From the Guidelines
Surgical removal of gynecomastia is beneficial for men who experience significant physical discomfort or emotional distress due to the condition. According to the American College of Radiology, gynecomastia is a common cause of palpable mass, breast enlargement, or pain in men, and surgery is the most effective treatment for true gynecomastia 1. The standard procedure is a mastectomy, which removes the excess breast tissue, and can be done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Surgery
- Improves body image and self-esteem
- Provides a permanent solution by physically removing the enlarged breast tissue
- Can significantly improve quality of life for many men affected by gynecomastia
- Addresses the root cause of the condition, rather than just treating the symptoms
Considerations and Risks
- Surgery carries some risks, such as infection, scarring, or changes in nipple sensation
- It's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if you're a good candidate and to discuss the potential benefits and risks in your specific case
- For mild cases, liposuction alone may be sufficient, while more extensive cases may require both gland excision and skin removal
Overall, the benefits of surgical removal of gynecomastia, including improved quality of life and permanent solution, outweigh the risks for many men, making it a beneficial treatment option for those who experience significant discomfort or distress due to the condition 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Surgical Removal of Gynecomastia
- Surgical removal of gynecomastia is beneficial for patients with long-lasting gynecomastia that does not regress spontaneously or following medical therapy 2, 3, 4.
- The extent and type of surgery depend on the size of breast enlargement and the amount of adipose tissue 2.
- Surgical treatment is recommended if a trial of medical therapy is unsuccessful, if no regression is present after 1 year of observation, if the condition worsens, or if psychosocial problems arise due to gynecomastia 4.
- Surgical removal can also be beneficial for patients with severe gynecomastia, as shown in a case report where a patient with severe gynecomastia due to excessive estradiol secretion showed a positive outcome after receiving surgical treatment combined with aromatase inhibitor administration 5.
Considerations for Surgical Removal
- The management of gynecomastia should be performed by a multidisciplinary team 6.
- The surgical treatment, especially the type of incision, should be chosen based on the Simon stages of gynecomastia 6.
- Liposuction can be associated with surgical removal in selected cases 6.
- The postoperative morbidity rate can be relatively high, with complications such as hematoma, seroma, and skin necrosis 6.
Patient Selection for Surgical Removal
- Patients with bilateral gynecomastia, a higher body mass index, or a history of smoking may be more likely to undergo surgical removal 6.
- Patients with a higher stage of gynecomastia according to the Simon classification may be more likely to undergo surgical removal 6.
- Patients with underlying medical conditions, such as endocrine disorders or metabolic disorders, may require a more comprehensive evaluation before undergoing surgical removal 6.