Grades of Gynecomastia, The Standard Evaluation
Grades of gynecomastia are classified into four categories. The grades are determined by the volume of breast tissue and skin laxity.
Half of all men or more will have to deal with gynecomastia or male breast enlargement at some point in their life. One of the major causes of breast enlargement is for young men as they go through puberty. Fortunately for most, their breasts will return to normal within a couple of months to a couple of years. For others, surgery may be the only solution.
The Severity of Gynecomastia Varies
Gynecomastia comes in several degrees of severity. It can also affect one or both breasts. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there are four grades to help with identification.
• Grade I: severity mild, localized tissue felt just below the areola
• Grade II: severity mild to high, breast enlargement exceeds the boundaries of the areola without excess skin
• Grade III: severity high and visible, exceeding the boundaries of the areola with excess skin
• Grade IV: severity high and visibly feminine with excess skin
Gynecomastia affects each patient differently. In addition to various sizes and severity, the shape of the breasts may differ, and in some cases may be of conical shape. For some men, each breast may develop differently. A male breast reduction specialist is able to make the breasts of equal size.
Gynecomastia Causes Emotional Problems
Gynecomastia is not physically dangerous; however, it can be the cause of low self-esteem and other emotional problems. Finding a gynecomastia specialist can be a challenge, do your homework, make sure your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery, and view many before and after pictures, and read online reviews.
With the different grades of gynecomastia, men need to realize the surgery is not one size fits all. Each case is individual and the approach for surgery must be customized. The cost of surgery will vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Contact a Gynecomastia Specialist!
If you are in the Bay Area, call Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. at (415) 898-4161 for any gynecomastia issues. Dr. Delgado has been treating men with male breasts since 1989; his reputation has grown nationwide and worldwide. Many men travel from all parts of the United States and around the world to see Dr. Delgado, see the generous travel package offered to his patients.
MIGUEL DELGADO, M.D.
Dr. Delgado, MD is a world-recognized plastic surgeon and specialist in the treatment of male breast enlargement, also called gynecomastia. He has developed new techniques and owns and operates gynecomastia.org, which has become the largest gynecomastia forum in the world. Dr. Delgado holds the two most coveted credentials; the certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery.