How old is too old?

[gynepaul]

How old is too old for gyno surgery?  I started developing gyno about three years ago at age 65.  Still not that big, but it’s noticeable.  I don’t really have any thoughts about having surgery, but I was wondering if it was even feasible at my age.

[Miguel Delgado MD]

Absolutely.  Sixty-five these days is considered not that old anymore with more advanced healthcare and people living a healthier lifestyle.  If you are healthy, you can have surgery.  Gynecomastia usually occurs after 60 y.o. as the testosterone levels drop.   This is also known as Low T or andropause in men.  So, see your plastic surgeon for a consultation!

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I agree with Dr Delgado -- but with a stipulation.

All men want their gyno gone and with minimal scars.  Many guys can get nice results with minimal scar surgery because their skin has a certain amount of elasticity, which will allow the skin to self-tighten after the excess tissues within have been removed.

Skin elasticity, however, decreases with age, cumulative exposure to the sun, smoking, etc.  It is certain that the skin of a 65 year old man has lost a decent amount of elasticity.  Therefore, depending on the extent of the gyno, it is possible that minimal scar surgery can be done but some residual skin laxity may result, which might require a second stage to tighten any remaining lax skin six months or more after surgery.

Would therefore recommend a consultation with an expert in gyne surgery, who can assess what your true results may be after surgery.

Good luck!

Dr Jacobs

[gynepaul]

I agree with <a class="underlinelink" href="https://www.gynecomastia.org/doctors/migueldelgado/profile">Dr Delgado[/url] -- but with a stipulation.

All men want their gyno gone and with minimal scars.  Many guys can get nice results with minimal scar surgery because their skin has a certain amount of elasticity, which will allow the skin to self-tighten after the excess tissues within have been removed.

Skin elasticity, however, decreases with age, cumulative exposure to the sun, smoking, etc.  It is certain that the skin of a 65 year old man has lost a decent amount of elasticity.  Therefore, depending on the extent of the gyno, it is possible that minimal scar surgery can be done but some residual skin laxity may result, which might require a second stage to tighten any remaining lax skin six months or more after surgery.

Would therefore recommend a consultation with an expert in gyne surgery, who can assess what your true results may be after surgery.

Good luck!

Dr Jacobs

Thanks for your response Dr Jacobs.  You sort of confirmed what I suspected . . . that I could potentially have the surgery, but the results might be less than ideal.  I already have issues with skin elasticity. Mostly on my arms and scalp due to sun damage over the years.  And, I’m 68 now (the gyno first appeared at 65) and on TRT.  Also, not sure that I’d want to go through elective surgery at this point in my life.  But, thanks again for responding.  

[Dr. Schuster]

Age is not a limiting factor in gynecomastia correction. It is more about your health. I have performed correction in men in their 70's without any problem. If you relatively healthy and live an active lifestyle, having significant gynecomastia can really be a "downer". The most important question though is "why has it just developed?". Is it due to a new condition, a new medicine, what? Check with your primary care doctor be sure nothing else is going on. If not, go see a good gynecomastia surgery. Good luck.

[Dr. Cruise]

It really isn't about age as much as it is about a person's overall health and expectations with the surgery. I see a fair number of men 60+ who are no longer happy with the appearance of their chest and want surgery to correct it. Some need minimal incisions while others have significant chest sag and require "bigger" incisions. In many cases, the aging chest (sun damage, etc.) hides these scars well. It always comes down to whether or not your chest bothers you enough to warrant surgery (expense, recovery, incisions). Only you can answer this. If you decide to explore this further, be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in male breast reduction surgery. 

[Dr. Schuster]

Age itself does not determine whether or not you can have surgery. It is your state of health. I have treated many older gentleman with gynecomastia. The recovery is generally very smooth. If it bothers you go get a consultation from an experienced gynecomastia surgeon.