[Gynecomastia. Investigation and surgical treatment]

Enlargement of the male breast, gynecomastia, commonly occurs in otherwise healthy men. If the gynecomastia is marked, surgical treatment may be necessary. Underlying disease must be considered. History, physical examination, laboratory tests and in some patients ultrasonography of the testes should be conducted prior to surgery. If the gynecomastia is due mainly due to fat, suction lipectomy alone is sufficient treatment. However, liposuction will not remove breast parenchyma, and some patients also require local excision of the parenchyma. In our experience, suction lipectomy provides a new means of acquiring better contour, with reduced morbidity and complications.