According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons more adolescent boys are getting breast reduction surgeries than ever before.

About 14,000 boys between 13 and 19 years of age are reported to have undergone the operation in 2006.

What Accounts for the Increase?

Most of the patients going in for breast reductions have a condition known as gynecomastia.

Researchers claim that the increase of men with this condition is mainly due to the rise of obesity in America.

However, enlarged breasts are a natural part of adolescence and can be caused by the hormonal fluctuation when boys hit puberty as well.

Dr. Roxanne Guy, the President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that another reason for the increase in breast reduction operations could be the fact that, “boys are much more in tune with trying to look good these days” and “they try to look like models on the covers of the fitness magazines.”

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Depending on the size of the breast, some plastic surgeons may just use liposuction to remove the unwanted fat deposits.

In extreme cases the surgeon may have to remove the fat, glandular tissue, excess skin and reposition the nipple.

No anesthesia is usually required for the operation and the recovery period is fairly short, only requiring patients to rest for a few days after the operation. Patients are also required to wear a compression garment for about a month to keep everything in tact.

The price of the operation can vary from $4,000 to $10,000 which varies according to the complexity of the operation.

Are you thinking about getting a breast reduction? Contact us today to speak with a board certified surgeon about your operation options and to discuss the procedure in greater detail.