If your chest looks puffy even when you’re lean, you may be dealing with gynecomastia (true gland tissue), not just fat. In most persistent cases, lasting correction comes from removing the gland and sculpting the surrounding chest. At XSculpt in Chicago, Dr. Marc Adajar treats gynecomastia with our exclusive ChestSculpt® procedure with a focused, step-by-step plan built for men who want natural, flat results and a smooth return to training.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a benign increase in male breast gland tissue, usually tied to a testosterone-estrogen imbalance. It can affect one or both sides and may feel tender early on. In Chicago, we see it in teens post-puberty, lifters, new dads, and men as they age.
What’s the difference between Gynecomastia vs. “pseudogynecomastia” (fat)
True gynecomastia presents a rubbery, disk-like gland under the nipple-areola complex. Pseudogynecomastia is fat without gland growth. Fat loss changes fat by reducing the size of the fat cells. It does not remove gland. That’s why strict dieting can lean out your torso but leave puffy nipples or a rounded lower chest.
Why your chest can look puffy at low body fat
Even at single-digit body fat, a retained gland can keep the areola projecting. Many Chicago athletes and lifters come in saying, “I’ve tried everything-cardio, macros, fasted training-and the bulge won’t go away.” That’s classic gynecomastia.
What are common causes of gynecomastia?
Normal life stages (puberty, aging), some medications, supplements, and health conditions can play a role. During your Chicago consult, Dr. Marc Adajar or Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong will review your history and, when appropriate, consider labs or imaging to rule out red flags. Most cases are diagnosed by a careful physical exam.
How is gynecomastia diagnosed?
For most men, diagnosis is clinical: a firm, concentric gland beneath the areola suggests gynecomastia. Selective tests help exclude other issues if there’s asymmetry, rapid growth, nipple discharge, or other concerns. If you’re in Chicago, our gynecomastia specialists design a treatment plan that targets the actual cause.
How is gynecomastia treated?
The definitive fix is to remove the gland and sculpt the chest. For persistent gynecomastia, surgery is the most durable option. It combines precise gland excision to flatten the areola and eliminate the source of projection, with VASER hi-definition liposuction to taper the borders, upper pole, and axillary lines for a natural, athletic contour.
Recovery most men can expect
- Desk work: often a few days after surgery, depending on job demands and gynecomastia grade.
- Compression & swelling is normal. You’ll follow a clear garment plan to support healing.
- Cardio & lifting: phased return with surgeon clearance. Expect shape to keep refining over weeks to months as swelling settles.
At XSculpt Chicago, you’ll get detailed guidance on walking, garment use, massage, and the smart way to ramp back into chest and back training.
Why men choose XSculpt in Chicago
Focused expertise: Men-only chest contouring and hi-definition lipo are core to our practice.
Direct surgeon access: You’ll be in touch with Dr. Marc Adajar before and after your gynecomastia procedure.
Full gland removal + written warranty: Designed to address the “came back” worry.
Transparent pricing and financing: CareCredit and Cherry available.
Discreet process: Virtual consults and virtual or in-person follow-ups in River North, Chicago.
In this video, Dr. Marc Adajar discusses what gynecomastia is, how it happens, how it is diagnosed, and the next steps in treatment.
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XSCULPT was founded by two award-winning board-certified surgeons Dr. Marc Adajar & Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong. Our practice specializes in body contouring procedures, including Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction), Abdominal Etching, Lipo 360, Vaser Hi Definition Liposuction, Male Puffy Nipple Reduction, Male Tummy Tuck, and Non-Surgical Fat Reduction. Medical services include Hormone & Testosterone Replacement Therapy, Anti-Aging, Peptide Therapy and Medical Weight Loss.
