Summary
Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of the male breast. There are many potential causes, physiologic, pathologic, and iatrogenic. True gynecomastia is a hypertrophy of breast glandular tissue, and pseudogynecomastia is a more localized adipose within the chest subcutaneous tissues. These entities often coexist. There are several peaks of incidence based on age. Neonatal, adolescent, and senile ages are the peaks and are present for various reasons. Workup is by a good history and physical examination. Further laboratory examinations may be beneficial.
The plastic surgeon often sees a gynecomastia that is either physiologic or idiopathic. Rarely, medical treatment is needed. Surgical treatment is based on patients and their desires and expectations. This may range from liposuction alone to a significant skin reduction.
This chapter reviews the etiology, workup, and options for surgical treatment of gynecomastia.
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Abbreviations
- SAL:
-
Suction-assisted liposuction
- UAL:
-
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction
References
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Isakov, R. (2010). Gynecomastia. In: Siemionow, M.Z., Eisenmann-Klein, M. (eds) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Springer Specialist Surgery Series. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-513-0_33
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-513-0_33
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