Gynecomastia is a real problem albeit one not openly discussed mainly among sufferers. Understandably so as it can be an embarrassing issue although it should not be an excuse for not seeking help for gynecomastia causes real pain and other possible health complications.
Gynecomastia happens due to a hormonal imbalance potentially caused by several factors. These include genetics and side effects from the use of certain medications. The condition is equally prevalent among adults and youths (teenagers included). The ideal and preferred treatment to address the condition is Gynecomastia Surgery.
Gynecomastia Surgery
It is common practice to embark on a fat and weight loss routine when excess fat becomes an issue. Most times, these practices produce results, but there are instances where they are not enough. Gynecomastia is an example.
The condition is generally associated with obese individuals, and that is perhaps the biggest misconception. Gynecomastia can be present in men with lean physiques who, on the surface, do not seem to fit into the “stereotype”. That attached stigma is probably part of the reasons why a seemingly healthy-looking individual finds it challenging to come to terms with their affliction and to seek help.
Excess male breast tissue is categorised into four different “grades.” The American Society of Plastic Surgery developed this grading system to allow gynecomastia doctors to evaluate and treat the condition accurately.
Gynecomastia Grade 1: Gynecomastia Surgery Doctor In Singapore
The initial stage is characterised by minor breast enlargement without the development of excess skin. The excess skin at this stage is found around the areola which is the coloured tissue that is surrounding the nipple.
Gynecomastia Grade 2: Gynecomastia Surgery Doctor In Singapore
As the gynecomastia condition enters into the next stage, there will be a development of moderate breast enlargement without the development of excess skin. However, with enlarged male breast tissue, it now extends beyond the areola, with a minor degree of enlargement.
Gynecomastia Grade 3: Gynecomastia Surgery Doctor In Singapore
At this stage, there will be moderate breast enlargement with the development of excess skin. As the enlarged male breast tissue extends further into the breast zone, the male chest starts to look slightly like the feminine breasts and at this stage, the condition becomes clearly noticeable by others.
Gynecomastia Grade 4: Gynecomastia Surgery Doctor In Singapore
As the gynecomastia enters the final stage, the condition is further aggravated with breast enlargement and excess skin. At this stage of the gynecomastia condition, patients will find that their chest appears similar to that of a woman’s breasts.
Men who are suffering from gynecomastia need to know that there is help, but seeking qualified help should be the first priority.
Seeking help
Gynecomastia surgery does significantly address the condition, but it is advisable to not be too hasty in seeking help. News of botched surgeries, including of the cosmetic kind are aplenty and serves as reminders to keep a steady head notably during adversity.
When searching for gynecomastia surgery help, bear in mind a few things as you vet through the search list:
Ensure that the doctor is licensed to perform liposuction by the Ministry of Health, Singapore
Having clinical experience in particular that of male breast reduction surgery. A sense of artistic skills is also a welcomed trait in a doctor so that they can relay realistic expectations and help realise results.
Good communication skills are equally important, as a doctor needs to understand a patient’s concerns to help alleviate them. They should be able to address any queries and worries with confidence, based on their experience.
Dr Ivan Puah Boon Kwang, Medical Director Amaris B. Clinic, believes that body sculpting procedures, which includes gynecomastia surgery, comprises 70% Art and 30% Science. A doctor needs to be able to envision the end result with an approach that best meets the desired results. Dr. Ivan Puah is accredited by the Ministry of Health, Singapore to perform liposuction and has performed many gynecomastia surgeries.
Gynecomastia Surgery Results
Depending on the patient’s clinical condition, Gynecomastia surgery may involve removing glandular tissue and/or excess fat tissues for a flatter and more defined masculine appearance.
The advancement in technology has and continues to open up new treatment methods to address the myriad of issues of both the health and cosmetic kind.
In the past, men who suffer from gynecomastia may have had to live with the condition for the rest of their lives but today, the path to a remedy is just a matter of a click or two away (on the internet).
Still, the onus is on the individual to do their due research and engage a qualified, and experienced doctor.
If you have gynecomastia — the medical term for “man boobs” — you’re far from alone. The question is, is surgery your best option if workouts aren’t cutting it?
According to a 2014 study an estimated 30% of men experience gynecomastia in their lifetime.
“Gynecomastia is frequent during three phases in the age distribution curve: the neonatal period, pubertal period and adulthood”
The prevalence of asymptomatic gynecomastia in neonates is estimated to be between 60 and 90%. The second physiological peak of occurrence is at puberty between the ages of 10 and 16 years.”
In fact, approximately 50–60% of adolescents have been estimated to have gynecomastia. Fortunately, most cases in the above 2 groups regress spontaneously, but then it seems to return, with the last peak in incidence of gynecomastia seen in men 50–85 years of age, with a reported prevalence of up to 70%.
But even though gynecomastia is common, many men still find it embarrassing — particularly during the summer months, when you’re more likely to hit the beach or poolside BBQ.
That may be why, per a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, male breast reduction surgeries are on the rise among men. According to the report, male breast reduction surgeries have increased by 30% over the past five years, more than any other plastic surgery procedure for men.
WHY ARE MEN HAVING MORE PLASTIC SURGERY (Man Boobs)?
In general, cosmetic surgery among men is on the rise. According to the ASPS report, more than 1.3 million men went under the knife in 2017 — an overall 30% increase from the number of men who got work done in 2000.
Guys seem to be most interested in body contouring procedures: liposuction procedures have increased by 23%, and tummy tucks increased by 12%. And surprisingly, men between the ages of 20 and 29 account for 35% of male cosmetic surgeries, says Jeffrey Janis, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “More men in their younger years are taking up a larger share of the total number of procedures.”
The rising rates of plastic surgery among men could have something to do with our social media-obsessed culture, which puts equal pressure on men and women to look young and fit. It could also stem from the increasing lack of stigma surrounding plastic surgery in general.
As more men talk about it amongst themselves and with their significant others, it becomes less stigmatized. When you see your colleagues, friends, and family looking better, feeling better, and talking about their results, it can open the door to you envisioning how you can benefit from the procedure.”
Many men still find it embarrassing — particularly during the summer months, when you’re more likely to hit the beach or poolside bbq.
While plastic surgery rates are increasing across the board among men, male breast reduction surgeries have had the biggest spike, increasing by 30% over the past five years.
Gynecomastia is defined as a benign proliferation of glandular tissue of the breast in males, resulting in a concentric enlargement of one or both breasts. The most common cause of gynecomastia is physiological with no specific identifiable factor. However, it can also be caused by hormone imbalance, drugs and medical illnesses such as tumours, liver disorders and others.
In many cases, losing weight or taking prescription medication can help reduce the appearance of breasts. But surgery is one of the more permanent ways to treat the condition.
That’s why many guys are opting for the procedure, says Marwan Khalifeh, a D.C.-area cosmetic surgeon. “They want to migrate toward what’s considered the ideal male figure, which does not include overdeveloped breasts,” Khalifeh told the Chicago Tribune earlier this year.
Janis says male breast reduction surgery is among the more permanent ways to treat gynecomastia, as well as the most successful: according to a 2017 study in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, which followed a group of more than 300 men who had been surgically operated on for gynecomastia, 100% of patients in the study reported no recurrence of gynecomastia and had high levels of satisfaction post-surgery.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING PLASTIC SURGERY (Man Boobs)
If you have gynecomastia man-boobs and you’re thinking about going under the knife for breast reduction surgery or any other type of procedure, make sure to do your research.
“The most important factor in plastic surgery – the one that determines your safety and outcome – is your choice of plastic surgeon,” says Janis. “Get a second and third opinion. Review before and after pictures. And find a plastic surgeon that listens well and communicates clearly.”
That’s why you can never be too careful in choosing your surgeon or procedure.
Plastic surgery is real surgery. It’s important to do your homework. You should also find out about the doctor’s experience in treating your condition, as well as treatment options offered that best suit your needs.
And don’t forget about the after-care treatment available to ensure a good recovery.
More than 300 men who had been surgically operated on for gynecomastia, 100% of patients in the study reported no recurrence of gynecomastia and had high levels of satisfaction post-surgery.
For those who are considering fat freezing to treat pseudogynecomastia, please consider the side effect of the treatment such as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, hardening of fat areas.
If you have gynecomastia, you’ll feel a firm concentration of tissue around the nipple area in the form of a disk, with or without pain when it’s touch or squeezed. The effective treatment to deal with gynecomastia is surgical removal of the overly developed glandular and fat tissue. Gynecomastia surgery is the only answer to rectify this medical condition.
With pseudogynecomastia, no such ring is formed as fat tissue on palpation is somewhat loose and not firm. Pseudogynecomastia, to a certain extent, can be rectified with regular exercise and a healthier diet. However, there are also treatment options available and one of the options seek is cryolipolysis.
Cryolipolysis, also known as Fat Freezing, is thriving as a non-invasive fat reduction treatment option. It works by gently and efficiently targeting fat cells underneath the skin via targeted and controlled cooling technology. The fat cells are frozen and naturally metabolised by the body. It does this without affecting the skin itself.
Its non-invasive nature is amongst its many benefits and the primary reason for its preference among those seeking to reduce body fat. Additionally, the treatment can be performed on multiple parts of the body which increases its capacity.
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia: Permanent Side Effects Of Fat Freezing Treatments
Cryolipolysis’ success is well-realised by many, but there are those who have encountered its side effect known as “Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia.” Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia is a side effect where hardened area of fat develops after cryolipolysis. Those affected will notice their treated areas getting larger and tender. Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia has also been observed to develop more commonly among male patients.
While the occurrence is rare, it is not uncommon. Unfortunately, Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, once developed, is permanent and can only be treated with liposuction.
I still remember another patient who suffered from Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia who came with his father for consultation not too long ago. During the consultation, his father mentioned that he was distraught with guilt since his son developed this condition a few years ago, as he was the one that brought him for the fat freezing treatment. His son suffered from depression after that. He blamed himself ever since.
VASER Lipo: Effective Treatment for Pseudogynecomastia
As pseudogynecomastia is the result of an accumulation of excess fat, VASER Lipo due to its prescribed function and capability, is effective in treating the condition. Additionally, it leaves a more defined and natural-looking appearance.
Gynecomastia is common among adolescent boys and middle-aged, including older men. Hormonal imbalance, medication side effects and declining testosterone levels are the usual suspects.
Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, can happen to men regardless of age group. This condition is usually brought on by the presence of excess fat primarily in the chest area. However, due to their similarity in appearance – the best method of confirmation is via a doctor’s assessment.
What is Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by hormonal imbalance, which is the result of excess estrogen being produced. Changes surrounding sexual development in teenage boys and health issues such as thyroid problems common among men in their 50s and above are some of the causes of this hormonal imbalance. The side effects of some medications can also potentially be a cause.
In men, the fat tends to accumulate in the chest and abdomen areas. Fat amassed around the chest area usually results in a puffy or swollen appearance clinically known as lipomastia, adipomastia, or pseudogynecomastia.
Low Metabolism and Body Fat
Poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices easily contribute to a host of issues, including weight gain and the accumulation of excess fat. Excess fat often results in slower metabolism and testosterone levels and the production of aromatase. The aromatase enzyme converts testosterone to estrogen.
Men produce estrogen, albeit at a lower level compared to women. When a man’s body produces excess estrogen, the more the likelihood that excess fat will be stored. An area where this excess is usually more prevalent would be that of the chest or breast. This is what commonly causes pseudogynecomastia.
When the body produces excess estrogen, the more the likelihood that excess fat will be stored. Fat also causes the body to produce the aromatase enzyme. This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen and is responsible for slowing down metabolism, which slows down the body’s ability to burn fat – you will lose fat but in lesser amounts. If not addressed, this can lead to more fat being stored causing an imbalance to the body’s hormone level.
An increased estrogen level in men also results in loss of muscle mass, fatigue and mood swings.
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone levels cause an increase in fat storage as the body’s fat-burning capability is reduced. This results in weight gain and the production of excess estrogen. One common sign of low testosterone sign is a decrease in libido. Frequent fatigue is also a sign in men.
What is the difference between Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia?
Both the male and female breasts are made up of glandular and fatty tissue. In gynecomastia cases, it is a proliferation of both types of tissue. As for pseudogynecomastia, it is usually the case of excess fatty tissue.
Do I have Pseudogynecomastia?
There are simple self-check methods that one can carry out. For example:
Appearance: Does your chest area look evenly enlarged?
Excess fat: Is your exercise or workout routine not addressing the excess fat around the chest?
Pain: Is it painful or does the area around the areolas when touched? (this could be a sign of gynecomastia)
The above list is not confirmation indicators. A trip to the doctor’s for a qualified assessment is highly recommended. Do take note that it is possible for an individual to suffer from both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
Pseudogynecomastia treatment options
There are options to select from, and these include:
Weight loss and exercise: Adopt a comprehensive programme that promotes both weight loss and healthy eating habits. These may consist of resistance training and a caloric deficit diet
Compression wear: Compression garment in the form of tops, for example, does help in terms of appearance and according to some, improving blood flow. Improved blood flow has been known to increase fat oxidation.
Liposuction: Liposuction is currently the proven clinical treatment for treating pseudogynecomastia. During this procedure, excess fat cells are removed. It is only to be performed by a qualified gynecomastia doctor. The costs may vary, depending on the patient’s clinical condition and complexity of the surgery.
Dr. Ivan Puah has spent more than 15 years performing FDA-approved injectables, skin lasers, and body sculpting surgical procedures. From his patients’ diverse concerns, he predicts the cosmetic surgery trends for 2020.
SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Ivan Puah, Medical Director of Amaris B. Clinic, who is accredited by the Ministry of Singapore to perform surgical body sculpting treatments, has seen a plethora of diverse concerns from 25- to 65-year-old male and female patients in Singapore.
1. Rejuvenation Biostimulation Is The Treatment That Is Getting Popular With The Advent Of Tech Device Usage
As more people rely and get subconsciously overly fixated on their modern communication devices such as smartphones and laptops, Dr. Ivan Puah has noticed a rise in the case of Text Neck. Text Neck describes the pain and damage sustained on the neck and shoulders from looking down at one’s device for an extended period. The physical stress causes skin damage on the neck leading to visible deep horizontal lines across the neck.
One of the most effective treatments for this is a treatment called Rejuvenation Biostimulation. It is the use of hyper-diluted calcium hydroxyapatite fillers that stimulates stem cells into regenerating collagen in combination with the use of energy devices that produces focused ultrasound energy. “These combined modalities can effectively improve facial and necklines as it encourages skin rejuvenation,” Dr. Ivan Puahsaid.
2. Gynecomastia, or Enlarged Male Breasts, Is More Common Than You Think
Gynecomastia occurs when excess glandular tissue is produced. When an abundance or excess fat appears in the chest area, it is known as pseudogynecomastia (fake/faux gynecomastia), which can be treated with liposuction alone. “In my experience, most patients who complained of pseudogynecomastia are later found to have true gynecomastia after medical assessment,” shared Dr. Puah.
“Due to the high volume of patients I see regarding their gynecomastia concerns over the years, I have designed a customized 4-step gynecomastia surgery program called 4D Chest Remodelling. It reduces fat tissues and removes excess glandular tissues while stimulating the production of subdermal collagen to induce tissue remodeling and production of new collagen and elastin.” Unlike the standard gynecomastia surgery, 4D Chest Remodelling is a more complex treatment modality especially planned for those whose ultimate objective is to achieve a flatter and sculpted chest using high definition body sculpting technique.
3. Nose Enhancement With Thread Lift Is Gaining Fast Popularity
Nose Thread Lift is quickly becoming one of the more sought-after treatments when it comes to achieving a more natural appearance. It is a treatment that is surpassing the popularity of nose fillers when it comes to non-surgical rhinoplasty. “The reasons for the decline in popularity of nose fillers include complications and migration of fillers,” said Dr. Ivan Puah.
HIKO Nose Thread Lift uses absorbable PDO thread to achieve a higher nose bridge without the need for surgery. These threads are placed carefully in the nose to heighten the nose bridge. Dr. Puah added, “PDO material has been in use for more than 30 years in various medical disciplines such as plastic surgery and gynecology treatments because of its high tensile strength, good pliability, and smooth tissue passage.
4. Natural Look & Customised Treatments Are Much Preferred
“Unlike the past where many preferred dramatic results, my patients today are opting for treatments that produce natural-looking results. This includes facial and body enhancement treatments with fat grafting,” shared Dr. Puah.
Facial Fat Grafting’s goal is to restore lost volume to the face, which is often associated with youthfulness. It uses a patient’s own fat tissue, in tiny amounts, removed from excess fat pockets and then injected into areas of the face where needed.
For fat grafting on the body, ADR-C Breast Enhancement is popular among women who are looking to add volume to their chest while removing stubborn pockets of fat on the body. It works by removing fat tissues using the micro-lipo technique from parts of the body where there is a substantial amount of fat, such as the abdomen or saddlebags. The fat is centrifuged to maintain the integrity of the fat cells and then injected into the areas in the breast where the volume is lacking.
5. Hourglass Body Shape Is Out. Toned Body Is In
The hourglass body shape, as commonly seen in the media, is one of the body types that most women covet. “In Asia, however, the hourglass body shape is not the preferred body shape but the toned body is,” said Dr. Ivan Puah. Hourglass body shape comprises of a pair of voluptuous breasts, a small waist, and curvaceous hips. He added, “Many Asian women do not like heavy bottoms as it resembles a pear shape and they have instead expressed their preference for the toned and proportionate look – one that complements their frame and height.”
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ABOUT DR. IVAN PUAH
Dr. Ivan Puah is the medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, a medical aesthetics clinic in Singapore. He obtained his VASER® Body Sculpting training in Colorado and Argentina. Additionally, he also received training and guidance in syringe liposculpture, fat grafting, and thread lift by renowned French plastic surgeon, Dr. Pierre Francois Fournier. He further honed his surgical skill in gynecomastia surgeries in San Francisco. In Singapore, Dr. Ivan Puah is accredited by the Ministry of Health to perform surgical body sculpting procedures. Dr. Ivan Puah holds a Graduate Diploma in Family Dermatology from NUS and Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture from TCMB. He is also the appointed trainer on Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for Merz, Newton Cog Thread, and PICOCARE Laser from Venusys Medical.
OTHER SIGNATURE AESTHETICS & SCULPTING TREATMENTS AT AMARIS B. CLINIC
Started in 2004, Amaris B. Clinic has been providing medical aesthetics and body sculpting services. Amaris B Clinic’s forte lies in body sculpting – surgically removing stubborn fat pockets to sculpt and shape different areas of the body through a variety and combination of services offered. Amaris B. Clinic received recognition as the “2019 Body Sculpting Provider of the Year in Asia Pacific” by Global Health and Travel. The clinic’s signature treatments include:
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