Male Breast Reduction for Teens: 5 Things You Need to Know if Your Son Has Gynecomastia
August 7, 2024 - Rhys Branman, MD
Being a teenager isn’t easy. It’s tough dealing with raging hormones and rapid changes in the body, not to mention the social dynamics of high school as you try to establish your identity while also fitting in. For teens who suffer from gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, adolescence can be especially difficult. At just the time when you’re transitioning to a man, your chest starts to look less masculine. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and have a lasting impact on self-image.
What to know if your teen has gynecomastia
First, know that if you or your son suffers from gynecomastia, he’s not alone. Gynecomastia is actually very common in teens, currently thought to affect up to 69% of males age 10 to 19. This is due to fluctuating hormones; many boys produce excess estrogen during puberty, causing some breast development. Usually, the breasts flatten out as hormones even out and puberty ends, but that doesn’t make it less distressing for affected teens. It’s natural for teens with gynecomastia to want to get rid of the “man boobs” ASAP—and if you’re a parent, you may wonder what’s the best path and how you can help.
Surgery is not always necessary for teens with gynecomastia, as most boys outgrow the condition. That said, your child’s emotional and mental health are extremely important, and intervening earlier in life can help a boy feel more confident in his body during the critical teen years and develop a healthier self-image into adulthood.
As a cosmetic surgeon who’s performed gynecomastia surgery in Little Rock for 20 years, I understand the dilemma parents face. You want your child to understand that he’s perfectly normal and avoid unnecessary interventions, but you also don’t want him to suffer from something that is harming his self-esteem. You also may also be nervous about the prospect of your son having cosmetic surgery, especially at a young age.
Should my son have male breast reduction surgery as a teen?
Whether or not to pursue treatment is a highly personal decision to be made between you, your child, your pediatrician, and an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Male breast reduction is not always necessary, as most boys with gynecomastia outgrow the condition. That said, your child’s emotional and mental health are extremely important. Treating gynecomastia earlier in life can help a boy feel more confident in his body and avoid social hardship during the critical teen years, leading to a healthier self-image into adulthood.
Gynecomastia vs normal male breast tissue
This image shows the difference between normal male breast tissue and one with gynecomastia.
What to know about gynecomastia treatment for teens
Knowing the facts about male breast reduction surgery can help you and your child weigh your options and make a more confident decision. If you are thinking about this procedure, consider the following:
1. Before scheduling surgery, see your pediatrician to rule out causes that have non-surgical solutions.
For example, if your child is significantly overweight, achieving a healthier weight will likely reduce the appearance of gynecomastia. In this case, seek the help of a qualified weight loss doctor before seeking surgery.
2. Make sure you and your son have realistic expectations.
Male breast reduction will achieve a flatter, firmer chest appearance, and can even reduce puffy nipples, but it won’t give your son chiseled pecs (unless he already had them beneath the excess breast tissue). When reviewing before and after photos with your son, make sure you also pay attention to the ages of the patients; a 27-year-old’s “after” photos will look very different from a 17-year-old’s. It’s also important to understand that every patient is different—even the best cosmetic surgeon cannot fundamentally change a patient’s natural body type.
3. The procedure is usually very straightforward with a quick recovery.
In the majority of cases, male breast reduction can be done with liposuction alone. I use VASER LipoSelection, an ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique that can remove both glandular tissue and fat through a tiny incision in each armpit. Typically, patients need 3 to 5 days off of school or work to recover; non-contact sports and exercise can be resumed within 2 to 3 weeks. More extensive cases may require some tissue and/or skin excisions, which adds time to the recovery process. Your cosmetic surgeon can give you an accurate estimate of the extent of surgery and recovery during a consultation.
4. Patients must be mature enough to understand their responsibility with surgery and recovery.
Following your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions for recovery and aftercare is essential to ensure great-looking results for years to come. For example, my patients wear a compression garment over their chest (it fits like a tight, thick tank top) 24/7 for at least 2 weeks after male breast reduction surgery; younger patients may consider this a nuisance, but it is important to keep the garment on to protect healing results and keep swelling down. Also, patients must be willing to take a lengthy break from sports and roughhousing—for this reason, many teen patients elect to have gynecomastia surgery over school holidays or between sports seasons.
5. Results of teen gynecomastia treatment may or may not be permanent.
Undergoing male breast reduction surgery before full maturity comes with a risk that the gynecomastia could return to a degree, as hormone levels are still shifting. Additionally, future weight changes or medication use can also cause gynecomastia to resurface. Therefore, I encourage patients to wait to have surgery as long as possible, preferably until age 18, when they are more likely to be fully developed and parental permission to undergo medical procedures is no longer required. That said, if the condition is causing excessive emotional or social distress, the benefits of undergoing male breast reduction earlier in one’s teens may be worth the risk of results changing over time.
Have questions about teen male breast reduction in Little Rock?
I hope this discussion has given you some food for thought about teen gynecomastia. To learn more and determine what will be best for your family, your next step is meeting with an experienced gynecomastia surgeon who is board certified in cosmetic surgery. If you are in the Little Rock area, I invite you to schedule a free, personal consultation with me at the Cosmetic Surgery Center to discuss your concerns, questions, and options for treating gynecomastia.
I don’t want my name to be known, hope you understand. I’m 16 and could confidently say that I have gyno, It runs in the family and relatives so it’s a genetic thing. You said that you’d suggest if the child becomes 18, to fully mature and their hormone won’t become as unstable. I’ve been dealing with gyno for 3-4 years and it has gave me extreme stress especially during summer. Will it be fine if i deal with gyno with laser liposuction now?
Hi, While it’s typically advised to wait until full maturity at around 18, if your condition is causing you significant stress and you have familial history as you mentioned, it may be reasonable to consider treatment options earlier. Laser liposuction can be an effective method for reducing the appearance of gynecomastia, but it’s crucial to first have a thorough evaluation by a pediatric endocrinologist or a plastic surgeon who specializes in adolescent care. They can provide guidance on whether this is an appropriate treatment for your specific case at this stage of your development. Your health and safety should always come first, so getting professional advice tailored to your needs is key.
I have mild gynomastia and I’m 19, almost 20.
I think I’ve had it since I was around 13-15.
Is it still possible it will go away on its own? Will losing weight increase the likelihood go away on its own since excess fat messes with hormones?
Hi Jake, since you’ve had this condition from around the age of 13-15 and it has persisted into your late teens, it might be less likely to resolve completely on its own now that you are approaching 20. However, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can indeed help in some cases, as body fat can influence hormone levels, potentially affecting gynecomastia. While weight loss might not guarantee resolution, it can certainly help improve the condition. It might be best to consult with a qualified provider to explore all potential treatment options based on your specific situation.
My son had gynoclomastia on one side, he’s almost 16 and it’s so hard to watch his social interaction and self confidence decline!! Would you suggest I do for him??
Hi Laurie, thank you for reaching out and sharing what your son is going through. Since he is nearing 16, it’s a good time to consult with a pediatrician or an endocrinologist to discuss his condition further. They can assess whether his gynecomastia might resolve on its own as he finishes puberty or if intervention might be beneficial. Additionally, counseling could help support his mental wellbeing and self esteem during this time. Together, these approaches can address both the physical and emotional aspects of his condition. We wish you both the best of luck!
This men boobs or gynecomastia happened a year ago I thought it would go but moving forward it increasing in size it first happened to my right breast then to my left breast
Thank you for sharing your experience. If the condition continues to worsen, its best to consider visiting a medical professional who can give you an evaluation and discuss potential routes for treatment. If you do decide to move forward with male breast reduction treatment, Dr. Branman and the Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center team are here to help! Simply fill out a contact form on this page to schedule a consultation.
Hi , my 13 yr old son has got enlarged breasts and he is so upset about that. Doing any kind of exercise will help him to reduce that for now? As he is only 13 I don’t want to do the surgery for him. But this is affecting his self confidence unless we don’t do anything for him.
Hi Elita, Thank you for reaching out. It’s not uncommon for boys to experience breast enlargement during puberty due to hormonal changes, and this can indeed impact self-confidence. While exercise can help in maintaining a healthy weight and potentially reduce the appearance of gynecomastia, it might not fully resolve the condition if it’s primarily due to hormonal fluctuations. It’s important to consult with a pediatrician or endocrinologist who can provide guidance and assess if this is a temporary phase of puberty or if any specific intervention is recommended. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and offering support and understanding are key during this sensitive time. Many cases of adolescent gynecomastia resolve on their own as hormone levels stabilize.
Hello, sir. I am currently 15 and about to turn 16 in next 3 months. My question was its about 1 year and 4 months i think since it’s started. And its still frade 1 or grade 2 maximum. Will it resolve on its own? Im 46 KG and 5’9. and, incase it starts decreasing what are the symptoms of that..
It’s not uncommon for gynecomastia, especially in the early stages (grade 1 or grade 2), to resolve on its own as you progress through puberty. Since you’re still in your mid-teens, there’s a possibility that your body is still adjusting hormonally, which could lead to natural resolution over time. Maintaining a healthy weight is also beneficial. Signs of improvement could include a decrease in the size of the breast tissue and less tenderness in the area. However, every individual is different, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to monitor the condition.
what can i do for my son in the meantime ? he is extremely worried about his gyno. my son is 17 years of age and embarrassed to take off his shirt around friends and swim time. anything you can recommend until puberty stops?
Hi Valerie, we’re sorry to hear your son is going through this. In the meantime, here are a few recommendations: 1. Let him know that gynecomastia during the teenage years is often temporary and related to hormonal changes. Many cases resolve on their own as hormone levels stabilize. 2. Try compression shirts, as they can help flatten the chest area, making the appearance of gynecomastia less noticeable. They can be worn under regular clothing. 3. Consult with a Pediatrician or Endocrinologist, as they can provide a proper assessment and discuss potential underlying causes. 4. Encourage a balanced diet and regular exercise. While it won’t specifically target gynecomastia, it can help overall body composition and confidence. However, the most important thing is to support and reassure your son during this challenging time. If his gynecomastia persists or becomes a significant concern, surgical options are also available, but they’re typically considered after other avenues have been explored and if the condition remains after the late teens. If he does eventually decide to go through with gynecomastia treatment, Dr. Rhys Branman is here to help, and you can schedule a consultation by submitting a contact form online. We wish you both the best of luck!
I am 17 and next month I am going to turn 18 so is it common for me or as a teen to have gyno or men boob enlargement
Hi Sanu, thank you for your comment. Yes, it’s not uncommon for teenagers to experience gynecomastia due to hormonal changes during puberty. However, many cases resolve on their own as hormone levels stabilize with age. If your concern with enlarged male breasts continues in the years following puberty, then you can consider reaching out to a qualified cosmetic surgeon for gynecomastia treatment.
I have puffy nipples aa a 19 year old, is it gynaecomastia?
Hi Anuvab, thank you for your comment. Puffy nipples in a 19-year-old can be a sign of gynecomastia, but other factors and conditions can also cause this appearance. It’s best to consult with your primary care physician or a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in male breast surgery for a definitive diagnosis. If you live in Little Rock or are willing to travel, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Branman by submitting a form online.