Liposuction is the most effective treatment for armpit fat, typically costing from SGD $4,000 onwards in Singapore, depending on the doctor’s experience, etc.
March 15, 2026
Table of Contents
Gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia are two conditions that can cause male breast tissue enlargement, but they stem from different causes and present distinct characteristics. Gynecomastia is caused by enlarged glandular tissue, while pseudogynecomastia comprises only fat. Treatment options also vary.
What is Gynecomastia?
Characterisation:
A medical condition that causes the glandular tissue in the male breast to enlarge.
Classified under four grades, the most severe shows a pronounced, rounded appearance with excess skin folds. Gynecomastia also causes puffy nipples and enlarged areola.
Primary cause:
Gynecomastia is typically caused by hormonal imbalance.
Common contributing factors of gynecomastia:
Physiological stimulus, obesity and steroid abuse are the top 3 leading causes of gynecomastia.
Common symptoms:
Gynecomastia may cause discomfort, pain and severe emotional and physical distress.
Occurence:
Gynecomastia affects only those born male, at any age group:
- Affecting up to 65% of young and adult men globally
- 1 out of 2 teen boys
- 2 out of 3 men are above 50 years old.
- It can occur in one or both breasts
Neonatal and pubertal gynecomastia may resolve on its own, but adult gynecomastia is permanent.
Read more:
- How Gynecomastia Affects Men’s Chest Shape
- How Gynecomastia Look Like In Men Of Different Ages
- Adolescent Gynecomastia: Diagnosis For Teenagers With Gyneco
What is Pseudogynecomastia?
Characterisation:
Clinically known as adipomastia, pseudogynecomastia is the lateral enlargement of the male chest. Unlike gynecomastia, the breast tissues remain small or normal in size.
Primary cause:
Being overweight and obese is the main reason for pseudogynecomastia. Not a medical condition, this fatty male chest is caused by fat build-up behind and around the breast area.
Common symptoms:
Besides the area appearing puffy and full and resembling that of a female breast, pseudogynecomastia generally is not tender or sore to the touch.
Occurrence:
Genetically, men tend to accumulate fat in the chest and abdominal area as they age or become overweight. Most men with high BMI have a certain degree of pseudogynecomastia.
Read more:
- How do I know if I have gynecomastia or fat in my chest?
- Can fat freeze reduce male chest fat or gynecomastia?
- FAQ Man Boobs & Male Breast Reduction Singapore
The Pinch Test: How to Self-Assess
With your right thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the area around your areola on the left chest.
To check for gynecomastia, we are looking for a firm mass beneath the subareolar region.
That mould should measure about 2cm or more in diameter.
Repeat the steps on your right chest with your left thumb and forefinger.
While pinching, pay attention to any pain, discomfort, swelling, nipple sensitivity or discharge that may occur.
If the area you are pinching feels like soft fat located in any other part of your body with no pain or nipple sensitivity, you are likely experiencing pseudogynecomastia.
Comparison Table: Symptoms, causes, treatment options
| Feature | Gynecomastia | Pseudogyneomastia |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | Firm-like disc under subareolar Pain, tenderness Discomfort Breast swelling Nipple sensitivity Nipple discharge |
Soft subcutaneous fat |
| Occurs in 1 or both breasts | Unilateral or bilateral | Both |
| Causes | Hormonal imbalance | Weight gain |
| Treatment options | Gynecomastia surgery | First line of treatment: Lifestyle changes (Exercise & diet) Liposuction |
Can You Have Both? (Mixed presentation)
Dr Ivan Puah, Medical Director of Amaris B. Clinic, who has treated many gynecomastia patients, observed that most men who came in with complaints of pseudogynecomastia actually suffer from mixed gynecomastia.
This is because fat also stimulates the production of the aromatase enzyme, which can convert excess testosterone into estrogen and may further enlarge breast tissue (glandular tissue).
Treatment Options Compared
Gynecomastia Surgery
Unfortunately, gynecomastia cannot be eradicated solely through diet and exercise.
Each gynecomastia case is unique. The surgical approach developed by Dr Ivan Puah, called 360°GTD®, considers:
- degree of the gynecomastia
- glandular tissue-to-fat ratio
- The parenchyma distribution of the patient
He will propose an individualised approach after carefully assessing the patient's clinical condition and understanding their concerns.
Dr Ivan Puah's ultimate aim is to remove fibrous and painful glandular tissues and/or fat tissues, restoring a natural-looking masculine body shape with the smallest possible incision for his patients.
Pseudogynecomastia Treatment
Fat deposits that reside on the male chest are quite stubborn.
Generally, the first line of action that you can take to tackle pseudogynecomastia is through dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise.
It may help to a certain extent, but when it doesn't, pseudogynecomastia surgery using Dr Ivan Puah's novel approach, Modern Liposuction with MDC® Lipo Sculpt Technique, is the recommended treatment.
It is a body-contouring procedure that removes stubborn fat in the problematic area, firms the skin, and creates a more contoured, defined chest.
When to See a Doctor
Enlarged male breast tissue, either gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, can significantly affect a man's self-confidence. Due to the feminised chest appearance, they may also avoid:
- Going topless in public
- Intimacy with their partner
- Social gatherings
- Wearing fitting clothings
FAQ
Can pseudogynecomastia go away on its own?
If you notice a slight increase in your breast size due to weight gain, going on a strict diet and getting into a fitness routine may help to a certain extent.
Will exercise, like chest presses, get rid of it?
Spot toning does not work, no matter what you do. Combining weight loss with gym work cannot reduce the appearance of an enlarged male chest that involves glandular enlargement.
Will pseudogynecomastia come back after treatment?
It will not as fat removal in the chest area is permanent. To maintain your result, do not gain weight.
Is it "serious" or dangerous?
Pseudogynecomastia is not a medical condition, although it can impact self-esteem and may make one a recluse.
What are the side effects of pseudogynecomastia treatment?
You may experience temporary bruising, swelling and tenderness for a few days after your pseudogynecomastia surgery.
Does pseudogynecomastia make your nipples bigger?
It does not. Gynecomastia, on the other hand, may cause your nipples and areola to be bigger, too.
