Axillary approach in suction-assisted lipectomy of gynecomastia

Abstract

Gynecomastia or hypertrophy of breast tissue is a serious cosmetic compromise for either adolescent or adult men. Male breast enlargement is a relatively common occurrence during puberty. In the majority of patients no pathologic cause for the problem can be found. A minimal degree of hypertrophy of breast tissue is a normal happening in the adolescent man, regressing spontaneously with maturity. Maintenance of the breast enlargement addresses surgical treatment of the gynecomastia. Breast enlargement in the adult man occurs owing to excess adipose tissue or to combination of adipose and glandular tissue. Spontaneous regression in adult men is occasional and surgical treatment is indicated most of the time. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.