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Size Matters: Why Boys Are Getting Boob Jobs
by Lisa Schulter, 09.11.07
In 2006, around 14,000 boys ages 13-19 had plastic surgery to reduce the size of their chests. |
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Everybody knows that women get boob jobs, but what about guys? A surprising number of young men are turning to plastic surgery: In 2006, about 14,000 boys age 13-19 had plastic surgery to reduce the size of their chests.
With perfect-looking celebrities plastered all over movies and TV, it's hard for most people not to feel below-average when it comes to looks. Even more troubling is that it's acceptable — even expected — that young women are unhappy with their bodies. But what many of us forget is that boys can be just as self-conscious about their physiques as girls.
Gyneco-what?
Many boys experience a common condition known as gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts. This usually happens during puberty, when hormones are at their craziest. While it can be a very embarrassing experience for a guy, hormones eventually level out, and the condition usually goes away on its own.
But in our culture of quick-fixes, gynecomastia has many adolescent boys considering plastic surgery. This condition isn't new, but it's become increasingly common for guys to go under the knife rather than wait it out.
Causes
In some cases, gynecomastia may not be so easy to get rid of — especially if a teen happens to be overweight. The National Institute of Health (NIH) calls childhood obesity an epidemic in the U.S. Obese teens are at risk for developing many health complications. Teasing and bullying from peers can also cause problems for emotional health, triggering low self-esteem and depression.
Rarely, gynecomastia can be caused by serious conditions, like disease or tumors. Small tumors in the glands, liver, lungs or testes can produce hormones that mess with the normal balance of hormones. Only a health care provider can figure out the cause of gynecomastia and whether it's a hormone or weight issue. If you're experiencing gynecomastia and it's causing you pain or discomfort, your provider can prescribe medication to help.
If You Must Decrease Your Bust ...
The decision of what to do with your body is, of course, yours. But here are some things to consider if you are seriously thinking about cosmetic surgery:
- Is the body part I want to change finished growing? If not, your surgery could be a bust — your results might change as your body grows.
- Am I really ready for this? Talk to your doctor and your parents about the surgery, and know going in that surgery won't magically change your life.
- Is this the right surgeon? With your parents, check your plastic surgeon's credentials and experience.
- How long will it take to recover from surgery and what could go wrong? Like any surgery, plastic surgery is risky. Make sure you understand exactly what you're getting yourself into.
- Who's going to pay? Chances are, your health insurance company (or your parents') won't cover plastic surgery. Do you have a few extra thousand dollars saved up? If not, is it fair to ask your parents to shell out the big bucks because you're not happy with the size of your pecs?
Keep in mind, any type of plastic surgery is going to set you back some big ones. Breast surgery can range from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the procedure. Plus, there's the pain and recovery time. If your doctor says that surgery isn't necessary for your condition but you still want to look into it, consider how having surgery will affect your life now — and later. |
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