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Schedule A ConsultationAlthough gynecomastia has always affected a significant number of men, it’s only in recent years that the plastic surgery community has given this condition a growing amount of attention, shedding light on the toll it takes on men’s self-confidence. Rather than hiding their body and feeling ashamed of how they look, people who are treated for gynecomastia experience permanent relief and a more masculine chest that better reflects their true identity.
But as awareness of this condition is still relatively low, men who may know about gynecomastia may not realize there are many different types—all of which can be treated by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Joseph Cruise. Let’s take a look at what each type of gynecomastia looks like so you can get the treatment you need for your unique body type.
A fairly self-explanatory term for this type of gynecomastia, puffy nipple is characterized by an oversized and often shiny areola that over-projects from the rest of the chest. This type is most commonly found in young people ages 15–25.
Type 2 gynecomastia has excess breast tissue that creates the appearance of a more full, rounded chest, albeit with relatively tight skin. Although type 2 can also include a puffy nipple, the difference between type 2 and type 1 gynecomastia is a greater amount of fatty tissue that covers the underlying muscle.
If you notice a small amount of breast roll, that is, when the nipple is below the pectoral muscle, you may have type 3 gynecomastia. Excess chest tissue creates a slight sag over the chest fold, which also stretches the skin, resulting in skin laxity.
Excess breast tissue and increased skin laxity results in more exaggerated breast rolls. Moderate breast roll includes chest tissue that falls below the line of the armpit. Men in their 40s to 60s are the most common demographic for this type of gynecomastia.
A breast roll becomes type 5 gynecomastia when the nipple is below two centimeters below the chest fold. It’s also characterized by excessive skin laxity around the chest fold that extends to the back of the armpits, but not the back. This type is common in people who are overweight or have recently lost a lot of weight.
The most severe type of gynecomastia, type 6, is the result of excessive amount of skin on the chest and back. There is little to no definition of the chest muscle or tissue, and the loose skin creates a fold that extends all the way to the back.
Are you looking for a better-looking you? Don’t waste another day feeling ashamed of the way you look shirtless—contact LA Gynecomastia today. Our skilled staff members led by Dr. Cruise are the best in the business at correcting all kinds of gynecomastia. Start your journey to a more masculine chest by calling us at (323) 488-4419 or scheduling a virtual consultation online.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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