During puberty in boys, changes in the natural production of testosterone and estrogen can result in gynecomastia or an enlarged male breast. In many cases, surgery can be the best option to address this issue if the gyno does not resolve on its own.
Contact the New Jersey Gynecomastia Center and schedule your free in-person or virtual consultation.
What is Adolescent Gynecomastia?
Puberty marks a significant phase of physical and hormonal changes in boys. It’s during this time that shifts in testosterone and estrogen levels can lead to the development of gynecomastia, a condition characterized by enlarged male breast tissue. While many cases of adolescent gynecomastia resolve on their own, some may require intervention, such as surgery, to address persistent symptoms.
At the New Jersey Gynecomastia Center, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for individuals dealing with adolescent gynecomastia. Our team of expert gynecomastia specialists understands the unique concerns and challenges faced by adolescents dealing with this condition.
Understanding Adolescent Gynecomastia
Adolescent gynecomastia often manifests as a small lump under the nipple, which may be accompanied by tenderness or discomfort. In some cases, there may be a noticeable enlargement of the breast tissue. This condition typically emerges during early puberty, occurring most commonly between the ages of 10 to 13.
The psychological impact of adolescent gynecomastia cannot be overlooked. Teenagers experiencing this condition often grapple with low self-esteem and may go to great lengths to conceal their chests, avoiding activities such as swimming or participating in sports. Many suffer on their own, hesitant to discuss their concerns with parents or healthcare providers.
Persistent gynecomastia during adolescence, affecting up to a third of cases, may necessitate surgical intervention to alleviate both physical and emotional distress.
Deciding on Surgery
While some cases of adolescent gynecomastia may resolve over time, surgery becomes a viable option when the condition persists and significantly impacts the individual’s quality of life. Contrary to common misconceptions, diet and exercise alone are often insufficient to address true cases of gynecomastia, particularly when excess glandular tissue is present.
At the New Jersey Gynecomastia Center, our experienced gynecomastia surgeons can assess the severity of the condition and determine the most appropriate course of action given your candidacy. We understand the sensitivity of addressing gynecomastia in teenagers and provide personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Adolescent Gynecomastia Surgery: What to Expect
Similar to adult surgery, the exact surgical procedure depends on the nature of the gynecomastia. As with most cases of gynecomastia, adolescent gynecomastia presents with an excess of gland tissue, as well as fatty tissue, in various amounts. In some cases, the problem involves only excess gland tissue.
The operation to treat the gynecomastia may therefore involve a combination of liposuction to remove the excess fatty tissue, as well as direct excision of the excess gland tissue. As with most cases of gynecomastia surgery, this can usually be performed with an incision hidden along the lower edge of the areola, which results in a scar that usually can hardly be seen, or not seen at all (as you can see in some of the before and after photos).
Gynecomastia surgery in the adolescent typically results in an immediate dramatic improvement in the boyโs self-esteem. Now with a normal chest, they are no longer embarrassed to be seen without their shirt, whether it be at the gym, pool, or beach.
As with most gynecomastia surgery, the recovery is quite quick, with most boys returning to school within a few days and feeling fine. Strenuous upper body physical activity, such as gym and sports, should be avoided though for about a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up, feel free to read through some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to adolescent gynecomastia and how our male breast reduction specialists can help.
Adolescent gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of breast tissue in boys during puberty. It’s a common condition caused by hormonal changes and usually resolves on its own within a few months to a couple of years.
Hormonal imbalances, specifically an increase in estrogen relative to testosterone during puberty, are the primary cause of adolescent gynecomastia. However, other factors such as certain medications, genetics, obesity, and underlying medical conditions can contribute to its development.
In some cases, adolescent gynecomastia is temporary and resolves without treatment as hormone levels stabilize. However, with other individuals, the breast tissue may persist, requiring further evaluation and possibly treatment.
It’s advisable to consult our plastic surgeons at the New Jersey Gynecomastia Center if gynecomastia persists for more than two years, is associated with pain, tenderness, or discharge from the puffy nipples, or if it causes significant emotional distress, or affects self-esteem.
Prevention of adolescent gynecomastia is challenging as it is primarily hormonally driven. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help minimize the risk of developing gynecomastia associated with obesity (pseudogynecomastia).
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by our gynecomastia surgery experts, including a medical history assessment. In some cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or mammography may be recommended to rule out other underlying causes.
Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of gynecomastia. In some cases, observation and reassurance are sufficient, as the condition often resolves on its own. However, if persistent or causing significant distress, treatments may include a surgical procedure to fully fix the issue.
While adolescent gynecomastia itself is not harmful, it can lead to emotional distress, self-esteem issues, and psychological concerns in some individuals. Additionally, underlying medical conditions causing gynecomastia may require specific management to prevent complications.
Surgery, such as liposuction or breast gland removal, may be considered in cases where gynecomastia persists beyond puberty or causes significant physical or emotional discomfort. However, it’s usually recommended after other conservative measures have been tried and failed.
In some cases, adolescent gynecomastia resolves spontaneously within a few months to a couple of years without intervention. However, regular follow-ups with our top gyno specialist doctors are advisable to monitor for any changes or complications and provide appropriate management if needed.
Schedule a Consultation
If your teenager is struggling with gynecomastia in New Jersey, don’t hesitate to reach out to the New Jersey Gynecomastia Center. Our team of dedicated specialists is here to provide compassionate care and guide you through every step of the treatment journey. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and reclaim confidence in your appearance.
The New Jersey Gynecomastia Center has some of the best surgeons for gynecomastia in New Jersey and it covers the tri-state area and beyond. Just some of the main areas of service include:
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Edgewater
- Elizabeth
- Hackensack
- Westchester County
- Manhattan
- Staten Island
- Out of Town Patients
- And More!
Don’t worry if you are situated further away from Fort Lee. It is also possible to arrange a virtual consultation for adolescent gynecomastia surgery, allowing you to speak with our doctors and get you started in the right direction.
At the New Jersey Gynecomastia Center, we’re all about giving you top-notch care from start to finish. From your very first consultation to your recovery and beyond, we’re here for you every step of the way. We’re honored to be entrusted with your care, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our team, led by board-certified gynecomastia plastic surgeon specialists, is dedicated to providing the absolute best in patient care and outcomes. We understand that every person is unique, so we tailor our approach to suit your individual needs. Got questions? Ready to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the New Jersey Gynecomastia Center today. We’re here to help!
New Jersey Gynecomastia Center
1567 Palisade Avenue #3A
Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
(551) 201-1110