Gynecomastia is a condition where men suffer from the development of feminine breast tissue. Cases can vary from mild (little more than “puffy nipples”) to extreme, whereby full breasts have developed. Gynecomastia to any degree has the potential to be psychologically harmful, with serious effects on self-esteem, confidence and body image.

Pseudo-gynecomastia is the result of excess fat tissue, and typically affects overweight men. In these cases, weight and fat loss can reduce and eliminate the appearance of feminine breasts. In cases of true gynecomastia, there is the development of permanent glandular breast tissue. This material is extremely stubborn and will not likely disappear with any combination of diet, exercise, pills, or snake oil.

Generally speaking, surgery is the only way to effectively combat true gynecomastia, regardless of its degree. Gynecomastia surgery does leave scars, with the location depending on the entry point for the surgery. The bottom edge of the areola / nipple is the typical entry point, though some methods permit entry through an incision at the armpit. Scarring and post-operation appearance results will vary depending on the experience and technique of the surgeon, as well as the severity of the gynecomastia.

A so-called “perfect looking” post-operation chest appears to be a more realistic expectation for very mild cases of gynecomastia. However, those with severe gynecomastia can expect a more dramatic improvement from surgery, even if the final result is somewhat less likely to look like the chest of a man who has never had the condition or any corrective surgery. That said, the results achieved by experienced surgeons are generally quite encouraging.

It is also possible to learn to cope with gynecomastia. For some men, especially those with mild cases, it may barely be an issue at all. Everyone will have their own comfort level with their body and appearance. Coping and acceptance are certainly the cheapest options out there, and they may well be quite realistic depending on your outlook.