Gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue in men, affects men of all ages and body types, yet it’s often surrounded by misinformation. Whether you’re a young man dealing with hormonal changes or someone later in life noticing changes in your chest, understanding the truth is the first step toward confident decisions. With decades of surgical experience and a calm, clear communication style, Dr. Gregory Dumanian helps Chicago, IL, patients separate gynecomastia myths from facts.
Myth #1: Gynecomastia Only Happens to Overweight Men
Reality: While weight gain can cause fat buildup in the chest, true gynecomastia involves excess glandular tissue, not just fat. This condition can affect lean men just as easily as those with higher body fat.
Many men who struggle with their weight and oversized breasts assume they have gynecomastia, but if the excess tissue is strictly fat, it’s called pseudogynecomastia.
With pseudogynecomastia, weight loss may help. Liposuction can target those fat deposits to create a more masculine chest contour. But with true gynecomastia, Dr. Dumanian performs excision surgery to remove the glandular tissue overgrowth. He may also perform liposuction to refine chest contours based on your needs.
Myth #2: It’s Just a Cosmetic Issue
Reality: Gynecomastia can impact more than your appearance. Many men report emotional discomfort, body image concerns, and difficulty in social situations or exercise.
Male breast reduction isn’t just about looks. It’s about improving confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Dr. Dumanian takes the time to understand the impact gynecomastia has on your life. As Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and recipient of multiple honors, including the Castle Connolly Top Doctors award, Dr. Dumanian is a highly respected plastic surgeon who’s known for bringing empathy into every patient conversation.
Myth #3: Only Teenagers Experience Gynecomastia
Reality: Hormonal changes during puberty are a common cause, but gynecomastia can appear at any age.
Adults may develop it due to medications, hormone fluctuations, or other underlying conditions. If breast fullness persists for more than a year or causes distress, it’s worth scheduling a consultation to discuss solutions with Dr. Dumanian.
Myth #4: Surgery Leaves Large, Obvious Scars
Reality: Surgical techniques have advanced significantly. In many cases, Dr. Dumanian creates smaller incisions, placing them in discreet areas such as along the edge of the areola. He tailors each surgery to individual anatomy, always emphasizing natural-looking outcomes and minimal scarring.
Myth #5: Recovery Is Long and Difficult
Reality: Most men return to non-strenuous work within a few days and resume full activity in a few weeks. With clear guidance and attentive follow-up, recovery can be manageable. Dr. Dumanian is known for his excellent bedside manner and ability to listen—two qualities that help patients feel prepared and supported.
Schedule a Gynecomastia Consultation in Chicago
If you’re dealing with enlarged breast tissue and want expert guidance, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Gregory Dumanian in Chicago by calling 312-695-6022.