How gynecomastia can affect your teenage son psychologically
Your teenager may be uncomfortable discussing enlarged male breasts but if it isn’t checked and sorted, it can affect him psychologically and physically.
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.
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.
Poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices easily contribute to a host of issues, including weight gain and the accumulation of excess fat. Excess fat often results in a slower metabolism, testosterone levels, and aromatase production. The aromatase enzyme converts testosterone to estrogen.
Men produce estrogen, albeit at a lower level compared to women. When a man’s body produces excess estrogen, the more likely that excess fat will be stored. An area where this excess is usually more prevalent is the chest or breast. This is what commonly causes pseudogynecomastia.
When the body produces excess estrogen, it is more likely 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 lesser amounts. If not addressed, this can lead to more fat being stored, causing an imbalance in the body’s hormone level.
An increased estrogen level in men also results in loss of muscle mass, fatigue and mood swings.
Low testosterone levels cause an increase in fat storage as the body’s fat-burning capability is reduced.
This results in weight gain and the production of excess estrogen. One common sign of low testosterone is a decrease in libido. Frequent fatigue is also a sign in men.
While at a glance, gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia may appear similar, they have distinct causes and characteristics.
Gynecomastia
Characterised by the overdevelopment of glandular tissue in the chest, which may or may not be accompanied by excess fat.
Pseudogynecomastia
Primarily caused by an accumulation of excess fat around the chest area.
While the self-check methods below can provide some insights, they are not definitive indicators of these conditions. For an accurate diagnosis and professional assessment, it is strongly advised to consult a doctor who is experienced in treating gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
Treatments | Gynecomastia | Pseudogynecomastia |
---|---|---|
Factors | Characterised by the growth of actual breast tissue resulting from hormonal imbalance | Defined by the enlargement of breasts primarily caused by an excess accumulation of fat tissue |
How to differentiate | Presenting as a firm tissue mass beneath the areola, distinguishable from the surrounding fatty tissue | Not characterised by a mass under the nipple and the breast feels uniformly soft |
Common causes | Triggered by hormonal fluctuations, specifically changes in androgen and estrogen levels in the body | Develops as a consequence of excessive fat deposits around and within the breasts |
Treatment options | Surgical interventions like liposuction and gland excision are common treatments | Managed through lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet and exercise |
For individuals struggling with excess fat in the chest area, the first course of action often involves embarking on a well-structured diet and exercise program aimed at losing excess chest fat. However, despite consistent efforts to adopt a healthy lifestyle, stubborn chest fat can persist.
In cases where diet and exercise prove ineffective, the most effective treatment is chest fat removal and contouring with liposuction.
While non-surgical approaches like low-energy laser treatments and fat freezing have been promoted for treating pseudogynecomastia, they may not yield satisfactory results for every patient.
Dr Ivan Puah's MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique is a proprietary liposuction approach that is tailored to suit each individual's distinct chest shape, fat distribution, and skin laxity.
The procedure involves the use of specially designed cannulas in various sizes and smaller suction tubes. The patient undergoes twilight sedation and local anaesthesia for safety and comfort.
He then utilises these tools to target fat layers from multiple dimensions, effectively eliminating stubborn localized fat that may not respond to exercise or diet. Simultaneously, this technique also sculpts the chest and encourages skin tightening, a result that traditional liposuction often struggles to achieve.
To address the concern of surgical scarring, Dr Puah strategically minimises incision scars by creating them in a manner that provides efficient access to the fat layers. The outcome of chest fat removal with the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique is a natural, well-contoured appearance.
After a few days
Recovery is remarkably comfortable, with minimal discomfort and pain. You'll be able to return to your usual activities within 2 to 3 days. However, it's advisable to avoid heavy lifting, gym work, and water activities to allow ample time for your body to heal. Continue wearing your compression garment to promote smoother recovery.
After a few weeks
The swelling typically subsides entirely within 2 weeks. After 6 weeks post pseudogynecomastia surgery, your doctor will advise you on the suitable activities that you may resume, depending on your recovery.
After a few months
Over the next 3 months, the skin in the treated area will gradually tighten, leading to a more sculpted, masculine chest with taut skin.
Pseudogynecomastia surgery, like any other surgery, has its risks and complications.
Possible risks include:
Dr Ivan Puah is an accredited liposuction doctor and Chairman of Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore in Singapore with nearly two decades of liposuction experience.
Dr Puah has developed two proprietary surgical approaches: 360° Glandular Tissue Dissection (360°GTD®) technique for gynecomastia surgery and MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique for liposuction.
Can I just wear a compression garment to manage my condition?
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.
Does Amaris B. provide aftercare treatments?
At Amaris B. Clinic, aftercare significantly assists you with faster recovery and ensures optimum results. We have curated a bespoke aftercare program designed to help you with the healing process, such as MLD Therapy, skin firming and many others.
Dr Ivan Puah's novel 360° Glandular Tissue Dissection (360°GTD®) technique minimises surgical invasiveness while achieving cosmetic results.
Dr Ivan Puah's novel 360° Glandular Tissue Dissection (360°GTD®) technique minimises surgical invasiveness while achieving cosmetic results.
Dr Ivan Puah's novel 360° Glandular Tissue Dissection (360°GTD®) technique minimises surgical invasiveness while achieving cosmetic results.