Gynecomastia or chest fat? (Photo)

Question

Lost 30 pounds I'm now 133 and my height is 5'5 ft, I'm 16, my "manboobs" were way more pronounced now they are smaller but I don't know if this fat or not, I'm pretty sure it's gynecomastia cuz I feel a mass behind my nipple, is surgery in evitable?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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. 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. Weight, and more specifically body mass index (BMI), need to be considered when deciding.Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is highly suggested in order to determine if you are a surgery candidate and what treatments are best for you.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

And thank you for the photos.  Weight loss can result in excess skin.  There is probably still some fat and glandular tissue.  If skin doesn't retract after weight loss then your best option may be surgery.  A good start is a consult from a board certified plastic surgeon. More information is available in the link attached.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Good for you, great accomplishment!I appreciate your concern, but physical exam would be helpful. However, your photo demonstrates possibly mild Gynecomastia which is usually treated by liposuction alone. The scars are small and well hidden. Insurance may or may not cover it, depends on your policy. Check out the link below to an article I wrote about Gynecomastia, as you may find it helpful. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon in your area, good luck!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Good job on your weight loss! If you have had your "manboobs" for two years or more, it is most likely that they are permanent and can only be removed by surgery. Be sure to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in gynecomastia. Good luck!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Congrats on your weight loss. You do appear to have gynecomastia, but yours is a small volume as opposed to many of my patients. If you wish to have your breast tissue gone and a flat chest, then surgery is your only option. Most of the tissue can probably be liposuctioned, but the thicker nodule will perhaps need a small incision around the lower edge of your areola.  Good  luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your significant weight loss; you should be proud of this accomplishment!  Given that you "feel a mass", it is likely that you are dealing with gynecomastia. 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 surgery 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.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Congratulations on loosing weight. Physical exam will be helpful. If you feel mass behind nipple it is more likely glandular tissue needs excision.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

With a 30 lb weight loss it may be loose skin. But if you feel tissue underneath the areola, it could be gynecomastia.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your questions and photos.  It's great that you have been able to lose that 30 pounds!  If the tissue that you are feeling is directly behind the nipple and is quite firm, then it is likely breast tissue and you have gynecomastia.  If it has been present for more that 18-24 months and has not changed despite your weight loss, you will likely need surgical correction if the appearance of your chest bothers you.  After discussing with your parents, please seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area should you wish to pursue a male breast reduction.  Best wishes!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Congrats on the weight loss.  If you are feeling a mass behind your nipple, most likely you have gynecomastia.  See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for an exam to discuss your options.

Gynecomastia or chest fat? (Photo)

Answers (12)