A systematic approach to the surgical treatment of gynaecomastia

Numerous techniques have been described for the correction of gynaecomastia, and the surgeon is faced with a wide range of excisional and liposuction procedures. There is a paucity of literature describing an integrated approach to the management of this condition and the roles of the different treatment modalities. A review of all gynaecomastia patients operated on by one surgeon over a 2-year period was undertaken. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a linear analogue scale with a maximum score of 10. In total, 48 breasts in 29 patients were treated--31 breasts by liposuction alone (19 by conventional liposuction, 12 by ultrasound-assisted liposuction), eight breasts by liposuction and open excision, and nine breasts by liposuction, open excision and skin reduction (concentric or Lejour mastopexy). There were no early postoperative complications, such as haematoma, seroma or infection, and 91% of patients were very satisfied (score: 8-10) with their cosmetic outcome. The most frequently encountered complication was a residual subareolar lump (five breasts), all in patients treated by conventional liposuction alone. In order to avoid the common complication of an uncomfortable residual subareolar nodule, the threshold for open excision in patients undergoing conventional liposuction should be low. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction extends the role of liposuction in gynaecomastia patients. Although skin excess remains a challenge, it can be satisfactorily managed without excessive scarring. A practical approach to the surgical management of gynaecomastia, which takes into account breast size, consistency, skin excess and skin quality, is proposed.