Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which a man’s breast tissue is enlarged, causing the chest to appear overly feminine. While gynecomastia does not threaten patients’ overall health, it can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and insecurity, especially in social settings where going shirtless is the norm, such as at the beach, the gym, or the pool.
Luckily, a procedure known as male breast reduction can help eliminate excess tissue and fat, restoring a firm, sculpted chest appearance that boosts confidence and peace of mind. Below, we will explore and demystify the 4 stages of gynecomastia to help you better understand the condition. Recognizing these stages can prove critical to undergoing effective treatment.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia translates to “female-like breasts” and affects 50-60% of males at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH.) There are various causes of enlarged male breast tissue, including hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle choices, medications, and health conditions. While the condition may go away naturally after adolescence, many adult men find they are still living with the discomfort and embarrassment of gynecomastia despite pursuing a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
What are the 4 stages of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is staged in 4 distinct grades, as follows:
Grade I – Minimal chest enlargement without ptosis (excess sagging skin)
Grade II – Moderate chest enlargement without ptosis
Grade III – Moderate chest enlargement with ptosis
Grade IV – Significant to severe chest enlargement with ptosis
Not every male patient with gynecomastia will require a surgical intervention. For instance, teens and adults with Grade I or Grade II gynecomastia may find it possible to flatten the chest through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Liposuction alone may also be an option for these individuals. Patients with Grade III or IV gynecomastia are typically excellent candidates for male breast reduction, with or without liposuction, as surgery may be the only way to tighten lax contours and restore a streamlined aesthetic.
How to identify each stage of gynecomastia
At each stage of gynecomastia, patients may notice certain signs and symptoms as follows:
Grade I – One of the first signs of early gynecomastia is nipple discoloration and slight changes in nipple shape. When fully clothed, patients will not notice these distortions.
Grade II – Patients may notice slight swelling in the breasts, as well as stiffness in the nipples. The condition may be slightly noticeable in clothing.
Grade III – The chest now appears to protrude more, causing self-consciousness. There is some drooping skin and the condition is easy to spot in clothing.
Grade IV – At this point, the male patient may appear to have distinctly more woman-like breasts, and there is considerable skin sagging. The upper body appears too feminine in clothing.
How do you get rid of gynecomastia?
Although it’s not the only option for contouring the chest, cosmetic surgery provides patients with dramatic sculpting results and long-lasting changes that many men find reassuring. Surgery is usually only suggested for patients with Grade III or Grade IV gynecomastia, as there is little hope for non-invasive options at this point. The most common patients undergoing gynecomastia corrective surgery are over 50.
Is male breast reduction permanent?
Yes, surgery to correct gynecomastia yields long-lasting results. Once removed, the skin and fat that were distorting the chest profile cannot grow back. However, if you don’t follow a healthy lifestyle, it is possible that you can acquire new pockets of fat in the chest down the line. Therefore, it is essential to commit to a wholesome diet and exercise plan after your surgery. Your plastic surgeon may be able to make referrals to nutritionists or personal trainers if you need help staying on track.
What is the takeaway?
Facing gynecomastia can be challenging, especially when the condition has advanced to later stages. Surgery may be the only option for restoring a firm, flat, and taut upper body. If you are unsure of what stage your gynecomastia is at, it can be enlightening to acquire a medical diagnosis from a healthcare practitioner before pursuing a cosmetic procedure. After you undergo gynecomastia surgery, you can avoid the recurrence of excess tissue and fat by carefully following your plastic surgeon’s instructions and adhering to a healthy lifestyle that includes mindful eating and plenty of workouts.
