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Schedule A ConsultationFatty Gynecomastia is also sometimes referred to in the medical community as Pseudo-Gynecomastia. The “definition” for gynecomastia that is primarily caused by excess fat is called Pseudo-Gynecomastia. Causes often include a combination of hormonal imbalance in gynecomastia and lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise. Weight loss and gynecomastia management through diet and exercise is typically recommended as the first solution, but in some cases, this is not enough. This is frequently the case when men have “love handles,” because these areas often resist weight loss efforts. Even when a man is at an ideal body weight, gynecomastia fat distribution may result in the chest area continuing to hold excess fat. In these situations, liposuction can offer an effective solution, achieving male chest contouring that is both natural and lasting.
In Dr. Cruise’s experience, this tends to be the most common question asked by patients who have done their research. The answer will vary from surgeon to surgeon. Some surgeons will tell you liposuction alone will take care of the problem. Others believe that breast tissue removal is also necessary. The truth is: It depends!
Fatty gynecomastia is caused by the accumulation of excess fat in the chest area, often due to weight gain, hormonal imbalances, or certain medications. It can also be influenced by genetics or lifestyle factors, such as a lack of exercise and a poor diet. Unlike glandular gynecomastia, fatty gynecomastia primarily involves fat tissue rather than glandular tissue.
Fatty gynecomastia involves excess fat accumulation in the chest, whereas glandular gynecomastia results from an enlargement of the breast glandular tissue. Glandular gynecomastia is often caused by hormonal imbalances, such as increased estrogen levels or decreased testosterone, while fatty is usually related to obesity or weight gain. A proper diagnosis is key to determining the type and most effective treatment.
Fatty gynecomastia can sometimes be reduced without surgery by losing weight through diet and exercise, as fat loss can help improve the chest’s appearance. However, stubborn fat deposits may remain even with significant weight loss, requiring additional treatments. For persistent cases, surgical intervention may be the most effective solution.
Non-surgical treatments for gynecomastia include weight loss through exercise and a healthy diet to target fat reduction. Hormonal therapy may be effective in some cases of glandular gynecomastia caused by hormonal imbalances. However, for purely fatty gynecomastia, non-surgical treatments may not always produce significant improvements in all patients.
Liposuction effectively treats fatty gynecomastia by removing excess fat from the chest area, improving contours, and creating a more masculine appearance. This minimally invasive procedure targets fat cells directly, leading to quicker recovery times and less scarring compared to traditional surgery. Liposuction is ideal for patients whose gynecomastia is primarily caused by excess fat rather than glandular tissue.
Classic Gynecomastia
Fatty GynecomastiaIn the above pictures, we show the main differences between Classic Gynecomastia and Fatty. The right side of each picture is virtually identical. The gynecomastia looks essentially the same on the outside. Now take a look at the cut-out view on the left side of each chest. Notice the Fatty Gynecomastia has much more fatty tissue vs glandular tissue (represented in yellow) than Classic Gynecomastia. You will also notice more glandular tissue (shown in white) with Classic Gynecomastia versus Fatty Gynecomastia. You can see that although the overall shape appears the same, the underlying causes are not identical. This is the reason some types of gynecomastia can only be determined through diagnostic methods such as a gynecomastia ultrasound or physical exam, which helps ensure that the correct treatment plan is followed.
The liposuction recovery timeline is typically shorter for patients, as this approach specifically targets excess fat. Liposuction alone works well to eliminate Fatty Gynecomastia but may leave excess breast tissue behind, which is a hallmark of Classic Gynecomastia. Removing fat without addressing glandular tissue can cause issues such as a “Puffy Nipple” appearance. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced gynecomastia surgeon, as cosmetic surgery for men demands precise techniques tailored to the individual’s needs.
Classic Gynecomastia
Fatty GynecomastiaClassic Gynecomastia is represented on the left. Notice the amount of fatty tissue in yellow. After liposuction you will see a dramatic decrease in the amount of fat, however now the breast tissue is exaggerated. This is now creating a “Puffy Nipple” appearance as shown on the right.
Notice on the profile view that there is very little, if any, breast tissue. Liposuction alone can at times be effective in treating this type of gynecomastia, but it must be done properly. Fatty tissue in the chest area is often resistant to removal, even with weight loss. This is why diet and exercise for gynecomastia may not always be sufficient. Additionally, compression garments post-liposuction are often recommended as part of post-operative care to support healing and enhance results. Whether through non-surgical gynecomastia treatments or body contouring procedures, patients can achieve a sculpted chest with the right approach.
