Gynaecomastia correction: A review of our experience

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Author(s): Mohan A, Khan A, Srinivasan K, Roberts J

Pages: 1-5 |


Gynaecomastia is a common problem in the male population, particularly in young adults, with a 1 reported prevalence of up to 36% . The term refers to a benign female-like enlargement of the male breast resulting from an increase in ductal tissue, stroma, and/or fat. Enlarged breasts can cause anxiety, self-consciousness and embarrassment, functional problems and psychosocial discomfort and fear of malignancy. It is not surprising therefore, that gynaecomastia is the most common cause for seeking medical advice for a breast condition in men. Surgical options for gynaecomastia include liposuction, open resection, and resection with skin reduction. Outcome studies of surgical correction have generally shown high levels of 2,3 satisfaction . However, Ridha et al demonstrated only a 62.5% of patients within a cohort of 74 4 patients were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their surgery . Surgery is, therefore, not a decision to be taken without careful patient assessment. Various techniques have been described over the years but no technique has yet gained universal acceptance. We aimed to review all gynaecomastia patients operated on under the care of one consultant in a regional unit over a 7-year period to assess the morbidity and complication rates associated with the procedure and to determine whether certain surgical techniques produced improved outcomes.