Can Gynecomastia be Treated During Puberty?

Gynecomastia is an overdevelopment and enlargement of breast tissue in boys and men of all ages. In fact, the word itself is a combination of two (slightly modified) ancient Greek words that translate to “female” and “breast.”

And it’s more common than you may think – according to a study from the National Institutes of Health, up to 60% of adolescents experience gynecomastia. That percentage is even higher, up to 70%, for older men aged 50 to 70.

If you have any concerns, are experiencing discomfort, or feel that your gynecomastia is affecting your quality of life, contact us at Chiseled. Or visit our practice in Spring, TX, so our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Young Cho can help find the best solution for you.

The hormonal and glandular causes of gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is generally caused by a hormonal imbalance, which makes puberty-aged boys especially susceptible. If there’s an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen, with estrogen levels increasing or testosterone levels decreasing, breast tissue may arise as a result. Alternatively, anabolic steroids, or certain recreational drugs, may cause or accelerate the condition. Some medications, like anti-anxiety treatments, may also play a role, as do certain biological issues, such as hypogonadism or hyperthyroidism.

The vast majority of gynecomastia cases are not harmful and of no medical concern. Though, it may cause discomfort, tenderness, pain, or chafing. Additionally, some individuals in Spring, TX with this condition may feel self-conscious and less confident about their appearance.

It’s also possible that you may be experiencing pseudo-gynecomastia, or false gynecomastia, which is not caused by glandular tissue but by weight gain. In which case, healthy eating and exercise may be enough to reverse the condition. To find out more, and explore your options, get in touch with us at Chiseled for a consultation with Dr. Cho.

Your treatment options

There are a few options for treating gynecomastia. The BodyTite system uses directional radiofrequency technology that reaches deep below the skin to melt fat. It also simultaneously stimulates collagen formation and contraction of the subdermal layers and connective tissues to tighten the skin.

Alternatively, a male breast reduction surgery may be necessary. The enlarged or surplus glandular tissue is removed, fat is liposuctioned out, and any excess skin is removed to prevent looseness or sagging. If necessary, the nipples are repositioned to restore a natural look. The results are almost immediate, and healing may take a few weeks, with little to no visible scarring.

Are male breast reduction treatments effective during puberty?

It’s reported that anywhere between 50 to 70% of all boys will experience some degree of gynecomastia during these years as a natural result of fluctuating hormone levels. But it’s uncommon for the breast tissue to remain enlarged on a long-term basis, and it often flattens out again on its own.

Therefore, one option is to wait and see what happens, though it’s recommended you stay in touch with us so our expert team can watch for changes. Teenagers may be candidates for male breast reduction procedures, but it depends on multiple factors, including medical history and the degree of gynecomastia.

Though it’s always a great idea to focus on health and fitness, gynecomastia can be made worse by fatty deposits in the chest. Alternatively, what may seem like gynecomastia could be due to excessive body fat. So, healthy eating habits and a consistent fitness routine can lead to body fat reductions that may offer excellent results on their own – not only aesthetically but for overall, long-lasting health.

Reach out to us to explore your options for achieving a more masculine physique in Spring, TX

Gynecomastia shouldn’t hold you back or make you feel self-conscious about your body. And our expert team at Chiseled, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Young Cho, is excited to formulate a personalized treatment plan just for you! So, visit our practice in Spring, TX, or contact us today, and you’ll soon sport a more masculine, confidence-boosting physique.