Gynecomastia is common among adolescent boys and middle-aged, including older men. Hormonal imbalance, medication side effects and declining testosterone levels are the usual suspects.
Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, can happen to men regardless of age group. This condition is usually brought on by the presence of excess fat primarily in the chest area. However, due to their similarity in appearance – the best method of confirmation is via a doctor’s assessment.
Low Metabolism & Body Fat
Poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices easily contribute to a host of issues, including weight gain and the accumulation of excess fat. Excess fat often results in slower metabolism and testosterone levels and the production of aromatase. The aromatase enzyme converts testosterone to estrogen.
Men produce estrogen, albeit at a lower level compared to women. When a man’s body produces excess estrogen, the more the likelihood that excess fat will be stored. An area where this excess is usually more prevalent would be that of the chest or breast. This is what commonly causes pseudogynecomastia.
When the body produces excess estrogen, the more the likelihood that excess fat will be stored. Fat also causes the body to produce the aromatase enzyme. This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen and is responsible for slowing down metabolism, which slows down the body’s ability to burn fat – you will lose fat but in lesser amounts. If not addressed, this can lead to more fat being stored causing an imbalance to the body’s hormone level.
An increased estrogen level in men also results in loss of muscle mass, fatigue and mood swings.
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone levels cause an increase in fat storage as the body’s fat-burning capability is reduced. This results in weight gain and the production of excess estrogen. One common sign of low testosterone sign is a decrease in libido. Frequent fatigue is also a sign in men.
Do I have Pseudogynecomastia?
There are simple self-check methods that one can carry out. For example:
• Appearance: Does your chest area look evenly enlarged?
• Excess fat: Is your exercise or workout routine not addressing the excess fat around the chest?
• Pain: Is it painful or does the area around the areolas when touched? (this could be a sign of gynecomastia)
The above list is not confirmation indicators. A trip to the doctor’s for a qualified assessment is highly recommended. Do take note that it is possible for an individual to suffer from both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
Men are creatures of vanity too. So when their chest looks flabby due to excess fat, more often than not, they resort to the Internet for answers. But beware for the search result could be misleading, albeit unintentionally.
Gynecomastia could be a potential cause but bear in mind, it is not so for all cases. Sometimes it is more likely to be “pseudogynecomastia” – a condition brought on by excess fat.
Gynecomastia Causes
Gynecomastia is mainly caused by hormonal imbalance, which is the result of excess estrogen being produced. Changes surrounding sexual development in teenage boys and health issues such as thyroid problems common among men in their 50s and above are some of the causes of this hormonal imbalance. The side effects of some medications are also potential causes.
There are 4 grades when it comes to classifying gynecomastia. The mildest being a local swelling around the nipple area while the most severe is in the form of a rounded appearance akin to the features of a female breast.
Pseudogynecomastia Causes
In men, the fat tends to accumulate in the chest and abdomen areas. Fat amassed around the chest area usually results in a puffy or swollen appearance clinically known as lipomastia, adipomastia, or pseudogynecomastia.
When the body produces excess estrogen, the more the likelihood that excess fat will be stored. Fat also causes the body to produce the aromatase enzyme. This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen and is responsible for slowing down metabolism, which slows down the body’s ability to burn fat – you will lose fat but in a lesser amount. If not addressed, this can lead to more fat being stored, causing an imbalance to the body’s hormone level.
Although it may appear like gynecomastia – pseudogynecomastia is actually the accumulation of excess breast fat. Nonetheless, the term “pseudo” should not be waved off lightly as the condition is a real problem for men.
On the surface, both conditions seem alike in terms of appearance. Gynecomastia, however, is caused by the overdevelopment of glandular tissues. Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, is the result of only excess fat accumulated around the chest area.
There are simple self-check methods that one can carry out. For example, if you feel the presence of a firm mound of glandular tissue around the areola area, which is painful to the touch, then chances are you might have gynecomastia. In the case of pseudogynecomastia, the entire chest area is evenly enlarged.
Commonly, an individual can have both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
Treatment for pseudogynecomastia
A fat and weight loss program involving specific exercises and a change in dietary habits may help reduce or relieve pseudogynecomastia to a certain extent. However, to completely eradicate this issue is via clinically proven fat reduction procedure such as VASER Liposuction, which effectively addresses the issue and removes excess fat in the problematic area.
It is important to note that only a doctor via a clinical assessment is able to confirm the condition. Not all doctors can diagnose if a patient may or may not have gynecomastia. It is important to look for a doctor with experience in handling gynecomastia cases to identify.
Gynecomastia affects 40-60% of adolescent males, making it a relatively common condition. Despite being so, it is not an openly discussed issue for the most part due to its “embarrassing nature” – a stigma that often overshadows its true and at times urgent medical condition. An individual should not feel discouraged from seeking help, as it can be a much-needed relief.
Gynecomastia is brought on by hormonal imbalance. The causes vary, which includes genetics and from the side effects of taking steroids for bodybuilding and medications for medical conditions. The latter includes medications for heart, stomach and even mental issues. One interesting fact to note and remember – it is not a condition that is associated only with an obese person. Any male with predispositions as mentioned – such as genetics and medicine consumption habit/need is susceptible to the condition.
How do you know if you have gynecomastia?
Pain or tenderness, which may increase over time and swelling are just two possible telltale signs of gynecomastia. To the touch, it feels like a rubbery lump under the nipple affecting one or both. Indicative appearance includes a resemblance to that of a woman’s breasts.
Often, gynecomastia is confused with the expected presence of fat tissue, particularly among young men who are overweight. Hence, an accurate diagnosis and conclusion are best left in the hands of a qualified doctor.
How do you know if it’s Pseudogynecomastia?
An individual may conclude that given the possible telltale signs, they are suffering from gynecomastia. It could be a wrong assumption. They could, in reality, be experiencing what is known as pseudogynecomastia. Men, in general, tend to accumulate fat in the chest and abdomen regions. When this fat accumulates in excess around the chest area, it renders a puffy and swollen appearance which is called pseudogynecomastia.
Does Pseudogynecomastia go away?
Pseudogynecomastia is breasts enlargement caused by fat accumulation. In theory, the male breasts fat tissues can be improved with exercise and weight loss. However, in many patients, male breasts fat can be rather resistant to weight fluctuation, so losing weight may not lead to significant improvement.
Can VASER Lipo get rid of pseudogynecomastia successfully?
VASER Lipo, a tissue selective fat reduction procedure, is the treatment choice for those suffering from pseudogynecomastia. During the process, small incisions are made on the area to be treated and infiltrated with anaesthetic fluid. Subsequently, I utilise the Vaser probe that transmits ultrasonic sound wave energy to the targeted fat tissues to emulsify the stubborn fat. Once the fat cells are liquefied, they are removed via suction cannulas that are specially made for this procedure.
As VASER Lipo is tissue selective, it only targets fat tissues, preserving the health of nerves, blood vessels and other important connective tissues. Therefore, post-treatment recovery is easy with minimal downtime because only the fat tissues are targeted and removed. Bruising and swelling are minimised with this procedure.
As a proven clinical treatment for pseudogynecomastia, many men have benefited from its results. While this is certainly good news for those afflicted with the condition, bear in mind to practise due diligence in one’s research when seeking help.
Before you commit to having a cosmetic procedure, you should meet with a board – certified plastic surgeon who can recommend the best procedures and help you understand the outcomes to expect. The COVID – 19 pandemic limits the types of surgeries and procedure s that can be performed and requires that we all practice effective social distancing. In order to continue serving patients, many surgeries are offering private virtual consult services. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your virtual consult.
Make a List of Questions for Virtual Consultation
You learn about the procedures that you are considering and what outcomes are expected. You also have the chance to ask questions of the surgeon. The same holds true for your virtual consult. We recommend that you spend some time writing down any questions that you have about the procedure, such as:
Is the procedure right for me?
Are there any complementary treatments that I should consider?
What should I expect during the recovery, and how long will it take to heal?
What aftercare is required?
When will I see the final results?
Prepare a Quiet, Secluded Space for Virtual Consultation
When you have consultations in an office, you are taken into a private room where you can focus on the conversation with your plastic surgeon, and the surgeon is able to examine the area that you are considering for cosmetic procedures. A virtual consult is most effective when this same type of interaction can take place, so we recommend that you:
Find a space in your home that is quiet and secluded
Let your family know that you have a virtual consult schedule and need some privacy during the appointment
Set up your computer with a high-quality camera and microphone
Have your list of questions with you
Write down your medical history, including medications, prior surgeries, prior cosmetic procedures, medical conditions, weight, and height
With a little preparation, you can relax during the virtual consultation and garner the information that you need to make an informed decision.
It is common practice to embark on a fat and weight loss routine when excess fat becomes an issue. Most times, these practices produce results, but there are instances where they are not enough. Gynecomastia is an example.
The condition is generally associated with obese individuals, and that is perhaps the biggest misconception. Gynecomastia can be present in men with lean physiques who, on the surface, do not seem to fit into the “stereotype”. That attached stigma is probably part of the reasons why a seemingly healthy-looking individual finds it challenging to come to terms with their affliction and to seek help.
The initial stage is characterised by minor breast enlargement without the development of excess skin. The excess skin at this stage is found around the areola which is the coloured tissue that is surrounding the nipple.
Gynecomastia Grade 2
As the gynecomastia condition enters into the next stage, there will be a development of moderate breast enlargement without the development of excess skin. However, with enlarged male breast tissue, it now extends beyond the areola, with a minor degree of enlargement.
Gynecomastia Grade 3
At this stage, there will be moderate breast enlargement with the development of excess skin. As the enlarged male breast tissue extends further into the breast zone, the male chest starts to look slightly like the feminine breasts and at this stage, the condition becomes clearly noticeable by others.
Gynecomastia Grade 4
As the gynecomastia enters the final stage, the condition is further aggravated with breast enlargement and excess skin. At this stage of the gynecomastia condition, patients will find that their chest appears similar to that of a woman’s breasts.
Men who are suffering from gynecomastia need to know that there is help, but seeking qualified help should be the first priority.
Before you commit to having a cosmetic procedure, you should meet with a board – certified plastic surgeon who can recommend the best procedures and help you understand the outcomes to expect. The COVID – 19 pandemic limits the types of surgeries and procedure s that can be performed and requires that we all practice effective social distancing. In order to continue serving patients, many surgeries are offering private virtual consult services. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your virtual consult.
