Gynecomastia Causes, Symptoms and Considerations 

Who does Gynecomastia affect?

Gynecomastia is more common than many men realise. It can develop at several stages of life, most notably during puberty, when hormonal changes are rapid and significant, and again in men aged 50 and over, when testosterone levels naturally begin to change.

It is estimated to affect a meaningful proportion of men at some point in their lives, though many cases resolve without treatment, particularly those that develop during puberty. For men whose gynecomastia persists into adulthood, or develops later in life, the tissue is typically more established and less likely to resolve on its own.

Gynecomastia can affect one or both sides of the chest and varies considerably in extent, from a small amount of glandular tissue beneath the nipple to more significant fullness across the chest area. No two presentations are identical, which is why a thorough individual assessment is the starting point for any discussion of treatment.

What brings patients to a consultation?

Men who contact Aesthetica Image Centre about gynecomastia typically describe one or more of the following:

• Visible fullness, puffiness, or asymmetry in the chest area
• A firm or rubbery area of tissue beneath one or both nipples
• Tenderness or sensitivity in the breast area
• Discomfort or chafing when exercising or wearing fitted clothing
• Concern about the appearance of the chest in certain clothing, or
  without a shirt

Some men have been aware of the condition since adolescence; others notice changes later in life or following a period of weight change or medication use. There is no single “typical” patient; each person arrives with a different history and different priorities.

Physical and emotional considerations

The decision to explore treatment for gynecomastia is personal and often involves both physical and emotional factors. Some patients are primarily concerned with physical discomfort, and enlarged breast tissue can
cause tenderness, chafing, and difficulty with exercise or physical activity. Others are more focused on the appearance of the chest and how it affects their clothing choices, comfort at the beach or gym, or general sense of ease in their body.

At Aesthetica Image Centre, we take the time to understand what is driving each patient’s decision. There is no pressure to proceed, and
no assumption that treatment is the right path for everyone. A consultation is simply a chance to understand your options and ask questions.

Glandular tissue vs fatty tissue: why it matters

Not all gynecomastia is the same. True gynecomastia involves the growth
of glandular breast tissue, which is firm, often located beneath the
nipple, and does not respond to diet or exercise. Pseudogynecomastia
involves excess fatty tissue only, without true glandular development, and tends to be softer and more diffuse over the chest.

The distinction matters because each type responds differently to
treatment. Glandular tissue requires surgical excision to remove; fatty
tissue may respond to liposuction or, in some cases, non-surgical
approaches. In many patients, both types are present in varying amounts.

A thorough assessment at consultation, and, where appropriate,
investigations to check for any hormonal or underlying cause, is
essential before any treatment plan is developed.

→ Compare the surgical and non-surgical procedure options available
at Aesthetica.

When to consider a consultation

A consultation may be worth considering if:

• Gynecomastia has persisted for more than a year without change
• The condition developed or worsened in adulthood
• Physical discomfort is affecting daily activity or exercise
• You have already discussed the condition with your GP and have been cleared of any underlying medical cause
• You would like to understand what treatment may or may not be
  appropriate for your individual circumstances

A consultation at Aesthetica Image Centre is an information-gathering
conversation, not a commitment to treatment. Dr Tony Prochazka will assess your individual situation and explain which options, if any, may
be appropriate for you, along with realistic expectations and any relevant risks.

Consultation fee: $180.00 out of pocket.