Pseudogynecomastia vs Gynecomastia. What is the difference? Made Simple!
Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia are two conditions that affect the male excess breast tissue. Both involve enlargement of the breasts due to an imbalance in male hormone and levels, but they have different causes and treatments. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between gynecomastia, which are conditions that cause enlarged breasts.
These two gynecomastia conditions have different causes, evaluations, and treatments. While gynecomastia is often caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body, pseudogynecomastia occurs when excess fat accumulates around the breast area resulting in enlarged male breasts. Understanding the differences between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia can be critical in selecting suitable treatment options. Dr. Delgado is a world-renowned gynecomastia specialist with extensive experience in gynecomastia and pseduogynecomastia, making him well-qualified to evaluate and treat gynecomastia and both conditions effectively.
Causes of Gynecomastia vs Pseudogynecomastia
Gynecomastia is an endocrine disorder that occurs when there is an imbalance of male hormones and hormones in the body. This hormonal imbalance results in the development of glandular breast tissue, which causes male breasts to enlarge and become feminine-like. On the other hand, pseudogynecomastia is caused by fat tissue build-up around the breasts. It can occur in overweight men with excess fat deposits around their chest area, even if there are no imbalances in their hormone levels.
Grades of gynecomastia
Knowing what grade of gynecomastia you are facing is essential before starting treatment. Grade 1 gynecomastia refers to mild breast enlargement because of glandular tissue with little or no excess skin; grade 2 gynecomastia refers to moderate growth with loose skin; and grade 3 and 4 gynecomastia describes severe enlargement accompanied by extra skin. Dr. Delgado has extensive experience helping men of all gynecomastia grades reduce their symptoms and achieve a more masculine-looking chest.
Evaluation of gynecomastia vs pseudogynecomastia
Evaluation of gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Dr. Delgado may perform the pinch test, which involves gently pinching the affected area to check for the firmness of the tissue, to help differentiate the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. Gynecomastia typically involves more solid glandular tissue, while pseudogynecomastia results in more flabby fat tissue from weight gain. Other tests such as hormone levels, chest ultrasounds, and X-rays may be necessary if gynecomastia is suspected, but the physical exam is inconclusive.
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels in the body, leading to excessive growth of male breast tissue. Treatment for gynecomastia often involves hormone therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Pseudogynecomastia does not include any glandular tissue growth; it’s an accumulation of fat deposits around the nipples that resemble true gynecomastia, usually caused by obesity or weight gain due to poor diet or lack of exercise. Liposuction can be used as a treatment option for pseudogynecomasia if extra fat is causing enlarged male breasts in this case.
Dr. Delgado takes a comprehensive approach when diagnosing gynecological issues like gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia; his detailed diagnostic process ensures that each patient receives personalized and appropriate treatment, tailored to their needs. He utilizes physical exams and advanced imaging techniques like X-rays and ultrasounds to evaluate gynecological conditions to ensure accurate diagnosis and successful treatment outcomes. His expertise in gynecology and pseudogynecology makes him uniquely qualified to help men reduce their symptoms and achieve a more masculine-looking chest through medications, lifestyle modifications, surgery, and other treatments depending on the severity of their condition.
Treatment options for gynecomastia vs pseudogynecomastia
Beyond his diagnostic and treatment capabilities, Dr. Delgado also provides comprehensive education about gynecomastia conditions certain medications and treatments. In addition, he takes the time to speak with each patient about their concerns to develop an effective treatment plan that works for them.
At Plastic Surgery by Dr. Delgado, we understand that to treat gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia it will be challenging to manage without professional help. We are here to provide an appropriate range of treatments to address both conditions.
Chest fat removal with liposuction
Excess fat tissue with liposuction is one option for treating pseudogynecomastia. This procedure involves the removal of residual fatty tissue from the chest area, leaving you with a more sculpted chest contour. It is important to note that this treatment may not be suitable for individuals with large amounts of fatty tissue, excess skin, or grade 3 or 4 gynecomastia but is ideal for grades 1 and 2.
Pull-through procedure
The pull-through is a male breast reduction technique for gynecomastia, but not pseudogynecomastia. During this procedure, excess glandular tissue is removed from the chest area through a 5 mm incision; the gland is undermined from the skin above and tissue below the surgical excision, and the gland and excess tissue is pulled through the small incision. The incision placement and length make the incision nearly invisible.
Double incision mastectomy with free nipple graft
In grade 3 and 4 gynecomastia cases, Dr. Delgado may suggest a double incision mastectomy with a free nipple graft. This technique involves two large incisions in the chest area to remove excess saggy skin and body fat resulting in improved contours and symmetry of the chest wall and nipples.
Pseudogynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia, which is caused by fatty deposits, can be treated with liposuction. However, men often have grade 3 or 4 due to obesity, and skin excision may be required.
At Plastic Surgery by Dr. Delgado, we are committed to providing treatments that give you the best possible results for your case of gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Delgado today to discuss which treatment option is right for you.
For individuals experiencing pseudogynecomastia due to obesity, Dr. Delgado may recommend liposuction in conjunction with skin excision to achieve the best results. During this procedure, small incisions are made around the chest area, and excess fat is removed using liposuction.
Dr. Delgado wants to emphasize that weight loss or to lose weight can improve the chest contour and overall, general health. The excess adipose tissue is stubborn fat deposits and cannot be targeted in the specific area. The enlarged breast fat tissue resolves by total weight loss.
What is the recovery from gynecomastia or pseduogynecomastia surgery?
The recovery period after gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia surgery is typically relatively short. Patients may experience some tenderness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the area where the incisions have been made or the drain site. Still, these symptoms should subside over a relatively short amount of time. Dr. Delgado will provide instructions regarding activity levels during recovery and managing any pain you may experience. Depending on the extent of the procedure, patients may need to abstain from strenuous physical activity, like exercise, for 4 – 6 weeks as part of their recovery process. Additionally, wearing a supportive garment, such as a compression shirt, can help reduce inflammation and swelling and ensure proper healing and recovery following surgery.
Overall, it is essential for those recovering from gynecomastia or pseudo gynecomastia surgery to follow Dr. Delgado’s instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful recovery. Additionally, patients must call Dr. Delgado’s office immediately if they experience any concerning symptoms such as fever, excessive pain, swelling, or redness around the incision site. With proper care and the right attitude, individuals can expect to make a full recovery.
Meet DR. DELGADO
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Delgado is an award-winning gynecomastia surgeon with 30+ years of experience treating some of the most complicated cases of male breast growth around the world. He is also the owner and operator of Gynecomastia.org, the largest gynecomastia forum in the world that has the goals of educating, supporting, and offering guidance to those men and families affected. Dr. Delgado is an expert in the field and donates his time toward both the treatment of gynecomastia and the advocacy of education in the surgical community.
VIEW FULL BIOWhy have Dr. Delgado perform your Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Dr. Delgado is renowned for his expertise in gynecomastia treatment and pseudo gynecomastia treatments. His vast knowledge covers treatment options, from minimally invasive liposuction to complete surgical resection. He applies advanced techniques to help patients achieve the desired outcome with minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time. In addition, he pays close attention to each patient’s needs and concerns, providing customized care that yields optimal results.
In addition to his extensive experience in gynecomastia surgery, Dr. Delgado has also developed groundbreaking protocols for preventing and treating postoperative complications after surgery. His innovative approaches have enabled him to reduce healing times while achieving excellent results with minimal downtime. This commitment to excellence has earned him countless positive reviews from patients who cite his skillful precision and compassion throughout their recovery process.
Dr. Delgado’s expertise and dedication to patient care were recently highlighted when he was voted Best Plastic Surgeon by San Francisco Magazine in 2022– a testament to his unrivaled talent as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the city.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia?
Simple, true gynecomastia is the development of breast tissue much like female breasts caused by alteration hormone balance between testosterone and estrogen. Psuedogynecomastia is a fat accumulation due to being overweight.
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.