Gynecomastia is mainly caused by hormonal imbalance, which is the result of excess estrogen being produced. Changes surrounding sexual development in teenage boys and health issues such as thyroid problems common among men in their 50s and above are some of the causes of this hormonal imbalance. The side effects of some medications are also potential causes.
There are 4 grades when it comes to classifying gynecomastia. The mildest being a local swelling around the nipple area while the most severe is in the form of a rounded appearance akin to the features of a female breast.
In men, the fat tends to accumulate in the chest and abdomen areas. Fat amassed around the chest area usually results in a puffy or swollen appearance clinically known as lipomastia, adipomastia, or pseudogynecomastia.
When the body produces excess estrogen, the more the likelihood that excess fat will be stored. Fat also causes the body to produce the aromatase enzyme. This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen and is responsible for slowing down metabolism, which slows down the body's ability to burn fat – you will lose fat but in a lesser amount. If not addressed, this can lead to more fat being stored, causing an imbalance to the body's hormone level.
Although it may appear like gynecomastia - pseudogynecomastia is actually the accumulation of excess breast fat. Nonetheless, the term "pseudo" should not be waved off lightly as the condition is a real problem for men.
On the surface, both conditions seem alike in terms of appearance. Gynecomastia, however, is caused by the overdevelopment of glandular tissues. Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, is the result of only excess fat accumulated around the chest area.
There are simple self-check methods that one can carry out. For example, if you feel the presence of a firm mound of glandular tissue around the areola area, which is painful to the touch, then chances are you might have gynecomastia. In the case of pseudogynecomastia, the entire chest area is evenly enlarged.
Commonly, an individual can have both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
It is important to note that only a doctor via a clinical assessment is able to confirm the condition. Not all doctors can diagnose if a patient may or may not have gynecomastia. It is important to look for a doctor with experience in handling gynecomastia cases to identify.
As gynecomastia surgery involves liposuction and breast tissues removal, all doctors who are offering this service, including plastic surgeons alike, have to meet the stringent criteria set by the board and be accredited by the Ministry Of Health Singapore. Dr Ivan Puah is one of the doctors to receive the accreditation. Do make an appointment with a qualified doctor as soon as possible.
A compression garment does work - in terms of appearance. The underlying issue has to be addressed appropriately, and the first step is to schedule an appointment with a qualified doctor who is in the best position to advise on the necessary measures.
A fat and weight loss program involving specific exercises and a change in dietary habits may help reduce or relieve pseudogynecomastia to a certain extent. However, to completely eradicate this issue is via clinically proven fat reduction procedure such as Vaser Liposuction, which effectively addresses the issue and removes excess fat in the problematic area.
VASER® (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Lipo is a less invasive form of liposuction. Like liposuction, it eliminates unwanted fat, but it does so in a gentler manner by using sound energy to liquefy unwanted fat cells in targeted areas. VASER® Lipo targets areas with unwanted fat, leaving surrounding tissues undisturbed. The result is a more contoured and defined appearance.
As pseudogynecomastia is the result of an accumulation of excess fat, VASER® Lipo due to its prescribed function and précised capability, is ideal in treating the condition. Additionally, it leaves a more defined and natural-looking appearance.
Amaris B. Clinic's Medical Director, Dr Ivan Puah, is accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH) Singapore to perform liposuction. He obtained his VASER® Body Sculpting training in Colorado and Argentina.
Additionally, he also received training and guidance in syringe liposculpture, fat grafting and thread lift by renowned French plastic surgeon, Dr. Pierre Francois Fournier. He further honed his surgical skill in gynecomastia surgeries in San Francisco under the mentorship of Dr. Miguel Delgrado.