Do I have gynecomastia? Or is it just fat? (Photos)

Question

I actually went to a family doctor and told me that I got gynecomastia but she just suggested that I should exercise to lose fat because it probably is just because I still am 20 years old. I'm just really doubtful about that cause I read from the net that gynecomastia is only cured through surgery. So I'm having doubts right now. Is it really gynecomastia? Thank you so much and God bless.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for your photos. Based on your photos provided, you have a mild case of gynecomastia. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are.

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I agree with my colleagues.  I think from your photos, it appears you may    have some degree of gynecomastia which is also causing some degree of puffiness behind the nipple with increased areolar diameter.  I think exercise is always a good think for fitness; however, in my opinion, this is unlikely to improve without surgery.  I think there is likely some glandular tissue behind the nipple which when removed and the chest is contoured and shaped, should give you a nice flattening of the chest and smaller areolas as well.  I would recommend visiting with one or several board-certified plastic surgeons that specialize in gynecomastia.  Good luck!

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Thanks for the photos to review. I believe that you have moderate gynecomastia. It looks like you could lose a little weight and build up a little muscle as well but I do not think that this will solve the whole problem, and you shouldn't get frustrated. Frequently the leaner you get the worse the gynecomastia will look. This is because the breast gland does not respond to "weight loss". It is not fat and does not behave like fat. Surgery is really the only treatment that works and permanently solves the problem. I suggest doing your homework you choose a well-qualified gynecomastia surgeon because getting great results is more difficult than it seems.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You probably have a component of gynecomastia, and surgery would improve this. Recommend that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine the operation that is best for you.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  It does appear that you have a component of gynecomastia leading to an enlarged chest and areolar appearance.  Though weight loss and exercising may improve chest contour it may worsen the prominence of the gynecomastia as the fat is no longer camouflaging the true breast tissue.  Removal of the breast tissue would require surgery, but in your case could likely be done with an in-office procedure.  Hope this helps.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

To me you clearly have breasts that are too large for your male anatomy. I would call this gynecomastia and I feel you will never have a male proportion that you like without surgery. If you lose weight your breasts would shrink some, but so would the rest of you and your breasts would still be proportionally too large. I would discuss with a plastic surgeon that does gynecomastia work. Good luck.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your photos and question. You appear to have mild-moderate gynecomastia, but an in person exam is best for proper evaluation and treatment options. The combination of surgical excision to remove the glandular tissue and liposuction will help flatten the chest area.
Seek a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many of these procedures, has great reviews and photos, and is an expert in this field

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

Gynecomastia involves the deposition of breast gland and fat.  This is not improved with exercise alone.  Many patients work out and are extremely fit but the gynecomastia does not improve as it is not tissue that responds to diet and exercise. Surgery is a wonderful option and removes the gland and fat so that all the hard work the patient is putting in to exercise can finally be revealed.  The nipple and areola shrink with the surgery as well.  A plastic surgeon would need to be seen to do a history and physical exam but the pictures suggest classic gynecomastia.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

It appears you do have mild gynecomastia. At age 20 it is possible, but not likely that things could change. Gynecomastia surgery is the one surgery I will perform on teens as it can be so life changing for males of all ages.

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questionYou may have a mild case of gynecomastia. This can easily be corrected with some liposuction. I would highly recommend consulting in person with a board certified plastic surgeon for better assessment. All you options will be discussed then.

Do I have gynecomastia? Or is it just fat? (Photos)

Answers (12)

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