Gynecomastia Surgery: What's the Best Age for Male Breast Reduction?
Some people consider cosmetic surgery a service primarily geared toward women. In fact, many men rely on plastic surgery to address imperfections and assist them in achieving their aesthetic goals. Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) is a frequently requested treatment at The Landings Surgical Centre, which serves Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Male breast reduction sculpts the chest to give the chest a more defined, masculine appearance. Gynecomastia surgery is highly successful when performed on suitable candidates for the procedure. Our surgeons assist patients in determining the ideal age for male breast reduction to promote surgical success.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of the male breasts. Gynecomastia can affect one breast or both. The condition varies in severity. Sometimes gynecomastia starts with minor swelling or a small lump under the nipple. The condition can progress to significant swelling that creates the appearance of “man boobs.” Gynecomastia can be caused by:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Puberty
- Aging
- Obesity
- Steroid Use
- The use of certain medications
What Happens During Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, more commonly known as male breast reduction, sculpts the chest to create a more traditionally masculine appearance. Treatment is tailored to each patient based on gynecomastia's severity. Our surgeons perform Vaser® liposuction for minor cases of gynecomastia. Vaser liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to break down and remove stubborn fat deposits. Liposuction reduces breast size and tones the chest.
When gynecomastia is advanced, our Halifax patients may require excision to achieve the desired aesthetic results. During excision, the surgeon makes a small incision around the areola, removing excess fat and tissues. Excision surgery reduces the size of the breasts while eliminating excess skin to prevent sagging.
What Is the Ideal Age for Male Breast Reduction?
Gynecomastia can affect men of all ages, so it’s common for patients to ask about the ideal age for male breast reduction. We recommend that patients wait until after puberty to undergo gynecomastia surgery. Many men are through puberty by the age of 18. However, some men continue to develop until the age of 20. For the most successful surgical results, we often suggest patients delay gynecomastia surgery until their early 20s, though there are some exceptions. Our surgeons can consult with patients to determine if they are candidates for surgery or would benefit from delaying the procedure.
Why Does Age Matter?
Younger patients who are eager to address gynecomastia may wonder why it’s important to delay surgery until after puberty. During puberty, hormone levels fluctuate regularly, which can worsen gynecomastia. Some men find that gynecomastia naturally resolves after hormone levels balance out.
Even when surgery is necessary, a patient’s age can be vital to obtaining successful surgical results. When patients undergo male breast reduction before puberty is complete, they may still experience hormonal fluctuations, which can cause gynecomastia to resurface and compromise surgical results.
Contact Us
Gynecomastia can make men self-conscious about their appearance. Those who desire a more toned, masculine figure may benefit from male breast reduction. If you would like to learn more about gynecomastia surgery and whether you are an ideal candidate for treatment, contact The Landings Surgical Centre and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.
