Eccentric mastectomy and zigzag periareolar incision for gynecomastia.

BACKGROUND

Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast caused by gland proliferation. Surgery is performed for symptom relief or for cosmetic reasons. The authors used a modified operative procedure, then evaluated the results and safety.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2005, 22 men (median age, 26 years; range, 13-63 years) with gynecomastia underwent surgery. The operative procedure included a zigzag periareolar skin incision, eccentric subcutaneous mastectomy, and liposuction, with postoperative compression.

RESULTS

All the patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery, which produced a chest contour resembling a normal male chest rather than simply a smaller breast. The only complication was a hematoma. One patient was found to have breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The normal male chest contour can be restored by the described method of eccentric subcutaneous mastectomy.