Gynecomastia is a condition that affects men, caused by either fat accumulation in the chest area, hypertrophy of the male mammary gland, or a combination of both. It can manifest during childhood or early adolescence. In a large percentage of cases, it recedes and resolves during adulthood. However, if it persists or appears later in life due to weight gain, the use of anabolic steroids, or certain medications, it can be treated in various ways. In rare cases, gynecomastia is due to pathological causes or various syndromes, which are investigated and ruled out with tests before surgical treatment.
Gynecomastia is usually treated with liposuction of the male chest area. Fat is aspirated through small incisions, and post-operatively, a special surgical vest is required for a few weeks. In some cases, however, liposuction alone is not sufficient and must be combined with the excision of the hypertrophic mammary gland through a small incision around the areola (the brown part of the breast around the nipple). These procedures require sedation or light general anesthesia, and the patient returns home after the surgery.