Some males may develop a condition known as gynecomastia in their teen years or in adulthood, which can cause breast tissue to overdevelop due to hormonal imbalances, certain medications, steroids, or genetics. Its sister condition, pseudogynecomastia, is also very common in males but with a different cause.
Pseudogynecomastia can cause feelings of body insecurity and loss of confidence. The good news is that there are specific lifestyle changes and body rejuvenation procedures available that can address enlarged male breasts.
Below, we’ll discuss pseudogynecomastia in more detail and explore how it can be corrected by consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Erica Anderson.
What Is Pseudogynecomastia?
Pseudogynecomastia is often grouped together with gynecomastia as a condition that can cause the formation of additional breast tissue in males; however, there are some key differences in the two conditions.
Pseudogynecomastia is primarily caused by a buildup of extra fat in the chest region that can resemble female breasts. It’s usually caused by excess body weight gain rather than common hormonal imbalances found in gynecomastia, which can start during puberty if there’s excess estrogen being stored in the body.
How Is Pseudogynecomastia Diagnosed?
To distinguish between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia, a doctor can examine the chest to see what kind of excess breast tissue is present. If further evaluation is required, an ultrasound can be performed to check whether or not the tissue is glandular. If the extra tissue is soft to the touch and not generally tender or painful, it is most likely the result of pseudogynecomastia.
How Common Is Pseudogynecomastia?
Pseudogynecomastia is quite common in men, with most having some excess fat in the chest region at one point or another. This is usually due to weight gain or genetics and affects up to 70% of the male population. The good news is that if the condition isn’t hormonal, it can be easier to manage through diet and exercise.
How Is Pseudogynecomastia Treated?
There are differences in treatment options depending on whether a patient is dealing with gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia. With gynecomastia, hormone tests may be required to rule out abnormalities. Anti-estrogen medications may be helpful if the condition doesn’t resolve itself in adulthood.
If the condition is diagnosed as pseudogynecomastia, diet and exercise may be recommended first to see if the condition improves due to weight loss. Targeted exercises like push-ups and bench presses can help build the pectoral muscles, giving them a tighter appearance. If this method doesn’t work, there are other treatments available.
Another option is liposuction. The procedure removes excess fat, leaves minimal scarring, and allows for quick improvement of the overall appearance of the chest. Liposuction also has a generally fast recovery period.
Can Pseudogynecomastia Be Corrected with Surgery?
The short answer is, yes. If diet and exercise aren’t enough to correct the condition, excision of the tissue can be an effective way to remove the appearance of excess breast tissue. A plastic surgeon who is well-versed in reconstructive breast surgeries, like Dr. Anderson, can do additional work to reshape the nipples as well, making them appear more masculine and proportionate.
Am I a Good Candidate for Pseudogynecomastia Surgery?
Like with any body rejuvenation procedure, there are some general guidelines to consider if you’re considering surgery for pseudogynecomastia:
- You’re generally in good physical and mental health
- You’re at a stable body weight
- You’re a non-smoker, or you’re able to quit several weeks before and after surgery
- You don’t have certain medical conditions that can delay healing
- You have realistic expectations for your procedure
- You understand that any surgery can carry its own set of risks
What Does Pseudogynecomastia Surgery Recovery Look Like?
If Dr. Anderson recommends the surgical route, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Just like other body contouring procedures, there will be some swelling, bruising, and general soreness near the incision areas for the first week. It may take several weeks for additional swelling to resolve, and compression garments must be worn for about six weeks. It’s also recommended to take at least one week off work and avoid any strenuous activities and heavy lifting for up to four weeks, depending on your rate of recovery. During this time, it’s important to closely follow the recommendations of your surgeon.
If you’re a male with excess breast tissue and want to learn more about body rejuvenation, it’s important to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss potential treatment options. Together, you can come up with a plan and decide if surgery is the best option for restoring your confidence and reaching your aesthetic goals.
Dr. Anderson’s Approach to Treating Pseudogynecomastia
Dr. Erica Anderson is a breast and body contouring specialist at McLean Plastic Surgery and is one of a few female plastic surgeons based in northern Virginia. She is board-certified and has been practicing and honing her craft for 20 years. During your consultation, she will discuss your medical history, perform a physical examination, and review your options for pseudogynecomastia correction surgery, tailoring the procedure to your unique anatomy and lifestyle.
If you’re interested in a consultation for any type of breast procedure with Dr. Anderson, call our office at (703) 893-1111 or complete our online form, and a member of our team will contact you.
