Boys experience a hormonal shift in their bodies when they approach puberty. This can occasionally result in gynecomastia, a condition where changes in testosterone and estrogen levels cause male breasts to grow. In some cases, surgery may be your best option if this doesn’t resolve on its own.
Contact the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center and schedule your free in-person or virtual consultation.
Adolescent Gynecomastia Overview
Adolescence marks a significant phase of development for young boys, involving both physical and hormonal changes.
It is during this transformative period that fluctuations in testosterone and estrogen levels may contribute to the onset of gynecomastia, a condition characterized by the enlargement of male breast tissue. While many cases of adolescent gynecomastia may naturally resolve over time, persistent symptoms may require intervention, such as surgical correction.
At the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for adolescents dealing with gynecomastia. Our team of dedicated specialists has the expertise to address the unique concerns and challenges faced by these young individuals. With a focus on compassion and precision, we strive to offer tailored solutions to ensure optimal outcomes for our gynecomastia patients.
Understanding Adolescent Gynecomastia
Teenage gynecomastia usually appears as a little lump under the nipple, occasionally with pain or soreness. There might also be noticeable swelling of the breast tissue. This condition is most prevalent between the ages of 10 and 13, during the early stages of puberty.
The psychological toll of adolescent gynecomastia is significant. Teenagers dealing with this condition often grapple with diminished self-esteem. They may resort to various measures to hide their chests, avoiding activities like swimming or participating in sports. Many suffer on their own, hesitant to confide their concerns with parents or healthcare providers.
Persistent gynecomastia during adolescence may require surgical intervention to alleviate both the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced by these teenagers.
Surgery Decision
While some instances may resolve naturally with time, there are cases of adolescent gynecomastia where surgery becomes necessary. This is especially true when the condition persists and significantly impacts the individual’s daily life. Contrary to popular belief, relying solely on diet and exercise isn’t always effective, particularly when there is an excess of glandular tissue involved.
Here at the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center, our seasoned gynecomastia surgeon is well-equipped to evaluate the severity of the condition and recommend the most suitable course of action based on the candidacy of each individual. We recognize the delicacy of addressing gynecomastia in teenagers and offer personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Adolescents
Just like in adult cases, when it comes to adolescent gynecomastia, the surgical approach varies depending on the specifics of the condition. Typically, adolescent gynecomastia involves an excess of both gland tissue and fatty tissue, sometimes more of one than the other. In some cases, excess gland tissue may be the sole cause of the issue.
Addressing adolescent gynecomastia often entails a combination of techniques, such as liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue and direct excision of gland tissue. Usually, a surgeon can make a discreet incision along the lower edge of the areola to conduct the surgical procedure. This results in minimal scarring, if any, which is often barely noticeable (as you can see in some of the before and after photos).
For adolescents undergoing gynecomastia surgery, the impact on their self-esteem can be immediate and profound. With a restored sense of normalcy in their chest appearance, they no longer feel self-conscious about going shirtless, whether it’s at the gym, pool, or beach.
Recovery from gynecomastia surgery in adolescents is usually swift, with most returning to school within days and experiencing minimal discomfort. To achieve the best possible healing results, you should avoid engaging in physically demanding activities involving the upper body, such as sports and gym sessions, for about a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we finish up, take a moment to check out some of the questions that often come up about adolescent gynecomastia and how our team of experts can help with male breast reduction.
Adolescent gynecomastia occurs when boys experience enlargement of breast tissue during puberty. It’s a frequent occurrence due to hormonal fluctuations and it may clear up on its own within several months to a couple of years.
Hormonal imbalance, specifically an increase in estrogen relative to testosterone during puberty, is the primary cause of adolescent gynecomastia. However, other factors such as certain medications, genetics, obesity, and underlying medical conditions can contribute to its development.
While adolescent gynecomastia often fades away on its own as hormone levels stabilize, there are instances where the breast tissue persists. In these cases, it is recommended to perform additional evaluation and consider treatment.
If gynecomastia persists for over two years, is accompanied by discomfort, tenderness, puffy nipple discharge, or significantly impacts emotional well-being or self-esteem, it’s recommended to seek consultation with our plastic surgeon at the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center.
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).
Our gynecomastia surgery experts usually conduct a thorough physical examination and review the medical history as part of the diagnosis process. In certain cases, the healthcare professional may suggest additional imaging studies like ultrasound or mammography to rule out any other potential underlying causes.
The underlying cause and severity of gynecomastia determine the treatment options. Gynecomastia frequently resolves on its own, so in certain cases, observation and assurance are adequate. However, in persistent cases, surgery may be necessary for a permanent fix.
Although adolescent gynecomastia isn’t typically harmful physically, it can provoke emotional distress, self-esteem challenges, and psychological issues. Managing underlying medical conditions that trigger gynecomastia may also be necessary to avert potential complications.
In cases where gynecomastia persists beyond puberty or causes substantial physical or emotional discomfort, surgery like liposuction or breast gland removal may be necessary. You are usually advised to try and exhaust conservative measures beforehand.
Adolescent gynecomastia may resolve on its own within a few months to a couple of years without intervention. However, it’s important to maintain regular follow-up appointments with our expert gynecomastia specialists. This allows for diligent monitoring of any changes or potential complications, ensuring prompt and appropriate management if necessary.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If your teenager is struggling with gynecomastia near San Antonio, don’t hesitate to reach out to the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center. Take the initiative today by scheduling a consultation with us to explore your options and regain confidence in your appearance.
The San Antonio Gynecomastia Center covers the San Antonio area and beyond. Just some of the main cities of service include:
- Canyon Lake
- Cibolo
- Converse
- New Braunfels
- Schertz
- Seguin
- Timberwood Park
- Universal City
- and Out-of-town patients!
And don’t worry if you are situated further away from the San Antonio area. It is also possible to arrange a virtual consultation for gynecomastia surgery, allowing you to speak with our doctor and get you started in the right direction.
At the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center, we prioritize delivering exceptional care from your initial consultation to your recovery and beyond. We deeply value the trust you place in us and are committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care. Our team, led by board-certified gynecomastia plastic surgeon specialist, Dr. Michael Baumholtz, is devoted to achieving optimal outcomes for each individual. Recognizing that every person is unique, we personalize our approach to meet your specific needs. Whether you have questions or are ready to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
San Antonio Gynecomastia Center
4083 De Zavala Rd #1A
Shavano Park, TX 78249
(210) 960-8051
