To treat gynaecomastia, a condition characterised by the enlargement of breast tissue in males, gynaecomastia surgery can be performed. While the condition can be present early in life, a minimum age requirement is still necessary when it comes to suitable candidates for the procedure.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the right age to undergo gynaecomastia surgery and why an age limit for the procedure is necessary. If you’re considering undergoing surgery to treat gynaecomastia, we’ll explain how to start the process and arrange a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
What is gynaecomastia, and who does it affect?
Gynaecomastia is the overdevelopment or swelling of breast tissue in men. It is quite a common condition and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hormonal imbalances, certain medications, obesity, or genetics.
For men who experience it, gynaecomastia often causes discomfort that can sometimes interfere with daily quality of life. The need to address the discomfort that the condition causes leads many to consider surgery as a solution.
While the condition can have a variety of causes, it is more simply characterised by the persistence of a hormonal imbalance. During puberty, males typically experience a surge in hormones, particularly testosterone and oestrogen. While testosterone is responsible for male characteristics, oestrogen is responsible for the development of other aspects of the body, including breast tissue. Typically, the balance of these hormones stabilises as males grow older; however, sometimes, the enlarged tissue remains.
Essentially, males of all ages can experience this condition. For some, it is temporary and tends to subside independently, while for others, it remains ongoing unless it is treated. Often, gynaecomastia surgery is a suitable and effective treatment option.
Is surgery suitable for gynaecomastia in adolescence?
A change in hormones is completely normal during adolescence and can often lead to the development of enlarged breast tissue in men.
However, breast tissue enlargement often subsides as the hormonal changes stabilise, which typically occurs by age 17 or 18. For this reason, surgeons will normally require patients to wait until after this age before considering surgery.
Performing gynaecomastia surgery too early can be counterproductive, as it can sometimes result in the tissue growing back. However, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition, other treatment options can be available to help manage the condition during adolescence, such as taking certain medications or making some lifestyle adjustments (such as changes to diet and exercise levels).
When gynaecomastia persists in adulthood
If gynaecomastia still persists in men during their late teens and early 20s, gynaecomastia surgery may then be a suitable option to treat the condition.
By this age, hormone levels have generally stabilised, and any residual breast tissue becomes unlikely to reduce on its own. When a candidate for the procedure consults with their chosen plastic surgeon, their surgeon may still recommend that they undergo some tests to find out if there are any specific underlying causes of the condition.
If a specific underlying cause (such as medication or a certain health condition) is identified, it may be recommended to address the cause either before or in combination with surgery as a treatment.
Sometimes, gynaecomastia surgery can be performed even later in life. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, and other factors such as weight gain, medication, or medical conditions can contribute to the development of enlarged breast tissue. While some may experience gynaecomastia for the first time later in life, others may have had the condition since their teenage years and are only now deciding to seek surgery as a treatment.
Suitable candidates for gynaecomastia surgery: Other factors to consider
Essentially, the minimum age requirement for gynaecomastia surgery for many surgeons is at least 18 years old. However, aside from age, there are other factors to consider when it comes to being a suitable candidate for the procedure.
During a consultation, your surgeon will assess if you are in good overall health, are at a stable weight, and if your hormonal levels are stable. Ideally, you will be a non-smoker or willing to quit for a sufficient amount of time before surgery and after, as your surgeon advises.
As with any type of plastic surgery, candidates should always have realistic expectations for the procedure and be informed of the possible risks and complications. Your surgeon should discuss what the procedure can achieve and outline the possible risks to help you manage expectations and have a full understanding of what the procedure involves.
How to see a qualified plastic surgeon for gynaecomastia surgery
When you’re looking for a surgeon, you should always make sure that you choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons need to undergo an extensive level of training to gain their title and will often have years of experience behind them.
Once you have found the right plastic surgeon, you’ll then need a referral from your GP to book your consultation. Your GP will assess your condition, discuss the potential underlying causes, and help to determine if surgery is a suitable method of treatment.
When you consult with your plastic surgeon, they will further assess your needs and suitability for the procedure before creating a personalised gynaecomastia surgery procedure plan.
Find a Specialist Plastic Surgeon at Melbourne’s Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery
A specialist plastic surgeon can perform gynaecomastia surgery using appropriate techniques, pay close attention to detail, and tailor the surgery to suit each patient’s needs.
Surgeons who operate at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery in Melbourne are all highly experienced, qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons who can perform a variety of procedures (including other breast procedures, body procedures and face procedures).
As well as performing procedures to a high standard, the surgeons have also taught courses, contributed to industry advancements and research, and presented at conferences around the world (including the Breast Masters conference).
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about how to arrange a consultation, please contact our team.
