There are few events that transform your life as much as becoming a mother. As positive as this transformation might be, it can also take a toll on a woman’s body, leading to changes that they might not like. Some of them may not go away on their own. As such, mommy makeovers have become popular This set of cosmetic procedures is designed to help women feel much more confident in their post-childbirth body, so let’s take a look at what it is.
Understanding Gynecomastia and Fat
First, it’s important to understand what the two conditions are.
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of male breast tissue due to a hormonal imbalance. This medical issue involves an increase in glandular tissue (or breast issue) rather than just fat. Gynecomastia can occur in men of any age, but it is most commonly seen during puberty and later in life when hormones tend to fluctuate. It’s primarily caused by an imbalance between the hormones estrogen, which promotes breast tissue growth, and testosterone, which inhibits it. A balance in favor of estrogen in males causes breast tissue to develop. It can affect one or both breasts and may lead to tenderness and discomfort.
Fat accumulation in the chest, often referred to as pseudo gynecomastia, is the accumulation of excess fat deposits rather than an increase in glandular tissue. Usually, it’s caused by weight gain and obesity. This is typically due to lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and body fat distribution. It can seem like an increase in breast size, but the tissue feels soft and lacks the firmness associated with true gynecomastia.
Causes of Gynecomastia
There are several underlying causes, including the following:
- Hormonal Changes: A hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone is the leading cause. Both occur naturally in males, but testosterone is usually dominant. An increase in estrogen levels can stimulate breast tissue growth. Hormonal changes can happen at different stages of life.
- Puberty: The type of gynecomastia associated with puberty typically resolves on its own in a few months to a couple of years. Hormones can fluctuate a lot in this period.
- Aging: Testosterone levels naturally decline as men get older, leading to a relative increase in estrogen. This typically happens in middle-aged and older men.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, and testicular tumors, can affect hormone production and lead to gynecomastia.
- Medications: There are several medications that can cause gynecomastia as a side effect, including prostate medications, anabolic steroids, some antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, anti-ulcer drugs, some heart medications, HIV medications and more.
- Substance Use: Substances like alcohol, marijuana, heroin, and amphetamines have also been linked to the development of gynecomastia, due to how they can interfere with hormone levels.
Identifying Fat Accumulation
Fat accumulation isn’t caused by hormonal changes but by an increase in overall body fat. As such, there are several factors that can help identify it:
- Weight Gain: As fat accumulation is caused by general weight gain, changes in weight and fat distribution alongside the appearance of breast enlargement are common indicators.
- Soft Texture: Fat accumulation typically feels soft and lacks the dense, firm texture associated with gynecomastia. The chest may appear round or puffy but won’t have the defined breast tissue present in gynecomastia.
- Symmetry: Pseudogynecomastia usually affects both breasts symmetrically, as it is tied to overall fat distribution. In contrast, gynecomastia can sometimes affect only one breast.
Diagnosis and Differentiation
Diagnosing gynecomastia vs fat requires medical evaluation. A healthcare provider will examine the breast tissue to determine the cause of the issue. Typically, this starts with a physical examination, where the doctor will palpate the chest area to determine the type of issue there. As mentioned, fat accumulation typically feels softer than glandular tissue.
The doctor may check for hormonal imbalances with a blood test, focusing on the levels of testosterone and estrogen. They may also carry out imaging tests like mammograms or ultrasounds to confirm whether glandular tissue is present. All of this helps confirm whether the enlargement is due to gynecomastia or fat accumulation.
Treatment Options Explained
Due to their different causes and characteristics, different treatments work for the two conditions.
For gynecomastia, some time may be given for it to resolve on its own if it’s likely to be caused by puberty or temporary hormone fluctuations. However, if caused by a longer-term hormonal imbalance, the doctor may prescribe medications like selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or aromatase inhibitors to reduce breast tissue growth. For more severe cases, they may recommend male breast reduction surgery to remove the excess glandular tissue, and liposuction to remove excess fat.
For fat accumulation, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise to reduce overall body fat are common recommendations. Some doctors may suggest the use of weight loss medications. For fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise, liposuction may be used to remove the excess fat.
Lifestyle Changes for Management
Certain lifestyle changes can help manage or prevent both conditions, including the following:
- Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for managing the fat deposits in the chest area. Strength training exercises can also build muscle, improving the appearance of the area.
- Limiting Substance Use: Substances like alcohol, marijuana, and certain medications can contribute to the development of glandular tissue.
- Monitoring Medications: If medications are the cause of gynecomastia, speak with your healthcare provider about alternatives that may not have this side effect. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor first.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you have noticed persistent breast enlargement over several months, and there is pain or tenderness involved, you should speak to a healthcare provider immediately to rule out underlying conditions like tumors or hormone imbalances. A sudden onset or rapid size increase is also worth a doctor’s attention.
Our experienced, board certified plastic surgeons at Northland Plastic Surgery are knowledgeable on the differences between gynecomastia and fat accumulation and can help determine if you need surgery or not. Call us at (218) 724-7363 to schedule an appointment.