How is gynecomastia surgery performed?
Gynecomastia correction is usually performed using a liposuction technique. Through a small incision at the areolar margin a narrow tube or cannula is introduced and gradual suctioning of the breast tissue is accomplished. In some patients the breast tissue is quite firm and a direct excision of tissue through an incision at the aerolar margin is required. In an occasional patient who has extremely redundant or sagging skin a skin excision is required.
The surgical management of gynecomastia, in the past, consisted mainly of surgical excision techniques. The invention of liposuction in 1983 made a major breakthrough in the treatment of gynecomastia. The combination of the two techniques, glandular excision and liposuction ha now become the gold standard. Newer techniques such as ultrasonic assisted liposuction has also added to our armamentarium. This technique is good for removing fat in dense, fibrous areas such as the chest. Before anesthesia is given, a surgical marking pen is used to draw a detailed “map” on the chest. This architectural plan enables the doctor to make the accurate changes from the sitting to the lying position. After anesthesia is given, a small 3.0 cm incision is made at the breast crease and liposuction is performed. Next, an incision is made near the edge of the areola. The gland is appropriately excised and liposuction is used again to blend in the areas. On rare occasions the gynecomastia is purely excessi
