Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is enlargement of male breasts caused by an excess accumulation of glandular tissue. Pseudogynecomastia, which is more frequent, is a buildup of fat that develops around, behind and underneath the nipple and chest area.

According to experts, there are 4 stages of Gynecomastia

Grade I: Gynecomastia appears in the form of barely noticeable protrusion around the nipple, i.e. within the borders of the breast areola. There is little swelling around the breasts although the surrounding nipples may begin to show signs of discoloration and take on a cone-like appearance.
Grade II: Patients start to experience enlarged breast tissue which exceeds the edges of the areola. At this stage the Gynecomastia may not be noticeable while wearing loose clothes; however, there may be a sensation of stiffness in the breast area. According to experts, this is when surgery is recommended for best results.

Grade III: There is a considerable male breast enlargement at this stage. Protrusion of the breasts and excess skin is visible, with the nipple area extending to the edges of the chest area. Although the breast tissue in this stage is still moderate, it is easy to notice in clothes. Treatment is recommended through surgery, Vaser, J-plasma, or surgical tightening.

Grade IV: Very easy to identify because male breasts in this stage grow significantly larger to the point of becoming women-like, and are known as female Gynecomastia. There’s also the presence of excess skin. The only definitive solution for Grade IV Gynecomastia is surgery.

What’s Involved in Gynecomastia/Pseudogynecomastia Surgery?

Liposuction alone is sufficient to correct more than 90% of cases. The gentler Vaser liposuction is the Gold Standard treatment for both Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia. With Vaser, ultrasound energy is used to emulsify fat tissue first, allowing it to be gently suctioned away using a small cannula.

Unlike traditional liposuction, only two tiny incisions are required with Vaser, leaving no detectable scar in the area. The incisions are made under the breast area or in the peri-areolar space to allow fat removal and skin tightening. This technique allows the patient to heal faster with minimal scarring.

For glandular Gynecomastia, surgical excision of the majority of the breast gland may be required. Additionally, patients who have experienced significant weight loss may also require surgical excision.

FAQ’s

How common is Gynecomastia/Pseudogynecomastia?
Around puberty one in four boys is affected. After 20 years of age the percentage decreases to one in ten men.

What causes Gynecomastia?
The condition can be an indication of imbalance between the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Without the presence of testosterone, estrogen can promote breast tissue growth. Although all men produce some estrogen, their higher levels of testosterone usually mitigate breast tissue growth.

How to differentiate between these two conditions?
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by enlargement of glandular male breast tissue. The area may feel more lumpy and swollen than with Pseudogynecomastia, also known as “False Gynecomastia.”

During your consultation to determine which condition you have, an assessment of your medical history, weight changes, medications and hormonal status will be performed. A blood test and breast ultrasound may be ordered by your doctor.

What are the risks associated with Gynecomastia surgery?
The procedure is considered extremely safe with few complications. All surgical procedures, however, carry some risk of infection, bleeding and scars. Choose your surgeon wisely to minimize these and other side-effects.

How long does it take to see results?
Once the initial swelling has subsided, you will notice some improvement immediately. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks, or months, for the swelling to fully subside and to see the final results.

We invite you to book a consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons to find out if a Gynecomastia surgery is right for you.