Im new, Do I Have Gynecomastia?

[1TimeQuestion]

Is this just fat or gynecomastia. My diet had been pretty bad up until 3 weeks ago and I dont exercice all that often but I do as much as possible and am on a steady diet now. Does it look like I have gynecomastia? Or does it look like I just have fat in the area with slightly large nipples. And do you suggest i see a doctor to be definite about it?

[manic91m9]

i think mostly fat. the gym and eating clean u will look fine.

[1TimeQuestion]

Yea Im gonna hit the gym hard. Can anyone else give their opinion on this?

[slyblackdragon]

Puffy nipples whisper gyne to me, but I am not a doctor. Get it checked out and get a professional opinion.

[sim]

If it is it's very mild. Gym should help alot.

[DrBermant]

Is this just fat or gynecomastia. My diet had been pretty bad up until 3 weeks ago and I dont exercice all that often but I do as much as possible and am on a steady diet now. Does it look like I have gynecomastia? Or does it look like I just have fat in the area with slightly large nipples. And do you suggest i see a doctor to be definite about it?

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to distinguish just what is causing the problem.  Gynecomastia male breasts can be fat, gland, or most commonly a combination of both.  Sometimes skin and sagging tissues can be a factor.  Pseudo Gynecomastia (pseudogynecomastia) is supposed to be fat only gynecomastia.  The problem with that "classification" is that in almost every case of gynecomastia I have seen there is some component of gland.  This gland can be very small, but it is present almost all the time.  So do you have Pseudo gynecomastia when there is a 1%, 10%, 50%, or 90% deformity from fat?  Reality just does not work that way.

Defining the problem with photographs sometimes can help.  However, it is impossible to tell from photographs if the deformity is from fat or gland. The dynamic images, of my standard set of images can show a region that compresses differently.  Even clinical examination differentiation can be difficult.

Fat tends to be soft, gland tends to be firm.  Fingers of gland often dissect between fingers of fat.  Look at this drawing and move your mouse over the arrows.  However, gland can be soft and fat firm confusing the picture.  Gland tends to be located under the nipple and pinching pressure can sometimes tether to the nipple pulling it in.

Men with excessive fat do tend to have certain contour issues.  Check out this link about Sumo Wrestlers.  Men tend to carry excessive weight in their chest and stomach.

Losing weight first, to something you are comfortable with and can maintain is typically a much better option.  Weight loss is a coarse tool.  Unfortunately, you cannot pick where weight comes from - nor can you pick where weight goes back on to.  Gland that contributes to the breast shape is not helped with weight loss.  Fingers of fat in the gland can become smaller, but the contour problem from gland does not go away.  After losing weight plastic surgery can help with localized fat, gland, and extra skin.  After surgery remaining fat cells can put on more weight.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Chest Sculpture