Pseudo-gynecomastia is the result of excess fat tissue, and typically affects overweight men. In these cases, weight and fat loss can reduce and eliminate the appearance of feminine breasts. In cases of true gynecomastia, there is the development of permanent glandular breast tissue. This material is extremely stubborn and will not likely disappear with any combination of diet, exercise, pills, or snake oil.

Generally speaking, surgery is the only way to effectively combat true gynecomastia, regardless of its degree. Gynecomastia surgery does leave scars, with the location depending on the entry point for the surgery. The bottom edge of the areola / nipple is the typical entry point, though some methods permit entry through an incision at the armpit. Scarring and post-operation appearance results will vary depending on the experience and technique of the surgeon, as well as the severity of the gynecomastia.

A so-called “perfect looking” post-operation chest appears to be a more realistic expectation for very mild cases of gynecomastia. However, those with severe gynecomastia can expect a more dramatic improvement from surgery, even if the final result is somewhat less likely to look like the chest of a man who has never had the condition or any corrective surgery. That said, the results achieved by experienced surgeons are generally quite encouraging.

It is also possible to learn to cope with gynecomastia. For some men, especially those with mild cases, it may barely be an issue at all. Everyone will have their own comfort level with their body and appearance. Coping and acceptance are certainly the cheapest options out there, and they may well be quite realistic depending on your outlook.

Family doctors and surgeons will likely be hesitant to treat a newly discovered case of gynecomastia in teens for several reasons, especially if the solution sought involves surgery. While adults developing gynecomastia due to steroid use or other reasons are likely to be stuck with their gland tissue, teen and adolescent gynecomastia has a strong tendency to resolve itself without intervention.

Puberty is a time at which a boy’s body is in a state of hormonal flux, and temporary and transient physical changes may result. Such changes can include swelling of the nipples, areola and breast area. In teens, however, it will resolve itself and shrink back down in a majority of cases, especially if the swelling is minor.

While the condition may resolve itself in up to 90% of teen cases within three years of onset, there will be some cases where the condition persists and will have the same prognosis and options as typical adult gynecomastia. In these cases, there will be fibrous glandular tissue that will require the same types of treatment, with the ultimate options likely being (a) surgery, or (b) acceptance.

In short, if you or your child are suffering from adolescent onset of gynecomastia, there is reason to hope for the best, but it is also wise to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Fortunately, the worst case scenario is no worse than what any adult gynecomastia sufferer faces. Visit your family doctor and monitor the issue. Make sure there are no underlying causes beyond typical pubescent hormone fluctuations. Then see where it goes and make informed decisions.

Who knows, by the time you are 20 you may have already forgotten you ever had gyno…