Gynecomastia vs. Fat Chest: Identify and Choose the Right Treatment

Gynecomastia is much different than a fat chest as it will not respond to the modifications you make in your diet and lifestyle. Gynecomastia develops when there is an abnormal level of glandular tissue growth. The key reason behind the enlargement of glandular tissue is an imbalance in hormones. Men tend to have concerns when their chest becomes noticeable and enlarged, making them seek the best methods for eliminating it. The perfect treatment option for male breast reduction will help achieve a flat chest featuring well-defined pectorals. Keep reading to learn how to identify the differences between Gynecomastia and fat chest before you consult a plastic surgeon.

Man Boobs Aren’t Always Gynecomastia

Enlarged breast of men or man boobs is not always a symptom related to Gynecomastia, which develops due to the excess growth of male glandular tissue [1]. Gynecomastia occurs when there is an imbalance in male and female hormones, an increase in body weight, and taking specific medications. Most often, mam boobs develop due to accumulated fat cells, a medical condition called pseudoGynecomastia [2].

Other contributing factors of pseudoGynecomastia are excess muscle formation in your chest, body composition variations, and bad posture. You need to have a better understanding of the causes of your breast enlargement and distinguish Gynecomastia from fat chest, as the treatments for each condition are different. You can get diagnosed by an experienced doctor to determine the effective treatment to address breast enlargement and to get rid of the psychological stress associated with it.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia or male breast tissue enlargement occurs when you have very low testosterone or high levels of estrogen. Such fluctuations in hormones will contribute to excess growth of male glandular tissue in the chest, rather than fat. Gynecomastia can be detected on both sides or one side of your chest. It is commonly found in teenagers during puberty, middle-aged men, and the elderly. Though not a serious health issue, Gynecomastia can have an impact on your mental well-being. The causes of Gynecomastia might be:

• Hormone level changes during puberty
• Extreme weight gain
• Issues related to kidney or liver
• Too much consumption of drugs or alcohol
• Taking medications like antidepressant pills or steroids

What is Chest Fat (PseudoGynecomastia)?

PseudoGynecomastia is mostly characterized by the enlargement of the male breast due to excess fat and not due to enlarged glandular tissue. It is commonly found in obese males with a high BMI [3], making it a cosmetic issue instead of a hormone-triggered condition. Accumulation of excess fat tissue in the chest region makes it soft and smooth to touch. You will not feel any lump-like texture or enlarged glandular tissue. The chest fat would reduce and increase based on the changes in your body weight. The causes of PseudoGynecomastia are:

• Diet with poor nutrition
• No Workouts
• Presence of high amount of body fat
• Sedentary lifestyle

Unlike Gynecomastia, it is possible to lower the effects of PseudoGynecomastia through cardio workouts, strength training workout sessions, and proper diet. However, it is important to get a personalized weight management plan from your doctor to stay fit.

Key Differences Between Gynecomastia and Fat Chest

It can be a challenging task to differentiate between fat chest and Gynecomastia without consulting your doctor. Though both these chest-related issues might be similar, a closer look would reveal that they have unique traits. You can identify the key differences between Gynecomastia and PseudoGynecomastia through the following ways.

1. Symmetrical Look and Shape of Chest

• Gynecomastia: The traits of Gynecomastia include breast enlargement in a conical or round shape just below your nipple area. The chest will have a pointed and protruded look. Your breasts might have an asymmetrical proportion with one side’s growth higher than the other.
• Fat Chest: If your breast has more fat cells, it will be softer and look broader with widespread fat in the chest region. Your chest would be symmetrical as the fat distribution would be even like other body parts.

2. Sensitivity and Discomfort

• Gynecomastia: Experiencing tenderness near the nipple and chest is a tell-tale symptom of Gynecomastia. If you touch the skin near the areola and nipple, it will be sensitive and sore. Such discomfort occurs owing to the chest tissue enlargement contributed by hormonal changes.
• Fat Chest: Excess fat tissue’s presence in the chest region will not cause discomfort like pain or sensitivity. The fatty tissue will be free from pain and will feel soft when you press it.

3. Hormonal Influence

• Gynecomastia: Gynecomastia is usually a result of changes in the hormone levels in your body due to an underlying health condition or phases of life. As you age, you may experience an imbalance in hormones like low libido levels and a decline in muscle mass.
• Fat Chest: PseudoGynecomastia is commonly connected to your lifestyle and body weight and is not influenced by hormone levels. This condition triggered by chest fat is mostly found in men having high body fat levels due to a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Stage of Life and Age

• Gynecomastia: Men are prone to experience high and low levels of hormonal changes as they go through a transition during each life stage, which can lead to Gynecomastia. Fluctuations in estrogen or testosterone levels occur when you pass through puberty to old age. However, Gynecomastia in teenagers is a temporary condition, as it will go away after the adolescent stage. However, elderly males will face Gynecomastia due to the fall in testosterone levels.
• Fat Chest: As PseudoGynecomastia occurs due to the increasing number of fat cells, it will decrease with weight loss and increase with weight gain, irrespective of your age.

Self-Assessment: How to Identify What You Have

The effective method to find out whether you have Gynecomastia or PseudoGynecomastia is by performing a pinch test.

Pinch Test for Gynecomastia

Locate the area just below your nipple and gently pinch it using two fingers. Check whether you can feel a small disc-like lump that is rubbery and firm, which indicates Gynecomastia. If your fingers are pinching a button-like lump, it indicates the presence of glandular tissue that has become dense and enlarged.

Pinch Test for PseudoGynecomastia

When you pinch the muscle beneath your nipple, you must feel soft flesh with a smooth texture indicating the presence of chest fat. Ensure there isn’t any rubber-like lump in the disc shape to rule out Gynecomastia.

If you are uncertain or have doubts even after performing a pinch test, consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to treat Gynecomastia at the earliest.

Diagnosis: When to See a Specialist

While mild level Gynecomastia might resolve as soon as your son crosses the puberty stage, there are a few specific signs that might require immediate medical attention. You must seek medical attention of a specialist if you face the following situations:

• Persistent Lumps: If the Gynecomastia lump in the chest region stays firm for several months, it is essential to make an appointment with a male breast reduction specialist.
• Change in Size and Shape of Chest: If you notice some changes in your chest shape and size, or if becomes unsightly, it can be an indicator of a chronic issue.
• Nipple Tenderness: If you are not able to wear clothes or touch your nipple area due to increased pain and tenderness, get it checked by a Gynecomastia specialist to address it.
• Discharge from Nipple: If you find nipple discharge in a watery texture or milk white colour, it is necessary to visit your healthcare provider.

Treatment Options for Gynecomastia vs. Chest Fat

For effective management of Gynecomastia or PseudoGynecomastia, you might require personalized treatment options offered by Akruti Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Centre. Though fat chest condition can be rectified through lifestyle modifications, weight loss plans, and diet, Gynecomastia requires surgical procedures to address it [4].

Gynecomastia Treatment

1. Liposuction Surgery: This surgical technique will be suggested by your surgeon to remove excess fat accumulated in your chest [5]. It is performed by sending a small tube through a tiny incision to suck out the excess fat.
2. Excision Approach: This surgical option is helpful when your chest has a lot of glandular tissue in the chest [6]. The tissue removal is performed through tiny incisions and the chest is reshaped for the perfect look.
3. Combination Method: Your doctor would suggest a combination approach including the excision method and liposuction to derive optimum results without much scarring.
4. Adjustment of Areola and Nipple: Sometimes, your surgeon would use this method to achieve a naturally looking chest by repositioning or resizing the areola or nipple.

PseudoGynecomastia Treatment

1. Cosmetic Procedures: For people who find it difficult to address stubborn fat in the chest region despite dieting and workouts, cosmetic or medical procedures like liposuction will help achieve a sculpted chest.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments: Your doctor will help you achieve weight loss and fat loss by offering custom weight loss plan for a calorie deficit diet and physical activity to cut down chest fat.