What should I do?

[H12345]

I am 14 years old and 95% sure I have gynecomastia. I'm 5'11 and weigh 180 pounds (I'm not overweight but I'm not skinny) and I've had gymecomastia for about 2 years. It has really affected my life to the point I try and hide it a lot. When I researched why my chest was like this I was so excited to find out it was normal and there is a surgery to fix it. I decided I had to ask my mom about it. I kind of just exploded in 1 day, talking about how I I'm pretty sure I have it and how there's a surgery for it, so I can see why she was confused that I never brought it up. I tried to ask to see if I could possibly get the surgery but she said she doesn't want me to because it's too dangerous (even though I've read countless success stories) and that it costs too much. My dad suggested I go see a doctor but I already know he will say it's just from puberty and I will grow out of it, but I don't want to live another 5+ years like this. What should I do?

[nonini]

You should probably see a doctor, at 14 your hormones are still all over the place so its probably too early to get the surgery.

[hammer]

1st poster gave you some great advise, I agree!

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Assuming you have had stable gynecomastia for two or more years, it is unlikely that it will disappear spontaneously.  You are lucky that you could approach this problem with your parents.  No parent wants to see their child unhappy or suffering in any way if things can be improved.

It would best, then, to approach your parents and ask them simply to take you to a plastic surgeon, preferably one who sub-specializes in gynecomastia surgery for an opinion.  This would be for information only -- not a guarantee of surgery.  You would then be given all the facts, the pros and cons, and be able to make a decision about possible treatment.

Both you and your folks might even read about Adolescent Gynecomastia on my website captioned below -- it might be helpful to you.

Good luck!

Dr Jacobs