Men's Chest Concerns: Diagnosis and Precautions for Gynecomastia

Interest in an attractive body line, once primarily focused on women, has now extended to men, becoming a common appearance concern.

The proportion of men who consistently manage their physique through various diets and regular exercise, despite their busy schedules, is gradually increasing.

Dr. Lee Kukhan of Lesarts Plastic Surgery (a member of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons) stated, “Men who feel discomfort due to their non-toned, protruding chest despite consistent management may experience psychological inhibition in daily and social life. Long-term efforts to hide a protruding chest can lead to musculoskeletal disorders or postural changes.”

Among various body shape concerns, one that men find particularly difficult to discuss is chest discomfort. As a result, more men are seeking consultations about their chest volume, and the market for male shapewear and nipple patches is gradually expanding.

He advised, “Men with such concerns should seek medical advice rather than worry and hide their condition. An accurate diagnosis of gynecomastia is recommended.”

The causes of gynecomastia are varied, with hormonal imbalance being the most common. During adolescence, when secondary sexual characteristics are not fully developed, hormonal imbalances can occur, often leading to enlarged breast tissue that fails to regress.

Additionally, side effects from certain medications can cause gynecomastia. He explained, “The misuse of anabolic steroids for abnormal muscle growth or certain hair loss treatments can induce gynecomastia.”

Gynecomastia can be diagnosed through a simple ultrasound examination. If the proliferation of glandular tissue is confirmed on ultrasound and meets Simon’s classification criteria of II-A or higher, it can be diagnosed as true gynecomastia and covered by health insurance.

He explained, “If the ultrasound does not show glandular tissue proliferation and the chest enlargement is due to fat, health insurance does not cover it. However, this can often be corrected through exercise and diet, or for immediate results, liposuction can reduce volume and create a firmer chest shape.”

The only treatment for true gynecomastia is the direct removal of glandular tissue. Most men who try to correct it through exercise and diet find that the reduction in body fat makes the enlarged glandular tissue more prominent.

He said, “When correcting through surgery, it’s important to tailor the procedure to the patient’s specific condition, as the distribution and size of glandular tissue and muscle shape vary. Removing the enlarged glandular tissue and refining the surrounding fat tissue is crucial for creating an attractive chest.”

Surgical incisions vary by surgeon but are generally made in inconspicuous areas like the armpit crease or around the areola, minimizing visible scarring. He concluded, “If gynecomastia is a concern, seeking prompt diagnosis and correction is a wise choice. Accurate diagnosis and personalized consultation for tailored treatment can be very beneficial.”

[Medical World News]