Do I have gynecomastia or lipomastia? (photos)

Question

I am wondering if I look like I have either of the two, and if I do, what specific type? I have thinking about getting surgery done and I am wondering what specific type this is, and how much does it normally cost. I have been self conscious about this for awhile and am finally wanting to do something about it.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Healthy male patients with excess breast tissue or unwanted breast development who have no underlying breast disease.Men who desire improved physical and aesthetic appearance should have realistic expectations based on their condition and the procedure performed.

You should meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to be able to get a formal diagnosis and to be able to decide on a course of treatment if necessary.

You should meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to be able to get a formal diagnosis and to be able to decide on a course of treatment if necessary.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The male breast is composed of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. An excess in either type of tissue can cause the chest to take on the look of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can affect men of all different body types. According to official statistics, 36% of adult young men and 57% of older #adult men in the United States have this medical condition in one of the four grades. About 200,000 to 3 million cases of #gynecomastia are being reported every single year. So if you have #breast #enlargement and you feel you're an exception, please understand that 1 in 3 young adult #men and 1 in 2 older adult men are just like you and have breast enlargement. Several common factors can cause gynecomastia including excessive levels of #estrogen, natural #hormone changes, use of recreational drugs or alcohol, medications and their associated side effects, and, various health conditions. Also, there are different types of #gynecomastia.There are three types of surgical #treatment #options available that treat gynecomastia. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will recommend the type best suited for you. The most important decision to be made before performing any surgical procedure is determining whether you are an ideal #candidate.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The only way tell for sure is with an in-person physical examination.  Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for removal of your chest fat and/or parenchymal tissue.   This can be performed with minimal scarring.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The
most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs, and I am sorry that your chest has caused you to be self-conscious.  I do see its fullness and agree that surgical intervention would help to improve its contour.  Whether it is gynecomastia or pseudo gynecomastia depends on an in-person examination as this will guide treatment.  The former typically requires an incision to directly excise the glandular tissue while the former can often be remedied with liposuction alone.  Hope this helps.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

I can tell you have enlarged breast tissue but no way to tell if fat or gland from a photo. Probably is both. I usually see mostly fat and small amount fibrous gland right under nipple. You need to see plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss is they can remove all with liposuction or if gland tissue excised, how. Good luck.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

True #gynecomastia (glandular breast tissue)  vs pseudogynecomastia (fat) can only be determined by exam.  I think what you are really asking is the difference in how your surgeon would approach correction of your issues. If you have true gynecomastia, there is actual glandular breast tissue present. This is usually addressed with a mixture of liposuction and excision of breast tissue. It may also involve excision of skin.A pseudogynecomatia there is no true breast glandular tissue. This can be addressed with liposuction alone and possible excess skin excision.The extend of your surgery can only be determined by exam. I would recommend you find a board certified plastic surgeon for consultation to  determine the extent of your surgery so you can receive accurate pricing.

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

The only reason it makes a difference whether this is gynecomastia, lipomastia or a combination is so the appropriate surgery may be planned.  And while an in person exam is necessary to plan your surgery, and decide can this be treated best by excision, liposuction or some combination, an exam doesn't always give the exact answer.  There have been times that I have had to change my approach during surgery.  The label doesn't matter as much as finding a plastic surgeon with enough experience in gynecomastia surgery to recognize they are all just a little different.  Look for a board certified plastic surgeon in your area with an interest in gynecomastia and go for a consult. Prices will vary by region and by what type of surgery you require.  I hope this helps.  Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You would need to be examined in person to be properly evaluated.  Glandular tissue is what true gynecomastia is caused by.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Accurate diagnosis would necessitate physical examination. It IS important to differentiate gynecomastia ( excess breast tissue) from lipomastia ( otherwise known as pseudo-gynecomastia or excess adipose tissue of chest wall). Treatment will differ depending on diagnosis. In most cases, gynecomastia is treated with resection of the excess breast tissue; peripheral chest liposuction may also be helpful.

My best suggestion: seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with.

You may find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

My best suggestion: seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with.

You may find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

True gynecomastia is the overgrowth of male breast tissue. This is most commonly found in a younger age population but can be seen in someone older. Sometimes this can be found out by exam. But most commonly needs to be discovered during surgery. Regardless both are treated at the same time surgically. It is a very simple and straightforward procedure by using both liposuction and direct excision of the breast tissue if any is found. This is a procedure that is commonly done. It appears you're not far from us here in Grand Rapids. Feel free to give us a call and we can give you any more information that you may need. Hope this helps.

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