An enlarged male chest is not always caused by excess body fat. Gynecomastia may involve glandular breast tissue, fat, or a combination of both, and understanding what is contributing to the contour is an important part of choosing treatment. At Northwestern Plastic Surgery in Chicago, Illinois, our board-certified plastic surgeons provide male breast reduction as part of our breast and body-contouring care. John Kim, MD, FACS, is Clinical Director of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, while Gregory Dumanian, MD, is Professor and Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University.
What Can Cause Gynecomastia?
Male breast enlargement can have several causes, including hormonal changes, hereditary conditions, disease, and certain drugs. Because the reason is not always obvious by looking at the chest, an evaluation may involve discussing your health, medications, and lifestyle along with a physical examination. Diagnostic testing may also be recommended if an underlying condition is suspected.
Identifying the likely cause helps determine whether surgery should even be part of the conversation.
Is It Gynecomastia or Excess Chest Fat?
Fat and glandular breast tissue can produce a similar outward appearance, but they are not addressed in exactly the same way. When excess fat is the primary contributor, liposuction may be enough to improve the chest contour.
Liposuction targets localized fat, however, and cannot remove glandular breast tissue. Understanding the limits of liposuction is especially important when considering treatment for the chest. If glandular tissue or excess skin is present, excision may be necessary. Some men benefit from combining both techniques.
When Is Male Breast Reduction Worth Considering?
Surgery may be worth discussing once breast development has stabilized, you are physically healthy and near a normal weight, and the appearance of your chest continues to bother you. Among our breast procedures, male breast reduction is intended for appropriate candidates whose concerns have not been adequately corrected through conventional medical treatment and who have realistic expectations.
An in-person examination allows your surgeon to evaluate the fat, glandular tissue, skin, and overall shape of your chest. Those findings help determine whether surgery is appropriate and which technique may best address your anatomy.
Why the Surgical Approach Can Differ
Male breast reduction is more specific than general body contouring applied to the chest. The procedure is planned around the type and location of tissue creating the enlargement. As a result, two men with similar-looking concerns may require different surgical approaches.
Discuss Male Breast Reduction in Chicago
If changes in your chest have persisted and you want to understand what may be causing them, schedule a consultation with our team at Northwestern Plastic Surgery in Chicago. Call 312-695-6022 to discuss whether male breast reduction may be appropriate for your anatomy and goals.