Effects of Enlarged Breasts in Adolescent Males

Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged male breast tissue. Often occurring during puberty, it is said that 69% of adolescent boys are affected by this condition at some point during their lives, and it can continue into adulthood.

A recent study* found that compared to boys unaffected by this condition, boys of the same age suffering from any degree of gynecomastia had a higher instance of:

·         Negative self-esteem

·         Poor social functioning

·         Decreased mental health

·         Eating disorders

·         Obesity

Depression, anxiety and embarrassment may also be present in boys with large breasts. Boys who are overweight may be able to tackle this condition head-on by simply losing weight; however, true glandular enlargement or excess breast skin may require early surgical treatment.

Unfortunately, gynecomastia is not viewed by some insurance plans as a necessary medical procedure, but rather a “cosmetic” one which means the surgery may not be covered by insurance. If you have a loved one who is suffering mental pain from gynecomastia, the results of a successful breast reduction procedure may outweigh any out-of-pocket costs that are incurred.

Gynecomastia cases must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. To learn more about the process, contact 77 Plastic Surgery today at 415-655-7546 or 77plasticsurgery.com.

*The study was reported in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).