when's the right age?

[aguywithproblems]

I've had these puffy nipples since i was 11 or 12 and i have no idea when they are going to go away. i am 17 as of right now, and i have not seen a huge improvement since i was 11. should i just get surgery? or wait it out?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

In a nutshell, if you have had them for six years and they haven't improved, then in all likelihood they will not improve in the future.

Would recommend you consult a surgeon with experience in gyne surgery -- in fact, since this is elective surgery, visit several doctors and then decide.

Dr Jacobs

[DrBermant]

I've had these puffy nipples since i was 11 or 12 and i have no idea when they are going to go away. i am 17 as of right now, and i have not seen a huge improvement since i was 11. should i just get surgery? or wait it out?

I have operated on many patients much younger than 17 for their gynecomastia.

How old before Gynecomastia Surgery is a common question. Although gynecomastia frequently goes away on its own, what has not resolved by 2 years usually does not.  Waiting many years for nothing to happen makes little sense when an individual is stressed by the Emotion of Living with Gynecomastia.  You can see many examples here: Photos Before and After Surgery of Teenagers with Gynecomastia Gallery.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia Surgery

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I have operated on many adolescent patients, from age 12 and up.  They are among the happiest of my patients.

Would suggest you have a frank discussion with your parents and then consult one or more plastic surgeons who are very experienced in gyne surgery.

Dr Jacobs