Do I have gynecomastia or just fat? If the tissue under your nipple feels firm, rubbery, and doesn’t go away with diet or exercise, it’s likely gynecomastia, not just chest fat. The best way to get rid of enlarged breasts in men is through surgery.
If you’re unsure, the best way to get answers is to SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION with a board-certified gynecomastia surgeon like Dr. Shektman at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Shektman and his team will examine your chest, confirm if indeed you have gynecomastia, and walk you through your options.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to know if you have gynecomastia, what signs to look for, and what options you have available at our practice to get rid of it.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia, also called “gyno,” is the enlargement of male breast tissue caused by a hormone imbalance, usually too much estrogen or not enough testosterone. It can affect one or both sides of the chest and often shows up during puberty, but it can happen at any age.
We don’t know the exact cause of gynecomastia yet, but it’s linked to:
- Puberty
- Aging
- Steroid or drug use
- Certain medications
- Health conditions like liver or thyroid disorders
This isn’t just fat. It’s actual glandular tissue. That’s why gynecomastia doesn’t go away with diet or exercise. Surgery is often the only effective way to remove it.
How to Know If I Have Gynecomastia or Just Fat
Start with a simple self-check. Pinch the area under and around your nipple.
- If it feels soft and spreads out across your chest, it’s likely fat.
- If you feel a firm, rubbery lump right behind the nipple, that’s a strong sign of gynecomastia.
- If one side is bigger than the other, or the area is tender or puffy, it may also point to gynecomastia.
Other signs of gynecomastia also include:
- Puffiness or tenderness around the nipple
- A hard lump or disc under the nipple
- Asymmetry (one side larger than the other)
- No change after diet or exercise
Fat, or pseudogynecomastia, tends to reduce when you lose weight. If your chest size shrinks with diet and exercise, it’s probably fat. Gynecomastia usually stays the same, no matter how fit you get.
If you’re still unsure, a board-certified surgeon can confirm it with a physical exam, an ultrasound or mammogram, and a blood test to check your hormone levels and rule out underlying conditions.
Can Gynecomastia Go Away On Its Own?
Sometimes. If gynecomastia develops during puberty, it may go away on its own within 6 months to 2 years as hormone levels balance out. But if it’s been more than two years—or you’re an adult—it’s unlikely to go away without surgery.
Weight loss might reduce overall chest fat, but it won’t get rid of the glandular tissue causing gynecomastia. If it’s been sticking around and it’s making you self-conscious, it might be time to consider surgery.
What Does Gynecomastia Surgery Involve?
At Finesse Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Shektman uses advanced techniques to remove excess fat and glandular tissue and create a flatter, more masculine chest. Your male breast reduction treatment is customized and may include one or a combination of the following:
Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fat through small incisions using a thin tube (cannula). It’s ideal for men whose gynecomastia is mostly fatty tissue. Recovery is quick, and scarring is minimal.
VASER® Liposuction
This uses ultrasound energy to break down fat before removal. It allows for more precise sculpting and helps preserve surrounding tissue. Great for defining the chest and minimizing trauma.
Smartlipo Triplex™
A laser-assisted form of liposuction that melts fat and tightens skin at the same time. It also stimulates collagen, which can improve skin firmness post-surgery.
Gland Excision
If you have dense glandular tissue that can’t be removed with liposuction alone, Dr. Shektman makes a small incision around the areola to remove it directly. This approach ensures a flat, contoured chest.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery Before and After Photos
Most patients get the best results by combining liposuction and gland excision. Lipo removes fat and shapes the chest, while excision gets rid of dense breast tissue that lipo can’t reach.
Dr. Shektman customizes every surgery based on your chest size, shape, and skin. His goal isn’t just to reduce; it’s to sculpt a flatter, more masculine chest that fits your frame. That’s why he often combines Smartlipo, VASER, and excision to get smooth, natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
Take a look at these gynecomastia surgery results from Dr. Shektman’s patients.
Can You Treat Gynecomastia Without Surgery?
If your gynecomastia is caused by medication or a hormone imbalance, treating the root cause might help. In rare cases, stopping a medication or balancing your hormones can reduce breast tissue.
But if the glandular tissue is already developed, non-surgical options like diet, exercise, or supplements won’t remove it. Surgery is the most reliable way to get permanent, visible results.
Tired of Hiding Your Chest? Contact Boston’s Top Gynecomastia Specialist.
Do you feel self-conscious taking your shirt off? Still unsure if it’s fat or gynecomastia? Get answers, real solutions, and a personalized treatment plan all in one consultation. Dr. Shektman is one of the top plastic surgeons in the Boston area, known for delivering natural-looking, masculine results.
Call us at 781-773-5018 to book a consultation. We serve patients in and around Boston & Waltham, MA, including Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Somerville, and the Greater Boston area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does gynecomastia hurt?
It can. Some men feel tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity around the nipple. Others feel no pain at all.
Is gynecomastia dangerous?
No, it’s not harmful or cancerous. But a lot of men avoid tight shirts or social situations because of their gyno chest.
Will exercise or weight loss help?
If it’s just fat, yes. But if you have true gynecomastia with glandular tissue, no amount of diet or exercise will fully get rid of it.
Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?
It’s rare if the gland is fully removed. But if hormone levels shift again or you use certain medications or steroids, it’s possible.
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?
Cost depends on the complexity of your case and the techniques used. At your consult, Dr. Shektman will give you a personalized treatment plan and discuss financing options if needed.