Gynecomastia, Male Health, Self Examination

Stand shirtless in front of a mirror. Does your chest look enlarged or are nipples puffy even at low body fat. Next lie down flat. Using thumb and index finger gently pinch under the nipple area. If you feel a firm rubbery disc like a button this is glandular tissue meaning true gynecomastia. If it is soft throughout with no firm disc this is fatty tissue meaning pseudogynecomastia.

True gynecomastia with a gland needs surgery as no diet exercise or medicine can shrink the gland. Pseudogynecomastia which is only fat may improve with weight loss first. About 70 percent of patients who come to my clinic have true glandular gynecomastia requiring surgery.

If unsure a clinical examination and sometimes ultrasound by a plastic surgeon gives a definitive answer in 10 minutes. Do not delay seeking advice as gynecomastia affects confidence and quality of life significantly.

Dr. M. Ram Prabhu, DNB Super Speciality Plastic Surgery, Kondapur, Hyderabad. https://drramprabhu.com/