Gynecomastia: Knowing The Basics

by Miguel Delgado, MD | Aug 7, 2020 | Gynecomastia

While it may be every woman’s dream to inherit a set of well-sculpted breast, it is however, every man’s nightmare to find a pair of ‘man boobs’ aka Gynecomastia, hanging from their chests.

For most men, Gynecomastia robs away their self-esteem and has become a stumbling block in achieving the masculine male body.

But it is more than just the embarrassment of having a flabby chest that should be a cause for concern.

Gynecomastia is essentially a medical condition that should be addressed immediately.

And while many men may seek the gym for the solution to their unsightly bulge, unfortunately, the growing discomfort and swelling that stem from Gynecomastia does not simply ebb away with time nor hours spent at the gym.

Conversely, the soreness and pain experienced on a daily basis will be exacerbated with each passing day should treatment not be administered.

The main symptoms of Gynecomastia include the enlargement of the glandular tissue in both breasts and tenderness experienced around the area and nipple.

But what exactly is the cause of this distressing condition?

The truth is, there are a variety of reasons that contribute to Gynecomastia. Amongst the many causes are side effects of medication and aging.

Hormonal imbalance, where there is a plunge in testosterone levels, is one of the main culprits that results in this condition.

While symptoms of Gynecomastia are not uncommon during puberty, however, should symptoms not be alleviated upon reaching adulthood, surgical intervention is the answer to counter Gynecomastia.

Common questions on Gynecomastia

But to combat Gynecomastia requires more than just the acknowledgement of the causes of the condition.

A holistic and thorough understanding of Gynecomastia is what we need to tackle the ‘man boobs’ situation.

So, just what can we do to potentially diminish the effects of this agonising condition? Or is there anything that can be done to avoid Gynecomastia all together?

Let’s delve into these common and pressing questions to help answer your urgent queries on Gynecomastia.

Can taking hormones cure Gynecomastia?

Being a naturally occurring hormone, testosterone is not only directly responsible for the male physical features, but it also affects a man’s sex drive and mood.

Gynecomastia, or the development of larger breasts, can develop when there is an imbalance of the body’s hormones in men, including testosterone. This is also the case, when there is a low testosterone levels in men.

Both issues of low testosterone levels and gynecomastia are often treatable. However, it is of utmost importance to first understand the underlying causes for each condition.

Can gynecomastia decrease libido?

As age catches up, low testosterone levels and gynecomastia are common conditions among aging men.

With a decrease in testosterone levels, this results in reduced libido, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and enlarged male breast tissues.

Are there any food to avoid that can cause gynecomastia?

Being overweight or obese can cause larger breasts in men. As such, avoid foods that are high in saturated fat as these contribute to undesirable weight gain.

Also, highly processed foods that are high in sugar and fats content can promote weight gain and should likewise be avoided.

Foods such as soy can cause hormone imbalances are to be avoided as they can lower the testosterone levels and raise the estrogen levels, thereby causing male breast tissue growth, even in the absence of obesity.

Can’t I just diet and workout to get rid of my “man boobs”?

Gynecomastia is not merely an aesthetic issue; it is a medical condition that should be tended to. The causes of the condition vary, including hormonal imbalance, side effects of certain medications and aging, as mentioned above.

Gynecomastia Surgery not only permanently removes excess glandular tissues, but it also sculpts the chest area, leaving a more defined and masculine appearance.

A gynecomastia surgery has a short recovery time, thereby causing little disruption to your daily routine.

It is essential to discuss your goals and raise any concerns you might have in regard to the procedure during the consultation with your doctor.

As individual’s clinical condition varies, the treatment strategy and outcome will be different. It is important to look for a doctor with an extensive experience, knowledge in gynecomastia surgery and that you get to see the before and after pictures of the doctor’s own patients.

For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.

How do I know if I have Gynecomastia or Pseudogynecomastia?

by Miguel Delgado, MD | Aug 2, 2020 | Gynecomastia

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. Dr. Ivan Puah, our Medical Director who has treated a number of gynecomastia patients, observed that “most men who came in with complaints of pseudogynecomastia were shown to have true gynecomastia after medical assessment.” This reiterates the essential need to seek qualified assessment and help.

Does Pseudogynecomastia go away?

Pseudogynecomastia is breast enlargement caused by fat accumulation. In theory, the male breast fat tissues can be improved with exercise and weight loss. However, in many patients, male breast 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 anesthetic fluid. Subsequently, I utilize 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 minimized with this procedure. As VASER Lipo is a form of liposuction (albeit an improved form of liposuction), it can only be performed by doctors who are trained and accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH) Singapore.

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 practice due diligence in one’s research when seeking help.

The Different Grades Of Gynecomastia (Man Boobs)

by Miguel Delgado, MD | May 20, 2020 | Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia Grade

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.

Excess male breast tissue is categorised into four different “gynecomastia grades.” The American Society of Plastic Surgery developed this grading system to allow gynecomastia doctors to evaluate and treat the condition accurately.

Gynecomastia Grade 1

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.

Gynecomastia Before and After

by Miguel Delgado, MD | Dec 19, 2019 | Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia Before and After 3

Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

Plastic And Cosmetic Surgery Center of Texas

5316 W. Plano Pkwy. Plano, TX. 75093

Phone: 972-372-9313

All You Need To Know About Gynecomastia (Man Boobs)

by Miguel Delgado, MD | Oct 23, 2019 | Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia – often referred to as ‘man boob’s’ – is more common than you may think. Research from the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that it affects almost 70 percent of adolescent boys, and 65 percent of middle-aged and older men.

What is it?

Gynecomastia refers to the medical condition where male breast tissues increase in size. Those suffering from gynecomastia have excess glandular tissue present, often as a result of hormonal imbalance.

Common causes

Hormonal imbalance is one big factor. In short, testosterone controls male traits such as muscle mass and body hair, while oestrogen is responsible for female traits, including the growth of breasts. A common misconception is that oestrogen is an exclusively female hormone, but in fact, men also produce it in small quantities. When male oestrogen levels are too high, gynecomastia can occur.

While gynecomastia is naturally prominent during puberty due to changes in hormone levels, it can also be an indication of serious medical conditions such as testicular cancer. For most cases, the swollen breast tissue tends to go away without treatment within six months to two years. As for older men, the condition can peak again between the ages of 50 and 69; at least one out of four men in this age group is affected! Hormonal fluctuations as a result of health issues like kidney failure, liver problems and malnutrition, can also lead to gynecomastia.

How to check

You can use the gynecomastia pinch test method to determine whether you may suffer from gynecomastia. Use your fingertips to feel for soft, rubbery lumps in your breasts, or directly beneath the nipple area. It can develop in one or both breasts. The size of the lump varies and it may not be the same in both breasts. The swelling of the glandular breast tissue may result in soreness – especially when you press on the skin. If the pain or discomfort is significant, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible!

Two Types of Man Boobs According to Science

by Miguel Delgado, MD | Sep 30, 2019 | Gynecomastia

Types of Man Boobs – Gynecomastia

is caused by hormonal imbalance.

All men produce some amount of estrogen, but when you produce more than the “normal” amount, that may lead to the development of excess breast tissues.

This affects 1 out of 2 teen boys, and 2 out of 3 men above 50 years old, when hormone levels are affected by sexual development, thyroid problems, or as a side effect of some medications.

There are 4 grades in gynecomastia classification, with the mildest being just a local swelling around the nipple area, and the most severe showing a pronounced rounded appearance similar to a female breast.

Both conditions display similar physical traits an enlarged, chubby chest. The difference lies in what’s underneath.

Gynecomastia is caused by the overdevelopment of glandular tissues that comprise fat tissues and glands, mostly as a result of hormonal imbalance and pseudo-gynecomastia is caused by excess fat accumulation.

Only your doctor can confirm what you really have through a clinical assessment.

Pseudogynecomastia: Types of Man Boobs

Genetically, men tend to accumulate fat in the chest and abdomen area – your arms and legs may look slim, but you bulk up in your torso.

When fat builds up behind and around the breast area, the chest appears puffy and swollen, hence the name man-boobs.

This is clinically known as lipomastia, adipomastia, or pseudogynecomastia.

The more estrogen you have, the more your body tends to store fat.

Interestingly, fat also causes your body to produce the aromatase enzyme, which can convert testosterone into estrogen and slow down your metabolism.

Unfortunately, a lower metabolism will also mean you burn less fat, and this triggers a vicious cycle where you store more and more fat in your chest area and worsens your hormonal imbalance.

However, one clear sign that you have real true gynecomastia is you can feel a firm mound of glandular tissue around your areola area and painful to touch.

For some, the nipple may even feel sensitive. But if it’s pseudogynecomastia, the entire breast is evenly enlarged.

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