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Gynecomastia vs Pseudogynecomastia: What’s the Difference?

Gynecomastia vs Pseudogynecomastia: What’s the Difference?

The Difference Between Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia

Gynecomastia vs pseudogynecomastia
Gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia are two conditions that affect males, with key differences. These conditions both refer to the appearance of men having breasts, characterized by excessive fat or swollen tissue in the chest area. Both conditions can show up in males of any age, but they are most common amongst newborns, teens, and seniors. 

Though gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia patients share the same primary symptom — the appearance of breasts — what differentiates them is the type of tissue. Gynecomastia is characterized by excessive glandular and stromal tissue, with a number of potential causes. Alternately, pseudogynecomastia is due to an excessive amount of fatty tissue.

There is not a medical risk to having either condition, but many patients suffer from psychological distress as a response to gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia and experience shame or self esteem issues related to showing their body in public. Occasionally, gynecomastia can be a symptom of a more serious health issue, so patients are advised to also speak with their GP about potential causes. Though this is rare, it’s always best to check.

How to Know if You Have Gynecomastia or Pseudogynecomastia

Gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia are fairly easy conditions to diagnose. They both present as excess tissue resulting in a soft, breast-like appearance on the chest. Many men with gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia are aware of their condition early on, and harbor insecurity about their appearance.

There are other, less-recognized symptoms that can be attributed to these conditions, as well. Beyond the recognizable chest tissue, gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia each have a handful of symptoms that can confirm a diagnosis.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

Pseudogynecomastia Symptoms

What Causes These Conditions?

For patients hoping to treat their condition, it’s helpful to learn what caused it in the first place. In the case of gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia, the causes are different. 

There are several potential causes for gynecomastia, while pseudogynecomastia has only one.

Gynecomastia Causes

Pseudogynecomastia Causes

Treatments: Gynecomastia vs Pseudogynecomastia

Because gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia have different causes, they are also treated differently.

Gynecomastia Treatment

There are two main ways to treat gynecomastia: through medication or surgery. While some patients find success by taking medications to stabilize their hormone levels, others find that surgery is a more reliable option. Gynecomastia surgery is a straightforward and minimally-invasive procedure. It involves the removal of fat and tissue from the chest area, typically completed with one simple operation. 

There are two different techniques of gynecomastia surgery. Which type a patient receives will depend on the degree of their gynecomastia condition. In mild gynecomastia cases, surgery involves liposuction via an incision around the areola. In more severe cases, this procedure involves a second step, where the physician makes an incision along the lower border of the areola before surgically removing tissue. The incision is then closed with sutures.

Pseudogynecomastia Treatment

To treat pseudogynecomastia, most doctors recommend starting by making changes to one’s diet and activity levels to promote weight loss. If, following significant weight loss, a patient still has the appearance of breasts, the culprit may have been gynecomastia after all, and surgery would be an appropriate treatment.

Pseudogynecomastia Surgery in Southeast Texas

Dr. Leo Lapuerta has been serving the Southeast Texas community as a plastic surgeon for over 30 years. If you are considering options for dealing with gynecomastia, get in touch today for a confidential consultation on your unique circumstances and options. We operate in Houston, Katy, Pearland, and Piney Point. 

We can’t wait to meet you and help your confidence soar.