Gynecomastia or something else? Is surgery the only option? (photos)

Question

I was in the 7th grade and horseplaying around (WWF-days). Unfortunately for for, I hit my chest on the corner of the desk and felt a sharp, dull pain. I stopped, felt around and you guessed—started to play around again. I hit the opposite nipple on the desk corner again. Stop, checked and continued. 18 years later, they not subsided. Is surgery the ONLY way or is there an alternative? If surgery, what kind, if you will? Thank you.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Yes, you do have gynecomastia, and surgery is the only method of correction that works. The correction is permanent, and patients are uniformly elated with the procedure.In my opinion, I would go for it. Put the issue behind you once and for all.Thank you for your question and photos, and good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Accurate diagnosis would necessitate physical examination. It IS important to differentiate  as uncomfortable as gynecomastia ( excess breast tissue) from lipomastia ( otherwise known as pseudo-gynecomastia or excess adipose tissue of chest wall). Treatment will differ depending on diagnosis. Having said that, based on your history and photographs, I think it is very likely that you do have gynecomastia. Most patients with gynecomastia benefit from direct excision of glandular tissue plus/minus peripheral liposuction surgery.
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. Best wishes.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes it appears you have gynecomastia. Surgery is the way to correct this. See a plastic surgeon who does this kind of work. Good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  From your pictures alone it appears that you have a mild case of gynecomastia that would best be treated by surgery.  A small incision can be made along the lower border of each areola and the underlying gland that is causing the "puffy" appearance can be removed.  Hope this helps.

Joshua Kreithen, MD · Answer

Dear Ripper,
A simple excision procedure will give you good results. There's really no good alternative. A small incision is placed under your areola and the excess is removed, then closed with sutures. Recovery is a couple weeks of taking it easy.  Hope this helps and good luck!

Gynecomastia or something else? Is surgery the only option? (photos)

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Answer: Gynecomastia or something else? Is surgery the only option?

Answer: Gynecomastia or something else? Is surgery the only option?

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Gynecomastia or something else? Is surgery the only option? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Gynecomastia or something else? Is surgery the only option?

Answer: Gynecomastia or something else? Is surgery the only option?

Answer: Gynecomastia

Answer: Gynecomastia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.