What treatment is commonly recommended for persistent gynecomastia in a male adolescent?

In cases of persistent gynecomastia in male adolescents, plastic surgery is often recommended when the condition does not resolve on its own and is causing psychological distress or physical discomfort. Gynecomastia is often a benign condition that results from hormonal imbalances during puberty, but if it persists beyond adolescence—typically more than 12 months—surgical intervention may be necessary to remove excess breast tissue. This surgical approach helps restore a more typical male chest appearance and can significantly improve the affected individual's self-esteem and quality of life.

While testosterone can influence breast tissue development, its use is not a first-line treatment for gynecomastia, especially when surgical options are available. Calcium channel blockers are not indicated for treating gynecomastia, as they serve different cardiovascular purposes without addressing the underlying condition. Testing for Klinefelter syndrome may be relevant if there are other abnormal clinical findings or signifiers, but it is not a routine approach purely for the treatment of persistent gynecomastia. Hence, when the condition is persistent and symptomatic, the most appropriate course of action would be surgical intervention.