A simple approach to facilitate the use of microdebrider for treatment of fibrous gynaecomastia

Endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy plus liposuction via a single axillary incision for gynecomastia in Asian patients: A report of 45 cases

BACKGROUND

Most techniques for surgical correction of gynecomastia are performed by anterior and/or lateral chest incisions, showing an "operated" appearance. Our initial experience was introduced in gynecomastia with a combination of endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy and liposuction via an axillary single incision.

METHODS

Between September 2018 and July 2019, a series of 45 male patients who had Simon grade I or II gynecomastia were enrolled in this study. The demographics, operative data, and postoperative complications were recorded in detail. Four independent observers gave their ratings by assigning scores of 1 to 5 for 6 main aesthetic aspects based on pre and postoperative photographs.

RESULTS

Endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy combined with liposuction via an axillary single incision was performed successfully in all cases. Mean operative duration was 82.6 minutes for each side (37.5-132.5 minutes). The weight of the resected glandular tissue of the 89 breasts was 26 to 130 g and the aspiration volume was 60 to 700 mL. Three unilateral subcutaneous seromas (3.3%), 5 unilateral hematomas (5.6%), and 1 bilateral minimal skin redundancy (2.2%) were encountered. Observer-reported outcomes indicated that patients with grade Ⅰ gynecomastia had significantly better aesthetic results than those with grade Ⅱb in the aspects of symmetry, shape of nipple, shape of areola, contour regularity, and overall appearance (P < .001). Patients with grade Ⅱa gynecomastia also witnessed better improvement than grade Ⅱb in shape of nipple, contour regularity, and overall appearance (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy combined with liposuction via an axillary single incision is a feasible minimally invasive technique for the treatment of gynecomastia. The combined method is effective in achieving satisfied aesthetic results for Simon grades I and Ⅱa gynecomastia, and it can also be an alternative choice for grade Ⅱb.

Review of the microdebrider excision and liposuction technique (MELT) for the treatment of gynecomastia

INTRODUCTION

Numerous advancements have been made in the surgical treatment of gynecomastia. However, one of the greatest challenges faced is the complete excision of the fibrous breast disc. We aim to review and compare the outcomes of the microdebrider excision and liposuction technique (MELT) with other techniques employed at our institution.

METHODOLOGY

We reviewed patients who underwent treatment for idiopathic gynecomastia at our institution from 2002 to 2017. They were divided into 4 groups: Microdebrider Excision and Liposuction Technique (MELT), liposuction only (LO), open excision only (EO), and liposuction and open excision technique (LET). Complications requiring a revision surgery were recorded (residual breast disc, hematoma formation, and nipple-areolar scars). Phone interviews were conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 304 patients underwent treatment between 2002 and 2017. Out of which, 51.3% patients were treated by MELT, 17.1% patients by LO, 15.8% patients by EO, and 15.8% patients by LET. The subgroup analysis on patients with clinically palpable breast disc was performed. Patients who underwent LO were 2.58 times more likely to have a revision surgery (p = 0.030) and 4.05 times more likely to have residual breast disc requiring revision surgery (p = 0.006) compared to the MELT group. Patients who underwent LET were 3.26 times more likely to have hematomas compared to the MELT group (p = 0.047). Patients from the EO group were most concerned by scars (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The MELT is a useful technique for the treatment of gynecomastia especially for patients with palpable breast discs. It can achieve good clinical and satisfaction outcomes as compared to other traditional techniques via a small single incision.