Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the chest area in men.

There are three types of gynecomastia:

• True gynecomastia: This occurs when there is breast tissue enlargement, which is natural in women but abnormal in men.
• False gynecomastia or lipomastia: This is observed when there is an increase in fatty tissue in the chest area.
• Mixed gynecomastia: This involves the enlargement of both the mammary glands and fatty tissue.

CAUSES OF GYNECOMASTIA IN MEN

True gynecomastia can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Use of certain medications
• Impaired liver function and metabolism
• Use of anabolic steroids

HOW IS GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY PERFORMED?

The treatment for gynecomastia depends on the type and underlying cause. It is important to consult with an endocrinologist and a mammologist.

For true gynecomastia, hormonal treatment is often prescribed initially. In cases where gynecomastia is caused by hormonal imbalance during adolescence, it may resolve on its own. However, if conservative treatment fails to provide results, adult men may consider consulting a plastic surgeon. Gynecomastia occurring in men of reproductive age is often an indication for surgical intervention.

Surgical removal of the mammary gland is a straightforward procedure where a plastic surgeon removes the glandular tissue through small incisions [1]. In cases where gynecomastia is associated with excessive skin stretching, a skin tightening procedure may be required. Occasionally, a nipple transfer may be performed to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance of the male breasts.

For false gynecomastia, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial, including working with a nutritionist and increasing physical activity. However, in cases where accumulated fat in the chest area persists despite overall weight loss, liposuction in the breast area may be performed. Special cannulas may be required to effectively separate the fat from the breast [2]. It is crucial to choose a liposuction technique that not only eliminates excess fat but also reduces the skin in the treated area. At ANACOSMA clinic, we utilize the safest nutation liposuction technique with the Belgian Euromi machine. This method employs vibration only at the cannula’s tip, which helps break down fat cells without causing harm to blood vessels and surrounding tissues [3]. Infrasound vibrations are used to tighten the skin at the liposuction site.

List of references:

1. Caridi RC. Total Gynecomastia Removal with Layered Closure: A Study of 567 Cases. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Apr 13;10(4):e4256.
2. Robert S. Hamas, MD, Cholm W. Williams, MBBS, A Sharp Cutting Liposuction Cannula for Gynecomastia, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 18, Issue 4, July 1998, Pages 261–265
3. Bowen RE. Stromal Vascular Fraction from Lipoaspirate Infranatant: Comparison Between Suction-Assisted Liposuction and Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2016 Jun;40(3):367-71.