Gynecomastia and excess chest fat can look similar, but they involve different tissues. Gynecomastia is an increase in glandular breast tissue, while chest fat, sometimes called pseudogynecomastia, comes from fatty tissue. Because some men have both, an examination is the most reliable way to learn what’s contributing to chest fullness and whether male breast reduction is appropriate.
At Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Center in Miami, FL, Dr. Robert H. Hunsaker concentrates exclusively on cosmetic surgery of the face and body. Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he has more than 25 years of plastic surgery experience and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
What Does Gynecomastia Feel Like?
Gynecomastia involves growth of glandular tissue beneath the nipple. It can occur on one or both sides of the chest, and the two sides don’t always develop evenly.
You may feel a firmer area or lump beneath the nipple or areola. Some men also experience tenderness or nipple sensitivity.
Chest fat tends to create a softer, more generalized increase in chest size rather than a distinct area of glandular tissue beneath the nipple.
Can Weight Loss Reveal the Difference?
Changes in body weight can give you a clue, but they can’t diagnose gynecomastia.
Because pseudogynecomastia comes from fatty tissue, losing body fat may reduce chest fullness. True gynecomastia involves glandular tissue, which weight loss and exercise cannot directly remove, although losing body fat might reduce surrounding fatty tissue and make the chest appear smaller.
A lean or athletic man can still develop gynecomastia, and someone carrying extra body fat may have glandular tissue as well. That overlap is one reason judging your chest by appearance alone is often difficult.
Why Does the Type of Tissue Matter?
The tissue causing your chest fullness helps determine what surgery may involve. When excess fat is the primary concern, liposuction can remove fatty tissue through small incisions. When glandular tissue is responsible, it might need to be surgically removed, sometimes along with liposuction. In some cases, you might need to have excess skin removed as well.
Discuss Male Breast Reduction in Miami, FL
You don’t have to determine the tissue type on your own. Dr. Hunsaker can examine your chest and discuss the surgical options available at Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Center in Miami, FL. To learn more, contact us or reach the office at 305.279.4700.
