GYNECOMASTIA: INFORMATION,
TREATMENT, AND SUPPORT
CONTENTS
procedure by
Mr Alex Karidis MD FRC
What is Gynecomastia?
It’s the medical term for the occurrence of enlarged breast tissue in men. Caused by a hormonal imbalance, it can cause emotional and social anxiety, leading many men to seek treatment. While distressing, gynecomastia is actually relatively common, with about 60% of men worldwide exhibiting gynecomastia to some degree.
Do I have Gynecomastia?
Adolescent or adult men who are typically diagnosed with man moobs may experience:
- Swollen, enlarged male breastsChest tenderness
- Moveable, fibrous tissue beneath the nipple in one or both breasts
- Tissue that feels hard, distinct from softer fatty tissue.
- Changes in mood or sex drive
Not all “moobs” (man boobs) are classified as Gynecomastia – they can also be psuedogynecomastia, a condition that is characterized by excess fat in the chest. A gynecomastia specialist can help you properly diagnose your condition.
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What Are Symptoms of Gynecomastia?
Understanding the symptoms can help you gain a better understanding of how to cope with the condition, and get rid of man boobs.
- Itchiness of the nipple and underarm area
- Breast may feel tender to the touch
- Painful, or one-sided swelling
- Bloody discharge from the nipple
- Feeling feverish or unwell for an unknown reason
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have gynecomastia. If you’re only experiencing swelling and fatty breast tissue, this is referred to as pseudogynecomastia. By visiting Dr. Delgado you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment for gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia.
The Anatomy of the Male Breast
A normal male breast contains some glandular, or breast, tissue.
The breasts of men and women are both composed of breast tissue, fatty tissue, and connective tissue. Women have a larger amount of glandular (breast) tissue than men, with the amount of tissue present fluctuating throughout the woman’s life.
Men with gynecomastia have more breast tissue present, due to changes in hormone levels. Because glandular tissue is located at the front of the breast, an increase in glandular tissue causes a noticeable protrusion on the male breast. This causes the breasts to take on a more feminine appearance.
Normal Male Breast
Gynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Men produce both testosterone and estrogen – the male and female sex hormones, respectively – but in different quantities. When a man’s testosterone level decreases and estrogen level increases, breast tissue can develop. This hormonal upset can be triggered by different factors.
There are a number of highly referenced medical conditions and drugs connected to man boobs, such as specific congenital disorders and anabolic steroid abuse. Age and massive weight loss can also be related to abnormal male breast development.
How Bad Is My Gynecomastia?
It can be classified, based on physical features
When a surgeon examines patients, they look at different physical features to determine the severity of the man boobs. Some features include: breast size, breast ptosis (droopiness), excess, skin, puffiness in the nipples, skin elasticity, amount of tissue, and chest shape.
The American Society of Plastic Surgery developed a classification system allowing specialists to evaluate your condition and how to best treat it.*
How Can I Get Rid of Gynecomastia?
There are many resources available online that can help you explore your treatment options. You may find that diet and exercise when done properly – are effective ways to reduce fatty tissue. While websites are a good place to start, they are not a replacement for a consultation with a doctor who is experienced at treating men with it.
However, if your chest contains harder breast tissue, it would need to be removed surgically in order to achieve a lean, masculine look. Read patient stories to know what to expect and find out how much surgery can cost.
In which cases can non-invasive procedures help improve the shape of the male chest?
| What effect does it have? | Gynecomastia | Pseudogynecomastia |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise | Minor. May help with excess fat, but will not affect glandular tissue | Minor to significant. Diet and exercise may help reduce the amount of fatty tissue. |
| Non-Invasive Fat Reduction | Minor. May help reduce excess fat, no impact on glandular tissue | Minor to significant. It will depend on individual anatomy and responsiveness. |
| Liposuction | Minor to moderate. Excellent for fat removal, but will not affect the glandular tissue | Significant. Liposuction can remove excess pockets of fat |
| (tissue excision) | Significant. Can help reshape the breast | Unnecessary. |
The most effective way to treat gynecomastia is with surgery.
- Incisions: During the procedure, incisions are made, typically around the edge of the areola.
- Liposuction: Fat is removed via suction.
- Tissue Excision: Excess glandular tissue is removed.
- Suturing: After the tissue excision, the incisions are closed.
- Bandage and Dressing: The breasts are dressed with bandages.
Considering Surgery?
Click here to find a Male Breast Reduction surgeon next to you.
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The content on Gynecomastia.org is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace the need to meet with a physician who will accurately diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options.
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