Skip to content
‘’I’m Suffering From Man Boobs Disorder. Is There Any Surgical Treatment For This Problem?’’

Blog post -

‘’I’m Suffering From Man Boobs Disorder. Is There Any Surgical Treatment For This Problem?’’

“Man boobs”, or enlarged male breasts, are actually more common than we think. As man boobs generally cannot be hidden under clothing, it can bring about psychological distress to the individual affected by it. Though, there could be two conditions tied up to the common man’s boobs problems: Gynecomastia & Pseudogynecomastia. What is the difference between these two? How is one connected to the other?

To help you understand further, Dr. Ivan Puah, Chairman of Singapore Lipo Peer Review Committee and medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, who has more than 15 years of body sculpting and gynecomastia surgery experience, shares more.

Gynecomastia vs Pseudogynecomastia: What’s the difference?

Gynecomastia is a male breast disorder that affects 65% to 70% of males worldwide, young and old. It is the proliferation of breast glandular and may be accompanied by fatty tissue. This medical condition, which can affect male breasts bilaterally or unilaterally, is generally caused by hormonal imbalances. Other possible causes may include anabolic steroids, drug abuse, and prolonged use of certain medications.

Gynecomastia sufferers have excess glandular breast tissue and excess fat tissues in the majority of cases. The glandular tissue is firmer and more fibrous than fat tissue, and most importantly, it does not respond to changes in exercise or diet,” says Dr. Ivan Puah.

Non-surgical fat reduction treatments such as cryolipolysis (fat freezing), low-energy lasers, creams, and massages do not work on gynecomastia, as claimed. The only effective and proven treatment that works is gynecomastia surgery. This may entail surgical excision of the glandular tissues and liposuction to remove the fatty tissues for patients with mixed gynecomastia (where glandular and fat tissues are the culprit).

“I see a lot of young males with less than 10% body fat who are into fitness training and bodybuilding. The primary cause of enlargement for this group of patients is the development of enlarged glands, for which they will only require glandular excision. These cases are known as true gynecomastia, ” explains Dr. Ivan Puah.

Pseudogynecomastia (aka fake gynecomastia) is a condition with a similar appearance as that of gynecomastia but is a very different condition. Its cause is primarily an increased fat deposition behind, around, and under the nipple area.

“Pseudogynecomastia is less commonly seen when compared to gynecomastia. For such patients, I will recommend weight management and lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment. When these methods don't work, liposuction is recommended," explains Dr Ivan Puah. Liposuction is an effective and permanent way to remove excess chest fat.

Be it gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, both conditions pose a real problem for many males, from young teens to adults and even those aged 50 and above. Enlarged male breasts cause affects men physically and psychologically, adversely affecting their quality of life and self-confidence.

Do You Know Anyone Suffering From Gynecomastia?

When your boyfriend, son, brother, or husband suffers from such male breast disorder, he may keep it to himself. However, you may notice a change in his behaviour or demeanour. He may become easily moody or even depressed. Hiding under baggy clothes is also a telltale sign that he lacks body confidence. Watch out if he gradually withdraws from social activities, finds no pleasure in activities he used to enjoy, avoids undressing in front of you or others, and observes his body language to see if he is constantly slouching.

Physically, he may complain about breast soreness or discomfort; in some cases, discharge may occur. It is essential to recognise these psychological and physical signs and address them as early as possible. Leaving them alone can adversely lead to deep-seated feelings of low esteem, social withdrawal, and for some, depression. You can help him by encouraging him to seek medical treatment for a proper clinical assessment so that he can understand his issue and know that help is available.

If he allows, you may want to perform a quick pinch and visual test on him to determine the extent of his condition. If you feel a mound of fibrous and firm tissue when pinching his breasts, it is almost certain he has gynecomastia. Apart from that, an enlarged male breast is also highly visible when he is wearing a form-fitting shirt. In some severe cases, the breasts look like female breasts with a certain degree of droopiness and loose skin present. The next best option is to see a doctor experienced in treating this issue to assess him and advise on the next best step, whether he would need further observation or if gynecomastia surgery is required.

Gynecomastia Surgery: Things You Should Know

It may sound gruesome, but gynecomastia surgery is less invasive than imagined. Depending on the patient’s clinical condition, Dr Ivan Puah may perform his proprietary technique known as 360°GTD®. This technique, combined with MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique, can permanently remove enlarged glandular tissue and excess fat deposits.

“Each gynecomastia case is unique and requires an individualised approach to ensure that not only the glandular tissues and fatty tissues are removed effectively, but also, the chest is meticulously sculpted and defined,” explains Dr. Ivan Puah, who has received dedicated surgical training in gynecomastia in the USA.

Gynecomastia Treatment In Singapore

Wanting to have surgery is a huge decision, so finding the right doctor with the knowledge, accreditation, experience, and keen aesthetic sense is crucial to yield the desired results. When looking for a doctor who does gynecomastia surgery, it is imperative to find one that performs the surgery regularly and has a proven track record with a high satisfaction rate and consistent results.

Not only that, but the doctor must also display confidence, be able to present a variety of gynecomastia cases that he has performed, and answer your queries, addressing all of your concerns regarding the procedure.

Body Sculpting: 30% Science, 70% Art

Gynecomastia doctor pseudogynecomastia Singapore

This is Dr. Ivan Puah’s philosophy when it comes to body sculpting. Just like a sculptor who creates masterpieces with his chisels, Dr. Ivan Puah believes it takes both scientific know-how, attention to detail, and a keen artistic sense to create well-contoured results.

Related links

Topics

Categories

  • 61127eda690c4963ee06d72b_gynecomastia-doctor-pseudogynecomastia-singapore.jpg
    61127eda690c4963ee06d72b_gynecomastia-doctor-pseudogynecomastia-singapore.jpg
    License:
    All rights reserved
    File format:
    .jpg
    Size:
    1000 x 739, 108 KB

Related content

  • Men above 44 years old, especially those taking prescription medications, were found to be more susceptible to experiencing palpable gynecomastia, a medical condition that causes enlarged man breasts.

    Gynecomastia Is Prevailing In Men Above 44 Years Old

    Men above 44 years old, especially those taking prescription medications, were found to be more susceptible to experiencing palpable gynecomastia, a medical condition that causes enlarged man breasts.

  • Patient Shares His Gynecomastia Surgery Journey

    Patient Shares His Gynecomastia Surgery Journey

    Gynecomastia surgery success rate is a high one, especially when surgical intervention is the only option for enlarged male breasts. Here is the journey of a patient whose life has changed for the better after his gynecomastia surgery.

  • Is it cool for men to have aesthetic treatments or cosmetic surgeries?

    Is it cool for men to have aesthetic treatments or cosmetic surgeries?

    Yes, gents, it’s okay to have aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgeries such as facial liposuction! An increasing number of men over 35 are moving from basic grooming such as eyebrow shaping and skincare, to aesthetic treatments like wrinkle-smoothing, commonly known as ‘Brotox’, laser skin rejuvenation and dermal fillers. They also seek cosmetic surgeries such as facial liposuction, pseudogynec

  • The Aesthetics Clinic For Men

    The Aesthetics Clinic For Men

    At Amaris B. Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves to look and feel good. Accordingly, the extensive range of treatments we provide does accommodate to a man’s needs as well. Consequently, we have been seeing a rise in the number of male patients seeking appearance improvements and in addressing clinical issues like gynecomastia.