The Difference between Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia

Pseudogynecomastia and gynecomastia are two conditions that affect the male breast tissue. Although they both result in the enlargement of the male breast, they are caused by different factors and require different treatments.

The main difference between gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia is the former is characterized by increased glandular tissue while the latter is formed by excessive fast deposits.

Pseudogynecomastia, also known as false gynecomastia, is a condition in which breast enlargement is caused by an accumulation of fat in the breast tissue.

This condition is most commonly seen in overweight or obese men, and it can be corrected through weight loss and exercise.

Gynecomastia, on the other hand, is a medical condition that results from the growth of glandular tissue in the male breast. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and certain medical conditions.

Gynecomastia is typically treated through a combination of medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

Read more: Know the grades of gynecomastia

Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia- What is the Difference?

gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia
gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia

There are several ways to tell the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia:

Physical examination

A physical examination by a doctor can help determine the cause of breast enlargement in men. In gynecomastia, there will be firm and glandular tissue present, whereas, in pseudogynecomastia, there will be only excess fat.

Pinch test

The pinch test is a simple way to differentiate between the two conditions. In gynecomastia, the tissue is firm and cannot be pinched, whereas in pseudogynecomastia, the tissue can be pinched and soft to the touch.

Chest X-ray or ultrasound

These imaging tests can help to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause of breast enlargement.

Blood tests

You can do blood tests to check hormone levels, as elevated levels of estrogen and low levels of testosterone can indicate gynecomastia.

How do you treat pseudogynecomastia?

You can treat pseudogynecomastia, also known as false gynecomastia, in the following ways:

Weight loss and exercise

Losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is the most effective way to treat pseudogynecomastia. This will help to reduce the amount of fat in the breast tissue and improve overall body composition.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the body, including the chest area. This procedure can effectively treat pseudogynecomastia by removing the excess fat in the breast tissue.

Chest compression garments

Wearing a tight-fitting chest compression garment can help to reduce the appearance of pseudogynecomastia. It compresses the breast tissue and makes it appear less prominent.

How do you treat gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition that results from the growth of glandular tissue in the male breast. You can treat it in several ways, including:

Medications

In some cases, gynecomastia can be treated with medications, such as anti-estrogens or testosterone replacement therapy, to correct hormonal imbalances.

Surgery

Surgical procedures, such as glandular excision or mastectomy, can be used to remove the glandular tissue in the breast. This procedure can effectively treat gynecomastia and improve the appearance of the chest.

Lifestyle changes

Making changes to lifestyle habits, such as avoiding certain medications and substances known to cause gynecomastia, can also help to treat the condition.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can help to reduce overall body fat and improve overall body composition.

Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery

The cost of gynecomastia surgery in the US can range from $3,000 to $10,000. The variance depends on several factors, including:

The type of gynecomastia treatment procedure

Different surgical procedures for treating gynecomastia can have different costs. For example, glandular excision may be less expensive than a mastectomy.

The surgeon’s experience and location

The cost of gynecomastia surgery can also be affected by the surgeon’s experience and location. Surgeons who have more experience and training in gynecomastia surgery may charge more than those with less experience.

Additionally, the cost of surgery can be higher in certain cities or regions compared to others.

Insurance coverage

Insurance coverage for gynecomastia surgery can also impact the cost. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of breast reduction, if it is deemed medically necessary, while others may not.

You can book a consultation with one of our gynecomastia surgeons to get a quote on gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia treatment costs. The quote does not include your cost of travel and accommodation. You may also incur additional costs if you need further care after the surgery.

Author

  • Dr. Wells, M.D.

    Dr. Barbara Wells is a researcher and medical doctor. She works at Baylor College of Medicine and has published several research articles on topics related to obesity and weight loss. Her research focuses on pharmacotherapy, medication, and supplements to treat obesity and related conditions.

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