Hello, new here

[Allan7865]

Hi I'm 17.5 years old, about 5,11, and I weigh about 190.

I have had puffy nipples since grade 8 and I'm in grade 12 now. It has not been fun but now that I found this site I know theres something I have to do about it.

Tomorow night I plan on bringing it up with my mom. Lucky for me she has already brought it up with me a few times already so it shouldent be to awkard. Most of our conversations about it end with saying that we should consider surgery, but that I should keep doing wieghts/exercising. Now I know that this does nothing for my condition so the sooner I bring it up the sooner I can stop living with this curse.

I live in Manitoba(in Canada), so I'm fortunate that half the year I can wear a jacket or another layer of clothing. But I cant take goig through another summer without at least planning something.

What steps should I take to get ride of these, should I go straight to a plastic surgeon or see a doctor? I already know that its Gynecomastia so I dont think I need it diagnosed.

Also would it suffice to see a plastic surgeon in my city(winnipeg, capital of Manitoba) or would you suggest going somewhere else?

Thanks for all your help.

[phantom]

Hello Allan7865

I'd say you have come to the right place to start finding out about where you're at and what you want to do next.

Firstly, as you have already suggested, you need to see a specialist to get a formal diagnosis.  I am not sure how thing work out in Canada (I am from the UK) but if you family doctor suspects gynaecomastia then he or she should usually refer you to an endocrinologist - a specialist in hormones.  A few tests will check out a few things, but it does not necessarily give a formal diagnosis specifically for gynaecomastia.

If you chest area is pronounced or your nipples are puffy and this is having an psychological effect on you and your behaviour (which you say it does), then that is where the real problem is.

After seeing an endocrinologist and your gynaecomastia is confirmed, then you have to decide what you want to do about it.  You are already sound well informed about the subject in that no amount of exercise is going to make a difference.  If you are considering surgery then you now need to find out who is best suited to performing this kind of work and when would be a good time.

Many surgeons are not keen on male chest reduction until the patient is at least 18 years old.  This is because many cases of gynaecomasita goes away by the end of puberty.  It's only in the more extreme cases where it is decided that the psychological impact of having 'breasts' outweigh the potential natural course of the condition that surgery may be indicated.

I am not sure how old you are (we don't have 'grades' in the UK) but I am guessing around 16?  If so, as frustrating as it might be, I'd wait a couple of years just to wait and see what happens.

As far as finding a surgeon, don't let distance stop you from using the right person.  Read about other guys' experiences on the Canada section of this forum where you will no doubt see reviews on specific plastic surgeons.  In the UK, most guys go private.  Some guys use the national health service (that the government pays for) but often the work is carried out by a general surgeon, that more often than not works with female breast reduction or mastectomies.  Personally, I want a guy who's caseload is at least half male chest reduction!  So shop around.

Don't let cost be an issue.  If surgery is for you, this is something that will affect the rest of your life.  Make sure it's in a positive way.

Best wishes.

[phantom]

Oops, just noticed your age of 17.5, so you are approaching the right age if surgery is part of the course!

[Grandpa Bambu]

What steps should I take to get ride of these, should I go straight to a plastic surgeon or see a doctor? I already know that its Gynecomastia so I dont think I need it diagnosed.

Allan...

Welcome to the Site Dude!

Most GP's know very little of Gynecomastia. Contact a Plastic Surgeon for a consultation.

Also would it suffice to see a plastic surgeon in my city(winnipeg, capital of Manitoba) or would you suggest going somewhere else?

Thanks for all your help.

Sure, you could see a PS in 'WinterPeg'. However, make sure you check his/her credentials first and that he/she performs Gyne reductions frequently. Practice makes 'near' perfect. If ya know what I mean?

Dr. John Craig Fielding in Toronto, Ontario does excellent work. He performed my Gyne reduction and I'm very happy with the results. I'm 10 months post-op now. Check out my before/after pics if you like. Click on the 'Pics' link in my Sig below.

Keep in mind though, everyone's case is different and each of us heals at different rates. Also, you must have 'realistic expectations' of surgery results. You will not have 'the perfect chest'. You probably will not 'look' like your buddy that never had Gyne. You will however (if surgery goes well), be able to go out in public wearing just a T-shirt and not feel as though everyone is gawking at your chest. What I am trying to say here is  that 'surgery' is a 'fix' for Gynecomastia. Not a 'Cure'!

Like I mentioned above, you could check out a PS in the Peg, but if you don't mind travelling some, Dr. Fielding would be an awesome choice as your PS. You would also get OHIP funding for all but Lipo. You'd be looking at about $1600 to have excision/lipo.

It's also a bonus having understanding parents! Some guys here have parents who either don't care or are in denial of the condition. Kudos to your Mom!  

Good Luck.... and Merry Chirstmas!

John.

[Allan7865]

Thanks for all the information guys. I guess Toronto wouldent be to far to travel if I have to, but I will be sure to check around this city first.

Anyways I plan on bringing it up tonight now, wish me luck.

[Grandpa Bambu]

Gook Luck!  

John

[Allan7865]

SO I talked to her about it, she seems very supprotive and even admited that she was also thinking about it this past weekend.

She said it would be no problem to go as far as Toronto if we had to, since we could use "airmiles" to fly there and we know people there.

So do you guys think I should go see a doctor first? Or should I hit the phones and find a PS?

Its just so hard taking the first step.

[Grandpa Bambu]

So do you guys think I should go see a doctor first? Or should I hit the phones and find a PS?

Dont' bother with a GP, you'd be wasting your time. Call a PS and arrange a consultation.

Its just so hard taking the first step.

I hear ya Dude! Making 'The Call' is the toughest part. You'll be glad you did though.  

John.