastia during puberty differently. Gynecomastia may go away on its own as hormonal levels return to normal following puberty. However, the level of regression might vary depending on factors such as heredity, overall health, and the specific hormonal imbalances experienced throughout puberty. Most people feel that they continue to have residual male breast tissue, even after trying hormone treatments or losing weight with diet and exercise. The most effective treatment for gyno in teens is gynecomastia surgery.
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia in Teens
The treatment of gynecomastia in teens depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In many teens, gynecomastia is genetically inherited and unlikely to improve if it has consistently been present.
Medical treatment options for gynecomastia in teens that include medications to regulate hormone levels, such as testosterone therapy, are often not successful and can even make gynecomastia worse.
The gold standard for gynecomastia treatment in teenagers is liposuction and removal of gynecomastia. Dr. Azouz performs gynecomastia surgery with a minimally invasive approach for the majority of teenagers.
What Is Surgery Like for Teenagers Who Have Their Gynecomastia Removed?
Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Solomon Azouz is committed to providing the best patient experience with surgery and focuses on techniques to minimize nausea, pain, and swelling. Most patients report soreness rather than pain and report that after surgery, they had much less pain than they thought they would have. Through the use of long-acting anesthetics, many patients will not take a pain pill after gynecomastia surgery. With the use of deep sedation, patients do not remember the surgery while still having a quicker recovery compared to general anesthesia. Specialized medications are often offered to teenagers so that they are comfortable during and after surgery.
What Happens after Gynecomastia Surgery in Teenagers?
In the first appointment, Dr. Azouz will adjust the compression dressings and show the patient that the gynecomastia has been removed. Patients often report that they feel more confident standing up straight, walking tall, wearing a thin or tight t-shirt, and taking the t-shirt off at the lake, river, pool, or beach.
Enlarged Breasts in Male Teens
During the critical formative teenage years, gynecomastia can be a devastating physical problem. It can be a source of great anxiety, poor self-image, and body shame. Teenagers will often limit the types of clothes they wear and avoid social situations where their chest might be noticed. Sports, camping, dating, and all aspects of life are affected. If the condition is noticed, teasing may occur and affect school performance.
Signs of gynecomastia in teens are:
- Rounded, protruding breasts or nipples
- Asymmetrical breasts or nipples
- Swollen or puffy nipples
- Excess breast tissue that does not go away with diet or exercise
Although the origin is usually benign, enlarged breasts in male teens can occur for a number of reasons, some of them serious. A consultation with Dr. Azouz and a complete medical history can rule out other causes. Once the alternative conditions are eliminated, gynecomastia surgical treatment can be scheduled.
Teenage/Puberty Gynecomastia Surgery
At Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, TX, Dr. Azouz understands the difficulty of teenage gynecomastia and its impact on quality of life. As one of the most sought-after fellowship-trained and board-certified surgeons in Texas, he welcomes patients from around the world and offers in-person and virtual consultations.
Multiple treatment options can correct teenage gynecomastia. Liposuction can remove excess adipose tissue and contour the chest. Larger breasts may require surgical removal and skin tightening. When large amounts of tissue are removed, or if the breasts are asymmetrical, nipples can be repositioned with precise incisions for a perfectly natural appearance. If you or someone you know has teenage gynecomastia, contact Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today to discuss teenage gynecomastia surgery.
How Do You Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon if You Are a Teenager with Gynecomastia?
There are a variety of factors that go into providing the best results with gynecomastia surgery, including experience, training, meticulous technique, and proven results. Azouz Plastic Surgery includes board-certified plastic surgeons who have performed many thousands of gynecomastia surgeries on men of all ages. The board-certified plastic surgeons perform a drainless procedure with a “scarless” camouflage technique and advanced high-definition liposuction techniques. Many before and after pictures are available for viewing, demonstrating improvement in gynecomastia in men and boys with a variety of severity in all grades of gynecomastia. Many patients have reported improvements in their body image through testimonials and reviews. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz has focused on each component of his technique to minimize swelling, complications, and scarring.
At Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, TX, the plastic surgeons understand the difficulty of teenage gynecomastia and the impact it has on quality of life. As one of the most sought-after fellowship-trained and board-certified surgeons in Texas, he welcomes patients from around the world and offers in-person and virtual consultations.
If you or someone you know has teenage gynecomastia, contact Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today to discuss teenage gynecomastia surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgical intervention is typically considered once puberty is complete, usually around the age of 12-14. However, individual cases may vary. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz will make personalized recommendations during your consultation in Dallas.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, hematomas, and seromas. Dr. Azouz will discuss the risks and ensure the safety of every patient after obtaining a medical history during your consultation.
Incisions are typically discreetly placed, and scars tend to fade over time. Dr. Azouz will give recommendations to help manage scars.
While recurrence is rare, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight is important to minimize the risk of gynecomastia returning.