TL;DR:
- Gynecomastia: Caused by hormonal imbalance (increased female hormones), leading to glandular tissue growth.
- Lipomastia: Caused by fat accumulation in the chest, often due to obesity or weight gain.
- Diagnosis: Medical consultation, self-examination, ultrasound, and blood tests to check hormone levels. Gynecomastia involves resistant glandular tissue, while lipomastia shows no resistance during self-exam.
- Treatment: Both start with diet, exercise, and weight loss. Resistant cases may need Vaser Lipo liposuction, especially for stubborn fat or sagging skin.
- Vaser Lipo: Precise ultrasound-based liposuction to remove fat without damaging surrounding tissues; offers quick recovery, firmer skin, and natural appearance.
- Post-procedure care: Follow-ups, massages, hydration, medication, and avoiding exercise for 3–4 weeks. Results often require multiple sessions.
Despite the fact that gynecomastia and lipomastia are two different conditions, they are often confused with each other. The symptoms of both diseases look similar and are a source of embarrassment. Both conditions involve the extent of the male breasts. The phenomenon associated with their enlargement is a problem that affects many boys as early as puberty and sometimes after the age of 50. Those who suffer from this affliction usually avoid places such as the swimming pool and gym, where the rest of us might notice the embarrassing symptoms. For pubescent teenagers and older people, the problem usually disappears on its own, while for men in their prime it requires treatment and sometimes even surgery.
Lipomastia and gynecomastia differences
Gynecomastia is the result of increased levels of female sex hormones. They cause the growth of glandular tissue in the breast area in men. Breast hypertrophy occurs when the action of androgens is weaker than that of female hormones. Use of anabolic steroids or taking certain medications can contribute to the hormonal disorder. Lipomastia, on the other hand, refers to the proliferation of fat tissue itself. The way to treat lipomastia is primarily through diet and regular exercise. If these are unsuccessful, surgery is recommended.
How to distinguish between lipomastia and gynecomastia?
If there are any symptoms that may indicate the presence of one or the other problem, it is necessary to immediately go to a medical consultation. Only then can we gain certainty about the nature of the changes in the male breast glands. The basis for diagnosing the disease is, first of all, a frank conversation with the doctor. Do not lie to him during the interview or conceal any facts from him, even if the patient is ashamed of them. Any, even one-time incidents from the past, such as the use of doping drugs, narcotics, legal highs or anabolics, is important and can help in effective treatment. During the medical interview, the specialist asks about medications taken, diet, past surgeries and diseases, among other things. After a very thorough medical history, the patient is referred for breast gland ultrasound and a blood test with determination of hormone levels. It may happen that the test results do not allow to resolve the existing condition. In such a situation, the doctor orders another one to exclude the coexistence of other serious diseases. Initial suspicions can be made by performing a self-examination and self-observation. To do this, lie on your back in a position with one hand under your head and the other placed on your breast. The nipple areola should be between a widely spaced index finger and thumb. If, when bringing the fingers together, one encounters areola-sized tissue that resists, this is most likely glandular tissue – symptom of gynecomastia. If, on the other hand, the fingers meet without encountering the slightest resistance along the way – we are probably dealing with lipomastia.
Gynecomastia and lipomastia – treatment.
Both gynecomastia and lipomastia are treated using methods that aim to remove excess fat. Therapy usually begins with an attempt to reduce weight through a proper diet and a set of exercises. When weight loss occurs and excess chest fat is replaced with muscle tissue, the enlarged breasts are reduced.
It also happens, unfortunately, that despite weight reduction, accumulated fat in the breast area is still visible. The effect can also be worsened by stretched, sagging skin. In such a situation, a liposuction procedure using Vaser Lipo is recommended.
Vaser Liposuction.
Before the procedure, an ultrasound examination should be performed to help determine the type of tissue that has accumulated in the gynecological area. If the symptom of gynecomastia is an accumulation of fatty tissue and a small amount of fibrous tissue, liposuction with the Vaser Lipo device is performed. This method uses ultrasound to separate the excess fatty tissue.
It is then transformed into an emulsion and can be aspirated. A huge advantage of this method is the possibility of transplanting the harvested tissue to another place on the body – for rejuvenation or bio-revitalizing treatments. The use of Vaser Lipo makes it possible to perform a painless procedure. This device works in a very precise way only on fat cells. It does not damage the surrounding nerves, connective tissues and blood vessels. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. It lasts from 2 to 5 hours – this depends on the needs established in advance with the patient. Another liposuction session is also often needed to achieve the desired results. However, the first effects are visible immediately after it is performed. Chest fat is visibly reduced, and the skin remains firm and shrunken.
Advantages of the procedure
The Vaser Lipo liposuction procedure has many advantages, thanks to which it is considered the most effective liposuction method. The most important of these is the result of the procedure itself. The Vaser Lipo method not only allows effective elimination of excess fat, but most importantly, it has a positive effect on the smoothness of the skin after the procedure. The body becomes firmer, giving the impression of a more elastic and natural appearance. Ultrasound technology significantly reduces the recovery period, which is determined by the technique of the procedure. During the procedure only the fat cells are dissolved and slightly suctioned out. Other tissues remain completely intact, allowing the patient to quickly return to daily activities.
Recommendations after the procedure
With any procedure, convalescence is very important. Recommendations for liposuction surgery mainly include follow-up visits, taking prescribed medications, multiple massages, and hydration. Exercise should also be avoided for about 3 to 4 weeks. Some patients require further medical care.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between gynecomastia and lipomastia is vital for proper treatment. While gynecomastia results from hormonal imbalance, lipomastia stems from fat accumulation. Both conditions cause embarrassment, but effective solutions exist, from lifestyle changes to advanced procedures like Vaser Liposuction. Seeking medical advice early and treating the root cause are key to resolving these issues. With the right approach, patients can regain comfort and confidence, moving past the physical and emotional challenges of these conditions. If you're facing this, remember—solutions are available, and progress starts with action.
