What is the difference between Gynecomastia and PseudoGynecomastia?
Chest fat or Gynecomastia?
Most people often confuse chest fat with gynecomastia. Chest fat in scientific terms is known as pseudogynecomastia. They turn to google or their gym trainers to diagnose it and end up getting depressed.
Well let’s clear some doubts today and help young men who are confused whether it is gyno or chest fat and what is the treatment for two conditions.
What is the difference between Gynecomastia and Pseudo gynecomastia?
The real difference in Gyno is that breast tissue/ gland is present around nipples along with fat deposition. Normally nipple area is small and you can see the chest muscle that is pectoralis move while you flex but in gynecomastia The nipple area is very sensitive to pain or touch and is generally seen as puffy nipple and whole chest region looks like female breast.
In pseudo gynecomastia, there is generalized fat deposition in chest and unlike gynecomastia fat deposit can extend in and around the nipple.
Science behind Gyno
As you transition from teenage to a young man body goes through various hormonal changes. Hormones are the chemicals that body releases to check growth, height, musculature and other functions.
Testosterone is known as male hormone and estrogen as female hormone. Normally in males the ratio of testosterone to estrogen is more and therefore all the manly features like beard hair, muscular body occur.
In teenagers the spike of testosterone can sometimes lead to spike of estrogen as a part of balancing mechanism. This can result in heavy chest region. In some cases after patient approaches the age of 18-20 years the hormonal balance is restored by body but in majority it can occur as
- Gynecomastia
- Pseudogynecomastia
In Indian genetics especially there is a tendency to gain fat around chest and tummy region. A simple chest to differentiate between whether it is gyno or pseudogynecomastia isto hold the chest fat especially around nipple in one hand and tummy fat in another, if you can feel that chest fat around nipple is harder in consistency than tummy fat then chances are that you might be suffering from gynecomastia.
What are the causes of gynecomastia?
1.Steroid abuse (Bodybuilders)
- Alcohol abuse (Binge drinking)
- Middle age men (Decrease testosterone levels)
- Medications (Chemotherapy etc. modulate hormones.
What is the treatment?
Gynecomastia can be easily diagnosed by a certified plastic surgeon. Important thing is you choose an experienced plastic surgeon who is well versed in body contouring surgeries. The treatment of gynecomastia is simple day care surgery through removal of fat by liposuction and gland by small keyhole incision. There are four grades of gynecomastia and treatment plan is made according to patient’s requirement.
Scar of the surgery is well hidden and therefore no can tell that you had surgery.
In pseudogynecomastia, that fat in some cases can be reduced by decreasing fat intake and following active exercise regime but in majority the fat is stubborn and refuses to go away. Liposuction in these cases can help them get rid of fat permanently and can help them lead an active lifestyle without any embarrassment.
s is a specialized body contouring procedure which is customized according to the patient needs. Dr. Anmol Chugh is leading plastic and cosmetic surgeon based in Delhi-NCR with an extensive experience of arm liposuction and other body contouring procedures. He is fellow of Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, Australia with vast experience of liposuction surgeries.
To book an appointment, call or Whatsapp : +91-9588754188