Lighted retractor-assisted transaxillary approach in gynecomastia correction.

Gynecomastia is an excessive development of the male breast. Surgery is the accepted standard method for treatment. In our department, 5 male patients ranging in age from 18 to 24 years who had grade I-IIA-IIB gynecomastia according to Simon's classification were operated on with a lighted retractor-assisted transaxillary approach. Dissection, excision, and hemostasis were performed under direct vision by using the lighted retractor. The glands and adjacent fat were removed en bloc. The axillary scar was barely visible. The patients were satisfied with the results. Gynecomastia correction with a lighted retractor-assisted transaxillary approach is feasible for those who have grade I-IIA-IIB gynecomastia according to Simon's classification and also for those who do not want to have scars on their breasts' esthetic units and have a tendency towards keloid formation. Scars can be kept in the hidden area, with no considerable complication. The lighted retractor facilitates the transaxillary approach and provides appropriate dissection, excision, and hemostasis.