Male breast reduction surgery has become commonplace among teenagers to correct overly large breasts and achieve a more masculine looking chest. There are plastic surgery facilities in NYC that offer minimally-invasive treatment for gynecomastia, as this condition is called. The treatment involves removing the excess fat and tissue using FDA-approved laser technology.
Though this aesthetic imperfection can occur any age, around two-thirds of adolescent boys develop some form of gynecomastia. It’s hardly surprising that NYC plastic surgeons see an increasingly large number of teenagers reporting with the condition. One frequently asked question is whether there is any minimum age to have the treatment.
Ideally, gynecomastia surgery is delayed until full development of the male breast. This could be around an age of 18 years, after the effects of adolescent hormonal development on the breasts ceases. It is not uncommon for boys to experience some changes to their breasts during puberty. However, this could completely resolve in 2 or 3 years. The body continues to develop through adolescence, and most boys find that their gynecomastia corrects on its own. However, in some cases, the condition persists, and becomes a source of emotional distress and embarrassment. Breast reduction treatment provides the solution.
However, this doesn’t mean that one should rush into the decision. Plastic surgeons will perform a comprehensive history and physical exam and possibly blood tests to check hormone levels. To confirm that the patient is a good candidate for surgery, they will make sure that there is no other underlying cause for this concern. It is important to rule out the possibilities of other medical conditions before deciding to go ahead with gynecomastia treatment. Those who are obese will be advised a proper diet and exercise regimen to reach the ideal weight. If the over development of the breasts does not resolve despite attaining a healthy weight, the surgeon will most likely recommend surgery.
If male breast reduction is performed before growth is complete, the breasts may continue to grow, which will affect the results.