Pseudogynecomastia is defined by the growth of the male chest area, providing the appearance of breasts, which can cause embarrassment or discomfort in men. It is also known as lipomastia or adipose gynecomastia. Pseudogynecomastia is mostly brought on by an increase in fat deposits in the chest area, as opposed to genuine gynecomastia, which is a result of the growth of breast glandular tissue. It may be linked to things like genetic predisposition, poor eating habits, obesity, and exercise. True gynecomastia has a harder, rubbery, or glandular texture beneath the nipple, but pseudogynecomastia feels soft and fatty to the touch. In some cases, pseudogynecomastia, or stubborn chest fat, can improve with weight loss or exercise, but in most cases, surgery can help improve the appearance of male breasts. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Solomon Azouz and Dr. David Azouz have extensive experience in treating pseudogynecomastia and gynecomastia with male breast reduction surgery in Dallas.

What is the difference between pseudogynecomastia and gynecomastia?

There are some clear distinctions between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. “True gynecomastia” is characterized by the development of real glandular breast tissue in men, which causes a solid or rubbery lump to form behind the nipple. Gynecomastia can typically be caused by hormone imbalances, substances or medications, or genetics. On the other hand, males who develop pseudogynecomastia experience an accumulation of extra stubborn chest fat that resembles female breasts. The main characteristic that sets pseudogynecomastia apart is that it is mainly caused by excess fat deposits, which give the affected area a mushy feel to the touch. It’s frequently associated with things like genetic predisposition, obesity, poor eating habits, and a lack of exercise. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz finds that most men have both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia in varying proportions. In either case, Dr. Azouz uses a combination of techniques to remove stubborn fat and glandular breast tissue.

Pseudogynecomastia versus Gynecomastia Symptoms

Why do most men have both Gyno and Pseudogyno?

Gynecomastia in all its forms can be very bothersome to men of all ages. With heavy workouts, both pseudo gyno and gyno can actually appear worse because the pec muscles will often “push out” the gynecomastia tissue. This can be very frustrating to guys who would often appear as a heavier guy with breasts than a thin guy with breasts. Fatty tissue can also be trapped within gynecomastia tissue, making it extremely difficult to lose.

The Link Between Gynecomastia, Pseudo Gynecomastia and Obesity

Obesity can be linked to gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia due to hormonal imbalances and fat buildup. Gynecomastia, which is frequently associated with obesity, is caused by hormonal changes, presumably due to higher estrogen levels relative to testosterone. In males, hormonal imbalances can accelerate the growth of glandular breast tissue. Similarly, pseudogynecomastia, or the buildup of chest fat, is strongly related to obesity. Excessive body fat, which is frequent in obese people, causes fat deposits in the chest area, which contributes to the appearance of pseudogynecomastia. While not all obese people may experience these conditions, it is important to remember that maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise will help lower the likelihood of developing pseudogynecomastia and gynecomastia while also improving general health.

Pseudo gynecomastia and Gynecomastia run in Families

Genetic factors may play a role in the development of gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. In the case of gynecomastia, genetic predisposition can alter an individual’s hormone receptor sensitivity and response. This means that some men may have a genetic make-up that makes them more prone to hormonal imbalances, such as high estrogen levels compared to testosterone, which can lead to glandular breast tissue formation. Similarly, pseudogynecomastia can have a genetic component in terms of a person’s tendency to collect excess fat in specific regions, such as the chest. Genes can influence a person’s general body fat distribution, making some people more prone to depositing stubborn fat in the chest region.

You are not alone; Pseudogynecomastia and Gynecomastia affect as many as 1 in 2 men

Pseudogynecomastia and gynecomastia are both very common conditions. More than half of all men will experience excess chest fat at some point in their lifetime. Liposuction and body contouring are among the most common cosmetic surgery procedures for men. More than 30,000 men will decide to proceed with liposuction each year in order to remove chest fat that does not improve with diet and exercise.

Pseudogynecomastia Surgery and Body Contouring in Dallas

In some men, weight loss and exercise can help with pseudogynecomastia, but in most cases, stubborn chest fat improves with surgery with a male breast reduction. Non-surgical body sculpting typically has very little effect because the tissue is resistant to any form of treatment other than surgery. Removal of pseudogynecomastia surgery is performed as a day surgery with a minimally invasive and drainless technique through a camouflage incision. Using liposuction, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz recontours the chest, addressing chest asymmetry and puffy nipples for a more masculine appearance. Dr. Azouz can also sculpt the sides of the chest and armpits.

Loose skin with Pseudo Gynecomastia

Patients with skin laxity, or loose skin, may need skin excision in the future; however, with a variety of specialized liposuction techniques, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz is able to minimize the need for a second surgery to remove loose skin.

What happens after pseudogynecomastia surgery?

Pseudogynecomastia surgery is often associated with a rapid recovery and is generally not painful for the vast majority of men. The surgery is usually performed with local and regional anesthetics and deep sedation, meaning the patients do not remember the surgery. The local and regional anesthetics can help control pain even after the procedure. Dr. Azouz will recommend specific compression garments to help with swelling after surgery. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz will monitor your progress with routine follow-up appointments after surgery for the best natural results.

Combining Pseudogynecomastia surgery with Liposuction of the Abdomen: “The Daddy Do Over”

Typically, “Daddy Do Over” refers to liposuction of the chest and abdomen. Men with pseudogynecomastia often have lipodystrophy in other areas, including the neck and jawline, the abdomen, and the sides of the torso. Removal of a double chin and body contouring of the abdomen and flanks are often combined with pseudogynecomastia removal.
Liposuction and the removal of chest fat can be combined with a variety of other cosmetic procedures, including:

• Liposuction of the abdomen, lateral chest wall, flanks (love handles), neck, chin, jawline, arms, muffin top, obliques, sides, waist, and armpits
• Blepharoplasty: eyelid surgery to remove puffiness and sagging around the upper and lower eyelids
• Face lift to improve the aging of the face by tightening the skin and muscles of the face and neck
• Rhinoplasty to reshape the nose for both functional and cosmetic purposes
• Otoplasty or ear pinning to reshape large, outstanding ears
• Chin Liposuction to enhance the appearance of the chin, neck, and jawline

If you are living with pseudogynecomastia, Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery can help you. Board-certified and highly experienced in treating pseudogynecomastia, Dr. Azouz’s caring and compassionate treatment makes him one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in Dallas, and people travel from all over Texas and the country for his skill and artistry. Contact the office today to schedule a consultation for pseudogynecomastia treatment.