Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition where there is enlargement of the male breasts.

It is a fairly common condition affecting about 40 % of men of all ages, right from their teens to the late 60's. It is the result of accumulation of fat in the male breast and also of the enlargement of the glandular tissue of the breast.

There is no obvious cause for gynaecomastia, such as disease, etc., but it is believed to be multifactorial. It is commoner in obese individuals, and may result from hormonal fluctuations or as a side effect of certain medications.

Men with gynaecomastia are embarrassed and self-conscious about their appearance. They do not like to wear tight t-shirts, or take off their shirts in public or to go swimming. This affects their social and family life as they are unable to participate in family activities with their children.

Surgery for Gynaecomastia

Surgery for the correction of gynaecomastia depends on whether the enlargement is due to fat, breast tissue, or both. The size of the enlarged breasts also matter because there may be excess skin as well.  

Liposuction

This is a minimally invasive procedure that is carried out for essentially fatty breasts with little or no glandular tissue. It is often done as a day care procedure, and you are sent home in a few hours.

Excision

Formal excision of the glandular breast tissue is done, which involves an incision around the areola. The scar can be minimized, and is usually not noticeable. This procedure can also be done under local anaesthesia, and you can go home in a few hours.

Liposuction with excision

Gynaecomastia is most commonly treated by a combination of liposuction of the fat accumulated in the breast and excision of the breast tissue, if present. This procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia you may be able to go home the same or next day.

Excision with free nipple transfer

In some patients with very large breasts there may be a lot of excess skin after removing the excess fat and breast tissue, necessitating the removal of skin as well. The nipple- areola complex may need to be shifted to a new appropriate location in these cases. It is a more extensive surgery, requiring usually a day or so in hospital.