AESTHETIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY
GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY
Male breast reduction
Male breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) may occur during puberty or in adulthood, with a significant impact on the individual. Gynaecomastia may be exacerbated by pre-existing or concomitant conditions, e.g., hormonal changes, certain medication or for unknown reasons. If it is caused by increased fat deposition, it is defined as pseudogynecomastia.
Any acknowledged and persisting cause of gynaecomastia is a contraindication and should be treated and solved before commencing surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery aims to reduce the size of large (hypertrophic) male breasts. An accurate pre-operative examination allows the surgeon to select the most appropriate technique, based on the severity of the defect:
- Liposuction, performed only if the defect is due to fat deposit (pseudogynaecomastia) and if skin elasticity is very good.
- Gland excision through an incision at the lower half of the areola border, with or without liposuction. In this case the scar runs along the lower areolar border.
- Removal of a skin strip from around the areola, with possible gland excision, with or without liposuction. In this case the scar is circumferential and lies along the areolar border.
Irrespective of the technique used, only deep, dissolvable sutures are used.
Gynaecomastia correction is performed under general anaesthesia (the patient is asleep) with a one-night hospital stay after the surgery.
Careful administration of pain-killers during and after the surgery ensures that post-operative pain and discomfort are kept to a minimum.
