Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)

by Dr. Charu Sharma Surgery Specialist

Gynecomastia comes from the Greek terms gynec (feminine) and mastos(breast). The literal translation, male breasts, relates to any condition that leads to excessive development of breast tissue in males. Males could seldom develop breast cancer, however typically this can be often related to sex gland atrophy.

Male breast volume consists of a mix of ductal and stromal tissue, usually remarked as organ tissue, and a rise in adipocytes, usually remarked as adipose tissue. Excess skin leading to vital prolapse of the breast could also be gift in patients with severe abnormality. See the pictures below.

Preoperative gynecomastia patient. Note the enlarged breast size. Courtesy of Dr. Charu Sharma.

Post surgical correction of gynecomastia. Note the improved contour, which enables the patient to look better both in and out of clothes. Courtesy of Dr. Charu Sharma.

Preoperative anteroposterior view of a patient with idiopathic gynecomastia.

Postoperative view of above patient. Note that while the glandular and fatty tissue have been removed, the nipples remain in the preoperative position relative to each other. Also note the significant skin retraction postoperatively.

Preoperative lateral view of a patient with gynecomastia.

Postoperative view of patient after surgical glandular excision and combined ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) and power-assisted liposuction (PAL). Courtesy of Dr. Charu Sharma