Sagging, overly large breasts make many men feel embarrassed and unable to live their life to the fullest. Most people assume that all men with excess breast tissue have gynecomastia, but there are many with a different condition called pseudogynecomastia.
Though both conditions cause chest enlargement, their causes and treatments differ significantly. Understanding the key differences is crucial to choosing the best treatment approach.
Board-certified general and plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Dumanian has decades of experience helping men achieve a more masculine chest contour. As Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, he offers advanced surgical techniques tailored to individual needs. This month, our blog explains gynecomastia, pseudogynecomastia, and how to know the difference.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition featuring extra breast gland tissue in men affecting one or both breasts. Hormone imbalances typically cause it. Some other causes, like long-term use of certain medications and underlying health conditions, may also contribute. Gynecomastia is rarely related to genetics, but it’s possible.
With gynecomastia, chest tissue feels firm and springy. It may be physically uncomfortable. But, for many men, gynecomastia causes more emotional and mental distress than physical issues. It makes many men feel self-conscious, embarrassed about their bodies, or reluctant to reveal their chests at the beach or even to their partners.
With gynecomastia, the breasts don’t shrink, no matter how dedicated you are to diet and exercise, because it’s glandular tissue versus fat.
What is Pseudogynecomastia?
Pseudogynecomastia is excess fat accumulation in the breasts. This condition is common in men with higher body fat percentages and can be directly related to weight gain and genetics.
Unlike gynecomastia, pseudogynecomastia doesn’t typically involve pain or sensitivity.
Because pseudogynecomastia is fat-related, it may improve with weight loss and strength training. However, some men find that stubborn fat persists even with a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment Options: Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia
While both conditions cause similar physical changes, their treatment approaches differ.
Gynecomastia Treatments
Gynecomastia, particularly in younger men, may resolve on its own. If it doesn’t, male breast reduction surgery offers a lasting solution. In this surgery, Dr. Dumanian removes extra glandular tissue and, if necessary, repositions the nipple and removes chest skin. Depending on your needs, Dr. Dumanian may also perform liposuction on the chest to remove additional fat.
Pseudogynecomastia Treatments
Since pseudogynecomastia is fat-related, treatment focuses on fat reduction. Strength training and weight loss may help reduce the appearance of fat deposits. But, if you have stubborn pockets of fat around your chest, Dr. Dumanian can perform liposuction to remove that fat and streamline your chest. There’s no skin removal with liposuction.
Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia Treatment in Chicago
If you’re uncomfortable with enlarged breasts, you can trust leading Chicago gynecomastia specialist Dr. Gregory Dumanian for the best care. Call (312) 695-6022 to book your consultation.