Male breasts sometimes referred to as man boobs, are a collection of fat on a man’s chest. The growth in the breast tissue can either be due to fat accumulation in the chest or due to an imbalance in testosterone and estrogen. Development of breast tissues due to hormonal imbalance is a medical condition known as gynecomastia.
Breast tissues, in males as well as females, respond to hormones. In case of males, the breast tissues remain small because of high testosterone levels. When the growth of testosterone gets low or the level of estrogen increases, the breast tissues responds by growing resulting in male breasts.
It’s important to know that there’s a difference between excess weight in the chest and diagnosed gynecomastia, so look for the signs of breast tissue and see your doctor for treatment options. The condition when fatty tissue builds up on the chest wall in the area behind the nipple is called pseudogynecomastia.
Difference between gynecomastia and chest fat
Chest fat is very common for men who are overweight. Chances of fat accumulation on the chest are high if you are obese and have a high body-fat percentage. If the other body parts have an excess of fat accumulation, it is obvious that the same would be found on the chest area.
Fat accumulation on the chest is easily noticeable and is particularly obvious. If a person is of slim built or has a good body muscle percentage, then chances of pseudogynecomastia or chest fat are very low.
Gynecomastia is common during puberty. Young boys go through frequent hormonal imbalance during this time which can lead to the development of male breasts. In the old age, when testosterone levels are low, people can have gynecomastia. Other causes of gynecomastia are
- Medication
- Recreational drugs
- Steroids
- Genetic disorders
How to know if you have gynecomastia or fat deposition
Examining your chest can help you identify the difference between gynecomastia and chest fat. The diagnosis can be made when one notices swelling in the breast area.
The nipples start to point out and the area behind and around the nipples becomes prominent. Spreading of the breast swelling causes male breasts.
There is a noticeable difference between chest fat deposits and breast tissues. Fat accumulated chest also looks like breasts but is soft and also saggy due to extra skin.
Male breasts caused due to gynecomastia are firmer and look more like a woman’s breasts.
Another way to feel your chest and look for a hard lump in the chest area. Gynecomastia is sometimes be diagnosed by a lump formed under the nipples that grow into looking like a breast.
If you find a lump it can be a symptom of gynecomastia. It is also important to contact a doctor as it can be a rare form of breast cancer in men.
Another sign of gynecomastia or man boobs is puffy and erect nipples. The excess of female hormones i.e estrogen in the body can make nipples erect and swollen.
The swollen is sometimes obvious even undershirts and t-shirts. Therefore, in order to identify gynecomastia, examine your nipples.
If you cannot self-diagnose and identify the difference between gynecomastia and chest fat, you can take help from a doctor. The doctor can carry out tests, usually, an ultrasound scan of the chest wall, to diagnose gynecomastia.
Getting rid of gynecomastia and chest fat
The swelling and enlargement of the chest is an embarrassment for every man and can have negative psychological effects. To tackle the problem it is important to know the difference.
Once you know the difference you can work towards getting rid of the problem.
Chest fat is easier to get rid of in comparison to gynecomastia. Making chest fat go away is simple if you have the determination and dedication. The best way to lose the chest fat is by losing weight.
Adapt healthy methods to lose weight and within no time you will have a flat muscular chest. Sign up for a weight loss program that will help you lose fat from the chest wall and reduce the fat and swelling.
Start a workout routine at home or join a fitness and workout centre. Avoid taking pills and creams as they can have negative side-effects.
Getting rid of gynecomastia can be difficult. Teenagers who suffer from gynecomastia can get rid of the problem after a few years when the hormone level settles down.
It is important to regularly exercise and incorporate a healthy meal plan to improve hormonal balance. Diet and exercise will help reduce the fatty component and improve the appearance.
If you take any kind of recreational drugs and have man boobs, it is recommended to stop immediately. It is will help you get rid of the swelling around the chest and nipples.
The issue might also be due to consumption of any prescribed drugs. If you can identify this cause, then you can opt for alternative medication. It is important to discuss the case with an expert. Male breast surgery is the best possible treatment one can opt for gynecomastia.
Telling the difference can be tricky sometimes but understanding the difference will help determine the best way to get rid of the swelling. When opting for surgery, ensure you take the services of a quality cosmetic and surgery clinic.
To get in touch with the best cosmetologists and experienced plastic surgeons, book an appointment at Apollo Cosmetic Clinics.
