Gynecomastia – Types and Grades For The Clear Understanding of Male Breast Condition

When males develop a chest area similar to female breast, it is called Gynecomastia, in medical terms.

This condition in males usually occurs due to hormonal imbalance or other prevalent conditions. It can affect men at any age but usually outsets in boys at adolescent age. 70% to 75% boys suffer from Gynecomastia while they start to grow into men.

It is important to understand the cause of Gynecomastia. It is often associated with weight gain and obesity at different ages, but, it is not. It is a disorder of endocrine system and is rarely a weight-related issue. It is a common male problem and often seen as a source of huge embarrassment and psychological stress. Gynecomastia hampers the physical appearance of a male to a great extent. Men associate this with feminine looks and are embarrassed to be seen with womanly upper body.

Though it affects the body in a similar manner, there are severities and grades of Gynecomastia, which can be put in 4 different categories. Devised by ASPS – American Society of Plastic Surgery this classification also helps the surgeons to identify the condition and the most suited treatment for it.
Here are the 4 different grades of Gynecomastia:

Grade I – Small Breast Enlargement

Grade I is the least severe condition where a small area surrounding the areola is affected. A localized button like structure of tissue appears around the nipple which gives it a breast like look. This tissue enlargement is usually different in color than the actual skin color of male. The enlargement is relatively and small and is not visible over the clothing.

Grade II – Moderate Breast Enlargement

A little more intense, this condition gives birth to a moderate sized enlargement which is not contained inside the areola, and starts protruding out. The edges are often indistinct from the chest, hence less prominent. Pectoralis muscle area gets covered with breast tissue. Though it is a bit severe, yet, not too noticeable over loose clothing. Doctors prescribe a diet low on estrogen to control the condition. Medication and surgery are alternative remedies.

Grade III – Moderate Breast Enlargement

In this condition the breast enlargement exceeds areola boundaries and the edges are seen quite distinctively. Excess skin grows making the breast shape more prominent. Though the breast tissue is enlarged to a moderate level, the visibility of this grade is quite high and can be seen clearly over the clothes too. Males in adolescent age usually feel a lot of discomfort and social stigmas due to this condition.

Grade IV – Marked Breast Enlargement

Looks are something similar to female breasts with too much of excess skin and pronounced nipple area. The grade is severe and high. The only remedy considered in this grade is surgery, to remove the excess tissue and to replace the areola in a more masculine structure.

With varied grades in males suffering from Gynecomastia, it is becoming a prevalent disorder these days. But, there are ready remedies available for the same. Get in touch with our experts at Skinnovation Clinics and find the best-suited solution for your condition.