Autologous fat injec tion into the pectoralis major as an adjunct to surgic al correction of gynecomastia

Abstract

Background: Correctio n of gynecoma stia in males is a freq uently perfo rmed aesthetic procedure. Various surgica l options involving the removal of excess skin, fat, or glandular tissue have been described. However, poor aestheti c outcomes, includin g a fl at or depressed pectoral area, limit the success of these techni ques. Objectives: The authors sought to determine patient satisfaction with the res ults of upper chest augme ntation by direct intrapectoral fat injec tion in conjunction with surgica l correction of gynecomastia. Methods: In this prospec tive study, 26 patient s underwent liposuction and gla ndular excision, glandular excision alone, or Benel li-type skin excision. All patients recei ved intramuscular fat injections in predetermined zones of the pe ctoralis major (PM). The mean volume of fat injected was 160 mL (range, 80- 220 mL per breast) bilaterally. Patients were monitored for an average of 16 month s (range, 8-24 months). Results: Hematoma formation and consequen t infraareolar depression was noted in 1 patient and was correcte d by secondary lipografting. Mean patient satisfaction was rated as 8.4 on a scale of 1 (unsatisfactory) to 10 (hig hly satisfactory). Conclusio ns: Autol ogous intrapectoral fat injec tion performed simultaneo usly with gynecomastia correction can produc e a masculine appearance. Th e long-term via bility of fat cells injected into the PM ne eds to be determined.