The medical field uses the term gynecomastia to describe a condition causing enlarged male breasts. However, not every man with “man boobs” has true gynecomastia. Some men are actually afflicted by pseudogynecomastia, which is quite similar to gynecomastia but with some distinct differences. Here, Dr. A.J. Khalil breaks down the two conditions.
Understanding “True” Gynecomastia
One of the chief differences between true gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia is the composition of the breasts. True gynecomastia occurs when a man’s breasts accumulate excess glandular tissue (with or without excess adipose, or fat, tissue). This may happen if his hormones are imbalanced — or more specifically, if he is producing too much estrogen (the female sex hormone that controls breast growth) compared to testosterone (the male sex hormone that controls muscle mass).
Other causes of true gynecomastia include the use of certain medications, anabolic steroids, marijuana or other drugs. Medical conditions such as some types of cancers or tumors in the adrenal or pituitary glands may also cause true gynecomastia.
Many men try to get rid of gynecomastia by changing their diet/exercise regimen; unfortunately, true gynecomastia does not respond to weight loss efforts. Stopping or changing medications or addressing medical conditions contributing to gynecomastia can help.
Dr. Khalil also offers male breast reduction to eliminate the excess glandular tissue and restore a flat, firm quality to the chest. Male breast reduction can include a liposuction component to address pockets of unwanted fat on the chest, if there are any.
Understanding Pseudogynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia occurs when a man’s breasts accumulate excess fat tissue (usually underneath or around the nipple area). The prefix “pseudo” may imply that the condition should not be taken seriously, but this is not the case at all. Dr. Khalil understands that enlarged male breasts can be devastating to a man’s confidence, no matter what type of tissue is contributing to the problem.
Unlike true gynecomastia, some men with pseudogynecomastia are able to successfully reduce the size of their chests by changing their diets or exercising more frequently. But weight loss efforts do not work for all men. When dieting and exercising fail to sculpt the desired chest contours, Dr. Khalil can remove the fat tissue and create a firmer-looking chest using liposuction techniques.
Contact Dr. Khalil Today
If you are self-conscious of the way your chest looks, Dr. Khalil understands and wants to help. Call or email our office to request a consultation and learn more about your options. We look forward to helping you feel more comfortable in your own skin, no matter what surgical solution that may entail!
