Male, one breast larger than the other.

Question

I am a 18 year old male, and my birthday is in October. my breast are a little large and one is bigger than the other. There are also like fatty deposits I can feel inside of both of them. but more so on the left one. Also there is some pain that started yesterday or maybe today. I am not sure what to think of this. My one breast has always been bigger, and I have always had these things inside there for as long as I can remember. but the pain is what has me confused because it is new. Any help?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about male breast reduction, gynecomastia, and chest sculpting. From your history, you have right and left gynecomastia. The breast pain you are experiencing can be seen in patients with growing breast tissue. Since you are 18 years old and your breasts bother you, I would suggest you consider male breast reduction surgery. Male breast reduction surgery of gynecomastia takes about one to two hours to perform. The procedure is an outpatient procedure. You should see results right away, however your final results may take six to eight weeks. The gynecomastia procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After your gynecomastia procedure, you will wear a chest compression garment for up to six weeks. Since your breasts are causing pain, you may want to try to have your medical insurance company cover the gynecomastia surgery. Many medical insurance companies cover gynecomastia surgery if you have breast pain. Good luck! I hope that I have answered your questions regarding male breasts reduction surgery for gynecomastia. If you have any other questions regarding male breast reduction, gynecomastia, and chest sculpting, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

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.#gynecomastia #malebreastreduction

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Without photographs or an in-person examination it is difficult to offer definite advice so I would see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.  Whether normal tisssue, gynecomastia, or pseudogynecomastia your plastic surgeon can offer you appropriate treatment recommendations.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Gynecomastia is caused by excess breast tissue and fat. Pseudogynecomastia is caused by fat only. Most men have both breast tissue and fat. In some cases there can be pain associated with enlarged breasts, or there may be other causes. You should see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia to evaluate your situation and give you recommendations. Good luck.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds as if you have gynecomastia. Since you are 18, you are old enough to consider surgery to fix the issue. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to be examined in person and discuss your options. There is no reason to live with this if you don't want to.

Robert Caridi, MD · Answer

With the limited information that you have provided and no photographs, I would say that you probably have some element of gynecomastia and that it can be associated with occasional pain or discomfort that is usually short in duration and completely passes.
I would suggest that you visit with your medical doctor and ask what he/she thinks is going on and what they recommend.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Having one larger than the other is common. Pain is not common and you should be evaluated in person for this issue.

Jeffrey Antimarino, MD, FACS · Answer

Gynecomastia, male breast tissue, is not uncommon.   It is mostly caused from hormonal stimulation during puberty but can also be due to medications and marijuana use.    It is also common for one side to be larger than the other.    I would recommend you seeing your primary care physician for an examination. I would recommend he/she check your hormone levels.   If all is normal then, I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation.   Combining liposuction and direct excision gives very good results.   Downtime is a couple of weeks and is very well tolerated.   Good luck, I hope this helps.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

The causes of enlarged male breast ( gynecomastia) may be related to age, certain medications, hormonal abnormalities, and drug use( marajuana). These are some known causes however it is uncertain as to why it occurs in almost half of those affected. 
A thorough physical exam and medical history are always necessary. Blood work may be necessary and possible referal to an endocrinologist may be also necessary. 
The treatment may be as simple as weightloss. In young men the passage of time may correct or improve this condition. Marajuana and steroid use in the young male population has been shown to be a culprit. In older males certain blood pressure medications may be responsible. Discontinuing these drugs may improve this condition. Obviously the medical necessity of certain medications may not be avoidable. The appropriate medical supervision to do so is a must. 
If conservative measures fail there are several surgical options to treat gynecomastia. Liposuction, limited or extended surgical excision of breast tissue, or a combination of these are available options. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best Wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Gynecomastia is treated surgically,  Pain in the breasts should always be worked up. Obviously, no history has been provided. Have you had an endocrine workup? Have you lifted heavy objects such that a muscle strain might have occurred?