Gynecomastia causes male breast glandular tissue to get larger than normal, which can cause low self-esteem and discomfort during exercise. Both male and female breasts contain fat and glandular tissue, and gynecomastia is categorized into different grades based on the amount of excess tissue and skin present. By determining your gynecomastia grade, you can understand your options and develop a plan to achieve your aesthetic goals.
At Zochowski Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Christopher Zochowski can help you decide what grade of gynecomastia applies to you and explain your options moving forward. Depending on your grade, you can choose from liposuction or surgical removal of fat and skin with or without nipple repositioning.
Grade 1 Gynecomastia: Small Enlargement with Excess Fat
Grade 1 gynecomastia describes a small enlargement from excess fat, but without any surplus skin. Sometimes it looks and feels like a bump underneath the nipple. The mildest form of gynecomastia, grade 1, typically doesn’t cause sagging, and chest skin stays elastic.
Liposuction often resolves grade 1 gynecomastia. For those who choose a surgical approach, incisions can stay small, and in most cases, skin tightening isn’t necessary.
Grade 2A Gynecomastia: Moderate Enlargement with No Excess Skin
In gynecomastia classification, grade 2 gets divided into 2A and 2B. In grade 2A gynecomastia, patients notice moderate breast enlargement that extends past the nipple and areola, but still doesn’t involve excess skin. 2A gynecomastia means you have more breast enlargement than grade 1, but your skin stays elastic — it doesn’t sag.
Surgical repair for grade 2A gynecomastia typically involves a combination of liposuction and removal of enlarged tissue. Because the area is still on the small side, this type of breast reduction can often be done using shorter incisions for less scarring.
Grade 2B Gynecomastia: Moderate Enlargement with Skin and Glandular Overgrowth
Grade 2B gynecomastia also involves moderate breast tissue enlargement, but unlike 2A, this type causes overgrowth of glandular tissue, plus an overabundance of skin and noticeable sagging. Sometimes this type of gynecomastia requires more complex surgical techniques to repair.
Gynecomastia grade 2B can cause discomfort in the back or chest and skin irritation under the breast folds. Treatments for this grade can include liposuction, nipple repositioning, skin tightening, and removal of skin, glandular tissue, and fat.
Grade 3 Gynecomastia: Significant Enlargement with Excess Skin and Sagging
In grade 3 gynecomastia, you will see more significant breast enlargement than the previous types, with pronounced excess skin, sagging, and loss of elasticity. Some patients with grade 3 report poor posture and back and shoulder strain from excess chest weight, plus skin irritation under the breast tissue.
Surgery for grade 3 typically involves a more extensive procedure to remove unwanted tissue and skin and shape a flat, masculine chest contour. This surgical repair also includes nipple repositioning after excess skin is removed, and the entire procedure requires advanced suturing skills.
Grade 4 Gynecomastia: Severe Enlargement and Sagging
Not all clinicians include grade 4 gynecomastia, but when they do, it describes the most severe form. In this stage, back pain, posture issues, and chronic skin irritation can become worse.
Grade 4 means you have severe breast enlargement, extensive overabundance of skin, and pronounced sagging. This gynecomastia category may require surgical intervention similar to grade 3, but with the possibility of nipple grafting and more complex tissue removal techniques.
What Is a Male Breast Reduction in Columbus, Ohio?
Even though gynecomastia isn’t life-threatening, it can cause both physical and mental discomfort. To address this condition, we offer male breast reduction procedures. These surgical solutions can be tailored to fit your gynecomastia grade and may include liposuction or removal of tissue and skin. The best candidates for male breast reduction are generally healthy, don’t smoke, and have realistic expectations for their procedure.
Why Choose Zochowski Plastic Surgery for Your Male Breast Reduction?
No matter which grade of gynecomastia you have, you want to know your surgeon has the skill and experience needed to meet your goals, and you can trust Dr. Christopher Zochowski with your male breast reduction. A Board Certified Breast and Body Specialist known for delivering exceptional results, Dr. Zochowski has years of specialized experience in body contouring procedures.
Combining advanced surgical techniques with a patient-centered approach, he customizes each patient’s surgical plan to achieve natural-looking outcomes tailored to their goals. At Zochowski Plastic Surgery in Columbus, Ohio, you’ll receive personalized care in a state-of-the-art facility, ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Consultation at Zochowski Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Columbus, OH
Start your journey toward reducing excess breast tissue from gynecomastia and reclaim your masculine chest with Zochowski Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Zochowski and his expert team are committed to helping you reach your aesthetic goals with personalized care and advanced surgical techniques. Schedule your consultation today by calling our practice at (614) 490-7500 or by completing our online consultation form.