Gynecomastia Surgery-Impact on Life Quality: A Prospective Case-Control Study

The Scar-Hidden Surgery on Gynecomastia: Experiences from a Single-Institutional Large Case Series

BACKGROUND

To summarize the experiences on the mastoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy for gynecomastia by "nine-step method" based on the "5S" goal and standardize this operation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1, 2002, and October 31, 2021, a total of 2035 breasts of 1082 male patients with gynecomastia, of which 129 patients with one side, were underwent mastoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy. The follow-up endpoint was 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

All patients were successfully completed the operation, and none of them was transferred to open operation. The operation time for unilateral breast was 12-28 min, and the average time was 17.7 ± 6.2 min. The amount of bleeding during unilateral operation was very small, about 5-10 ml. The total drainage volume was 5-50 ml after the operation, and the drainage tube was removed in 3-5 days. The epidermal necrosis occurred in 0.3% nipple. 0.2% chest wall had a little ecchymosis in the supero-medial region of the breast. All patients had the normal feeling of nipples and areola, the smoothing and symmetrical chest wall, and the natural contour. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The mastoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy for gynecomastia by "nine-step method" based on the "5S" goal has a short operation time, few surgical complications and good esthetics. It achieves the "5S" goals on the complete removal of glandular tissue (sweeping), small and scar-hidden incision are small (scarless), good symmetry of bilateral chest wall (symmetry), normal chest shape (shape), and smoothing chest wall (smoothing).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

The journal asks authors to assign a level of evidence to each article. For a complete description of Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, see the Table of Contents or the online Instructions for Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .

Gynecomastia Surgery in 4996 Male Patients Over 14 Years: A Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Trends, Predictive Risk Factors, and Short-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of benign male breast tissue enlargement (gynecomastia) has resulted in a marked increase of gynecomastia cases. While about one third of male adults experience some form of gynecomastia, gynecomastia surgery (GS) outcome research is limited to small study populations and single-center/-surgeon databases. In this study, we aimed to access the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database to identify preoperative risk factors for complications and investigate postoperative outcomes of GS.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we queried the ACS-NSQIP database from 2008 to 2021 to identify male adult patients who underwent GS. Postoperative outcomes involved the occurrence of any, surgical and medical complications, as well as reoperation, readmission, and mortality within a 30-day postoperative time period. Univariable and multivariable assessment were performed to identify risk factors for complications while adjusting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

The study included 4,996 GS patients with a mean age of 33.7 ± 15 years and BMI of 28.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2. White patients constituted 54% (n = 2713) of the cohort, and 27% (n = 1346) were obese. Except for 2020, there was a steady increase in GS cases over the study period. Outpatient surgeries were most common at 95% (n = 4730), while general surgeons performed the majority of GS (n = 3580; 72%). Postoperatively, 91% (n = 4538) of patients were discharged home; 4.4% (n = 222) experienced any complications. Multivariable analysis identified inpatient setting (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.023), prior sepsis (p = 0.018), and bleeding disorders (p = 0.047) as independent risk factors for complications.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we analyzed 4996 male adult GS patients from the ACS-NSQIP database, revealing an increased caseload and significant general surgeon involvement. Risk factors like bleeding disorders, inpatient status, and prior sepsis were linked to postoperative complications, while BMI was crucial for predicting adverse events. Overall, our findings may aid in enhancing patient care through advanced preoperative screening and closer perioperative management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Postoperative Psychological Impact on Teenagers after Gynecomastia Correction

Gynecomastia is common among teenagers. Most published research focused on how surgery is effective in enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the breast. Limited information is already known about the psychosocial benefits of surgical interventions. This study explores and assesses the surgical, cosmetic, and psychological outcome of gynecomastia correction in teenagers.

Methods

This prospective study included 20 teenagers with Simon grade IIA gynecomastia. The assessment included complications, patients' satisfaction, Manchester Scar Scale, and Li et al questionnaire at 12 months postoperative. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) for quality of life, and school achievement level were evaluated 1 month preoperative and 12 months postoperative. Statistical analysis was done.

Results

Patients were aged 13-19 years old. The follow-up period was 12 ± 36 months. Postoperative complications included seroma formation (n = 1) and mild asymmetry (n = 3). Results were "uniformly good to excellent" on a satisfaction scale. The Manchester Scar Scale shows the lowest score, which denotes the highest outcomes. The Li et al questionnaire showed a positive overall change. Comparing Rosenberg Scale scores pre- and postoperatively revealed higher scores postoperatively, which indicate higher self esteem. Comparing SF-36 pre- and postoperatively showed a significant increase in postoperative quality of life. Comparing school achievement pre- and postoperatively showed marked improvement postoperatively. Results were highly statistically significant.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of teenage gynecomastia is beneficial for different psychosocial domains. Pull-through of the mammary gland combined with liposuction provides satisfactory cosmetic results. Patients who underwent surgery reported a significant improvement in psychosocial load, better school achievement, higher quality of life, and better self-esteem.

Complications and Quality of Life following Gynecomastia Correction in Adolescents and Young Men

BACKGROUND

Persistent adolescent gynecomastia negatively affects health-related quality of life. Surgery results in psychosocial improvements, but the effects of postoperative complications on health-related quality of life are unknown. The authors examined whether complications following adolescent gynecomastia surgery impact postoperative health-related quality of life.

METHODS

Patients aged 12 to 21 years who underwent surgical correction of unilateral/bilateral gynecomastia between 2007 and 2019 were enrolled (n = 145). Relevant demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Fifty-one patients completed the following surveys preoperatively, and at 6 months and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 years postoperatively: 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (Version 2), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test.

RESULTS

Within a median period of 8.6 months, 36 percent of breasts experienced at least one complication. The most common were residual tissue (12.6 percent), contour irregularities (9.2 percent), and hematomas (7.8 percent). Patients reported significant postoperative improvements in self-esteem and in seven health-related quality-of-life domains (Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, Bodily Pain, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health) at a median of 33.3 months. Postoperative survey scores did not vary by grade or procedure, or largely by body mass index category or complication status. However, patients aged younger than 17 years at surgery scored significantly higher than older patients in the Short-Form Health Survey Vitality and Mental Health domains postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related quality-of-life improvements are achievable in adolescents through surgical correction of persistent gynecomastia. Postoperatively, patients largely experienced similar health-related quality-of-life gains irrespective of complication status, grade, surgical technique, or body mass index category. Minor postcorrection complications are but do not appear to limit postoperative health-related quality-of-life benefits.

Minimal Incision Technique for Gynecomastia

Background:

Gynecomastia or enlargement of the male breasts affects a large proportion of males, with most patients requiring surgical intervention as only a few lesions are actually resolved with medical management alone. Surgery cures the patients of their problems, albeit, at the cost of scarring and other cosmetic problems in some patients. Therefore, refinements in the surgical process are still ongoing so as to provide the best results with minimal scarring.

Aims and Objectives:

To find out the feasibility of a minimal incision technique for glandular excision after liposuction in patients with gynecomastia so as to decrease the final visible scars in these patients.

Materials and Methods:

From July 2018 to September 2018, eight patients were subjected to gynecomastia surgery employing liposuction and gland removal through a single transverse 5–7 mm incision in the nipple. All the patients subjected to this technique had Grade IIa gynecomastia as per Simon’s scale. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, comprising a 5-point Likert scale, was employed to find out the satisfaction level of the patients 12 months after surgery; this level was compared with that of a similar population of patients being operated on by employing liposuction and subcutaneous mastectomy by the periareolar technique.

Results:

The mean operating time was 110 min, and there was minimal bleeding during the procedure. Complications were also negligible, and all patients achieved an excellent chest contour with restoration of protective nipple sensation when evaluated 12 months after surgery. The difference in mean between the 2 patient groups was 0.125 with a p-value of 0.64.

Conclusions:

Glandular excision through a single transverse incision made through the nipple is a safe approach in selected patients and it produces excellent cosmetic outcomes. However, it requires patience on the part of the surgeon to achieve the desired goals of the surgery.

Patients Decision-Making Characteristics Affects Gynecomastia Treatment Satisfaction: A Multicenter Study Using the BODY-Q Chest Module

BACKGROUND

Patient satisfaction is the most critical outcome in gynecomastia treatment. However, patient satisfaction may be affected by the patient's decision-making trait, such as exhaustively searching for the best outcome or being content with an outcome that satisfies a preconceived requirement.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether patient's decision-making characteristic affect their satisfaction with gynecomastia treatment.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study including patients treated for gynecomastia between January 2009 and December 2019 at two tertiary hospitals in Denmark. Alive patients were sent the BODY-Q: Chest module, the SF-36 questionnaire, and the Maximizer/Satisficer decision-making survey. Patients were classified as Maximizers if they scored more than 40 points on the Maximizer/Satisficer survey. Percentage score differences (PDs) in quality of life scales were calculated between Maximizers and Satisficers.

RESULTS

In total, 192 gynecomastia patients were included in this study and classified as Maximizers (n = 152) or Satisficers (n = 40). Maximizers were younger and more had gynecomastia following abuse of anabolic steroids than Satisficers (p < 0.05). With respect to bodily satisfaction, Maximizers showed significantly worse satisfaction with nipples (PDs: - 12.98%), psychological function (PDs: - 13.68%) and social function (PDs: - 8.77%, p < 0.05). In addition, Maximizers had significantly worse emotional role functioning (- 11.03%), vitality (PDs: - 11.72%) and mental health (PDs: - 10.00%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients exhibiting maximizing-type decision-making characteristics have worse satisfaction with gynecomastia treatment and poorer psychosocial health. This information may facilitate patient counseling and alignment of treatment expectations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Aesthetic Outcome of Gynecomastia Management with Conventional Liposuction and Cross-Chest Liposuction: A Prospective Comparative Study

Background

Liposuction is the most accepted technique for treatment of gynecomastia at present with or without residual gland tissue excision. Conventional liposuction uses incisions for introduction of cannula, made usually at the inframammary crease or axilla resulting in consequent scars. Cross-chest liposuction technique was introduced to avoid these additional scars and improve the aesthetic outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the difference between aesthetic outcome of conventional liposuction and cross-chest liposuction in treatment of gynecomastia.

Method

A prospective comparative study between 2 groups with 15 patients in each was conducted, one with conventional and the other cross-chest liposuction. Excision of residual gland tissue was performed through circum-areolar incision in both the groups. Aesthetic outcome was evaluated in both the groups using Likert scale and compared.

Result

The mean age of the patients was 22.6 years and the mean duration of presentation was 8.13 years. Satisfaction rate with conventional and cross-chest liposuction was 80% and 86%, respectively, as assessed by the patients. The rate was 80% and 77%, respectively, in both the groups as assessed by independent observer. The complication rate was 13.3% in conventional and 20% in cross-chest group. The difference in outcome was not statistically significant between two groups. Difference between the mean Likert scores of pre-operative and post-operative satisfaction was statistically significant for both the techniques.

Conclusion

The conventional and the cross-chest liposuction, both yield comparable results when used for treatment of gynecomastia in terms of aesthetic outcome.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266

Gynecomastia and Chest Masculinization: An Updated Comprehensive Reconstructive Algorithm

BACKGROUND

Gynecomastia is a common finding in males. Clinical aspect varies widely in world populations showing peculiar hallmarks according to different body shapes reflecting personal expectations; therefore, a surgical plan must be tailored on individual basis to all type of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A total of 522 patients, treated for bilateral gynecomastia from January 2007 to January 2019, were included and reviewed in this retrospective study. Considering physical status BMI, muscular trophism, hypertrophy of the mammary region, nipple-areola disorder, gland and skin cover consistency, a four-tier classification system has been used to classify the deformity and to assess a surgical plan. In all cases, a subcutaneous mastectomy was performed under direct vision.

RESULTS

No recurrence of the deformity was observed as well as major complications such as necrosis, and high level of satisfaction was observed in all groups. No breast cancer was found at the histological examinations Operative time ranged from 25 minutes up to 120 minutes and hospitalization time ranged from 1 to 3 days.

CONCLUSION

Since the physical status is strictly related to the clinical features of the disorder, a comprehensive classification system and a reconstructive algorithm are proposed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Gynecomastia: a study to assess how students perceive this disease

Background: Gynecomastia is a benign proliferation of the glandular male breast tissue. Gynecomastia etiology might be physiological or non-physiological such as medications, chronic diseases (e.g. hypogonadism), or steroid supplements. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and understanding of gynecomastia among medical students and which resources were used to gain their understanding regarding the disease. Methods: Data for this qualitative, questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was collected on the basis of our own study objectives and from available questionnaires with similar objectives. The questionnaire was composed of 26 questions divided into many items that were recorded including sociodemographic data, gynecomastia symptoms, and holistic perception of the problem by the students. Exclusion criteria included those who refused to participate in the study and did not complete the questionnaire. Statistical tests were taken significant at p-value ≤0.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS, version 21. Results: A total of 200 medical students participated in this study, among them more males than females (64% vs. 36%). We observed that medical students had significantly more moderate knowledge with teachers as their source of information on gynecomastia (p=0.028) while with books (p=0.005) and internet (p=0.041) as their sources of information they had significantly more a higher level of knowledge. Conclusions: Medical students have overall insufficient knowledge about gynecomastia especially in physical examination and treatment aspects. Therefore, gynecomastia is to be considered more thoroughly in the curriculum.

Endoscopic Axillary Approach Improves Patient Satisfaction of Gynecomastia Subcutaneous Mastectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the BODY-Q Chest Module

BACKGROUND

Gynecomastia is a common condition that refers to the benign enlargement of male breasts. Several minimally invasive techniques were invented to avoid visible scars in the chest area, but have limited effects on the dense fibroglandular breast tissue, and open excision remains the mainstay of treatment. Endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy has the superiority of visualization, facilitating accurate dissection and hemostasis, also enabling inconspicuous scars. This study was designed to evaluate the patient-reported outcomes of the endoscopic axillary approach in treating gynecomastia, to interpret the differences between it and the conventional periareolar open excision method, and to present our experience utilizing this technique as a reliable alternative for Simon I and II gynecomastia.

METHODS

Eighty-three participants diagnosed with Simon I or II gynecomastia were included in this cross-sectional study, among which 31 were preoperative and 52 were postoperative patients. Postoperative participants were divided into two groups according to whether endoscopic axillary subcutaneous mastectomy (axillary group, n = 25) or periareolar open excision (periareolar group, n = 27) was performed. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the BODY-Q questionnaire, including the chest, nipples, body image, social, appearance-related distress, and scar domain, with scores ranging from 0 to 100.

RESULTS

The BODY-Q score of both axillary and periareolar postoperative groups showed significant improvement on chest (p < 0.001), nipples (p < 0.001), body image (p < 0.001), and appearance-related distress (p < 0.005) scales, compared with the preoperative group. Of the scar scale, the axillary group rated higher scores than the periareolar group (p = 0.019), analysis of the individual scale items showed more positive responses in questions "Location of your scars?" (p < 0.001) and "How your scars look when they are not covered by clothes?" (p < 0.001), the item "Having to dress in a way to hide your scars?" also had a somewhat more positive responses from participants (p = 0.095).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that compared with the periareolar excision, patients who underwent gynecomastia subcutaneous mastectomy through endoscopic axillary approach have higher scar satisfaction with postoperative outcomes, this probably because of the well-hidden scar at the axilla, which leverages the psychologic burden of the patient after surgery. Future prospective studies are needed to measure changes over the entire patient journey, to find out the predictable factors of postoperative patient satisfaction, and determine how the objective outcomes relate to changes in patient's health-related quality of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Surgical treatment of gynaecomastia: a standard of care in plastic surgery

Background

Many techniques for the surgical treatment of gynaecomastia have been reported to be effective with reasonable limited scar formation. The aim of this study was to develop a grade adopted algorithm for effective and scar sparing techniques in reconstruction of the male breast dependent on aetiology and grading.

Methods

Operative techniques, results, rates of revisions and complications were recorded between 2006 and 2018 and results of 164 male patients were analysed, retrospectively. Skin resecting methods have been used in the earlier stage but were later replaced by minimal periareolar incisions and subcutaneous mastectomy. Resections were combined with ultrasound-assisted liposuction up to grade 2b and inferior pedicled breast reduction in 3rd degree gynaecomastias resulting in reduction of scars and effective removal of breast tissue.

Results

Retrospective analysis showed that a periareolar mastopexy was used in 24% of patients with gynaecomastia grade I, IIa and IIb to reshape the breast after subcutaneous mastectomy in the early stage of this study from 2006 to 2010. With the established standardised use of ultrasound-assisted liposuction, only 2% of patients required a mastopexy in the following years. In grade 3 gynaecomastia, the classical approach resulting in an inverted t-scar was later abandoned for an approach with a periareolar and submammary scar and inferior dermoglandular flap. The rate of secondary surgery with the used techniques did not increase.

Conclusions

When using standardised techniques in reshaping the male breast, an aesthetically pleasing and safe result can be achieved by scar sparing techniques in a safe single-stage procedure.

Level of evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Combined surgical and medical treatment in an adolescent with severe gynecomastia due to excessive estradiol secretion: a case report

Background

Gynecomastia develops due to the reversed estradiol-to-Testosterone ratio in adolescence, and symptoms typically improve within 2 years. The causes vary widely, including estrogen excess and tumors, and surgical treatment is usually given in late adolescence because postoperative symptoms may recur in adolescents. This study reports a case of a pediatric patient with severe gynecomastia due to excessive estradiol secretion who showed a positive outcome after receiving surgical treatment combined with aromatase inhibitor administration.

Case presentation

A 9-year old boy visited to the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology for breast budding. At that time, the patient showed breasts at Tanner stage II and no abnormality on hormone tests. During a follow-up, both gynecomastia had progressed to Tanner stage III–IV at age 13. Tamoxifen 10 mg bid was administered; however, the condition rapidly progressed to Tanner stage V at 13.5 years. The evaluation of pathologic gynecomastia showed an increase of estradiol to 296 pg/mL with normal range 10 ~ 36 pg/mL and microlithiasis in both testes. As the condition worsened, total mastectomy was performed at the age of 13.5 years. Based on the assessment that elevated aromatase activity had induced breast budding, we changed the medication to anastrozole (Arimidex) 1 mg once a day, after which the estradiol level improved to 38.5 pg/mL and was maintained well in the two-year postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions

This case report shows a combined plastic surgery and appropriate medical management bring a positive outcome in severe gynecomastia patient.

Barriers to the Effective Management of Gynecomastia in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of gynecomastia on adolescents, explore the surgical and psychological success of mastectomy, and evaluate the adequacy of insurance guidelines and coverage.

METHODS

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) surgical database from 2010 to 2014 was evaluated for current procedural terminology codes 19300 and 19303, representing mastectomies for gynecomastia and complete mastectomies respectively to compare surgical site complications.

RESULTS

Of 1132 procedures for mastectomy for gynecomastia 1.5% of patients (n = 17) were associated with postoperative superficial surgical site complications. In the same timeframe, a total of 33,124 procedures for simple, complete mastectomy performed with a postoperative surgical complication rate of 2.2% (n = 721). Results of a Chi-squared goodness of fit χ (1, N = 34,997) = 2.10, P > 0.05 suggests no statistically significant difference between incidence of surgical site complications for a mastectomy for gynecomastia versus typical mastectomy.

DISCUSSION

High surgical success rate, coupled with significant improvements in psychosocial functioning suggests that mastectomy is a highly effective intervention for adolescents with gynecomastia. However, due to vague and inadequate coverage and evaluation criteria surgery is often not performed. This paper offers a framework for developing a quantitative system by which to evaluate surgical candidates by adopting well-established guidelines currently in use for reduction mammoplasties and suggests further analysis into a cost/benefit analysis for coverage of the procedure.

The round-the-clock technique for correction of gynecomastia

Background

Gynecomastia is a common condition that can cause severe emotional and physical distress in both young and older men. Patients in whom symptomatic recalcitrant gynecomastia persists for a long time are potential candidates for surgery.

Methods

From January 2014 to January 2016, 15 patients underwent correction of gynecomastia through a single 3-mm incision at our institution. Only patients with true gynecomastia underwent surgery with this new technique. Through the small incision, sharp dissection was performed in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction describing two half-circles. Health-related quality of life and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using a modified version of the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire (BEQ).

Results

The patients’ average age was 23.5 years (range, 18–28 years), and their average body mass index was 23.2 kg/m² (range, 19.2–25.3 kg/m²). One case was unilateral and 14 cases were bilateral. The weight of glandular tissue resected from each breast ranged from 80 to 170 g. No excess skin was excised. Bleeding was minimal. The mean operating time was 25 minutes (range, 21–40 minutes). No complications were recorded. All lesions were histologically benign. The patients’ average score was 3.5 (on a 5-point Likert scale) in all domains of the BEQ for themselves and their partners.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated the safety and reliability of a new technique that allows mastectomy through an imperceptible 3-mm incision. We obtained high patient satisfaction scores using our surgical technique, and patients reported considerable improvement in their social, physical, and psychological well-being after surgery.

Development of the BODY-Q Chest Module Evaluating Outcomes following Chest Contouring Surgery

BACKGROUND

Plastic surgery to improve chest appearance is becoming increasingly popular. The BODY-Q is a patient-reported outcome instrument designed for weight loss and/or body contouring. In this article, the authors describe the development of a new module for masculinizing chest contouring surgery.

METHODS

Qualitative methods were used to develop the BODY-Q Chest Module, which was subsequently field-tested in Canada, the United States, The Netherlands, and Denmark between June of 2016 and June of 2017. Participants were aged 16 years or older and seen for gynecomastia, weight loss, or transman chest surgery. Data were collected using either a Web-based application or paper questionnaire. Rasch measurement theory analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The sample included 739 participants (i.e., 174 gynecomastia, 224 weight loss, and 341 gender-affirming). Rasch measurement theory analysis refined a 10-item chest scale and a five-item nipple scale. All items had ordered thresholds and good item fit, and scales evidenced reliability [i.e., person separation index and Cronbach alpha values were 0.95 and 0.98 (chest scale) and 0.87 and 0.94 (nipple scale), respectively]. Scores for both scales correlated more strongly with similar (satisfaction with the body) versus dissimilar (psychological and social function) BODY-Q scales. The mean scores for the chest and nipple scales were significantly higher (p < 0.001 on independent samples t tests) in participants who were postoperative compared with preoperative.

CONCLUSION

This new BODY-Q Chest Module is a clinically meaningful and scientifically sound patient-reported outcome instrument that can be used to measure outcomes for masculinizing chest contouring surgery.

The Effect of Surgical Treatment for Gynecomastia on Quality of Life in Adolescents

PURPOSE

Despite the psychosocial deficits associated with gynecomastia, surgical treatment of adolescent gynecomastia remains controversial. This longitudinal cohort study measures changes in health-related quality of life following surgical treatment of gynecomastia in adolescents.

METHODS

The following surveys were administered to adolescents with gynecomastia and male controls, aged 12-21 years: Short-Form 36v2 (SF-36), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Eating-Attitudes Test-26. Subjects completed surveys at baseline and postoperatively/at follow-up at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years.

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2017, 44 patients undergoing surgical treatment of gynecomastia and 64 unaffected male controls participated in our study. At baseline, gynecomastia patients scored significantly worse than controls on the RSES and in five SF-36 domains: general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health. Scores significantly improved postoperatively on the RSES, and in four SF-36 domains: physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, and social functioning. Postoperatively, gynecomastia subjects scored similarly to controls in all SF-36 domains and the RSES. Young and overweight/obese patients and those with severe gynecomastia had the greatest postoperative improvement across survey measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of gynecomastia significantly improves the quality of life of adolescents, with measurable improvements in physical and psychosocial functioning. Postoperatively, gynecomastia patients performed comparably to unaffected controls. Surgical treatment of gynecomastia in adolescents and young men has the potential to significantly improve quality of life, particularly in younger and overweight/obese patients and those with moderate to severe gynecomastia. Concerns regarding patient age and body mass index alone should not contraindicate surgery.

Danish translation and linguistic validation of the BODY-Q Chest Module

The aim of this study was to translate and linguistically validate the patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument body-q chest module, designed to measure outcomes following chest contouring surgery. The BODY-Q Chest Module includes two scales that measure appearance of chest and nipples. The translation and validation were performed according to the guidelines from the world health organization (who) and the international society for pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research (ISPOR). This approach involved two independent forward translations, a backwards translation, an expert panel meeting and cognitive debriefing interviews with patients. Each step was undertaken with the aim of achieving a conceptual and culturally equal instrument. This process led to a linguistically validated and conceptually equivalent danish version of the body-q chest module. The forward translation resulted in several discrepant translations of items that were harmonized to form the backward translation. This translation included three items with conceptual differences that required further revision. The revised version presented at the expert panel meeting had six items that needed to be revised due to conceptual discrepancies. The cognitive debriefing interviews led to revision of one item. The practices from the who and ispor guidelines were essential to developing a translation that preserved the meaning of the content of the body-q chest module from the original development study. The translation and linguistic validation methods used in our study could be used for further translations and validation of pro instruments. These new scales have since been field-tested as part of an international psychometric study.

Management of gynecomastia-changes in psychological aspects after surgery-a systematic review

Gynecomastia affects up to two-thirds of the male population. For many patients the psychological impact of the disease is substantial. Surgical treatment is indicated when medical treatments fail. Until now, most published research on the subject has focused on how effective surgical treatment is on correcting the cosmetic appearance of the breast. Little is known about the effect of surgical treatment on the psychological aspects of the disease. The aim of this review was to identify the psychological domains affected by the disease and the effect of surgical treatment on these. A systematic search of the published literature was performed. All studies on the subject were evaluated for inclusion and six studies were included in the review. Several of the included studies reported improvement in quality of life and several psychological domains after surgical treatment for gynecomastia. Among these domains, are; vitality, emotional discomfort, limitations due to physical aspects and limitations due to pain. Impact of surgical treatment for gynecomastia seems to be beneficial for several psychological domains. The current level of evidence on this subject is very low and future studies, examining the impact of the surgical intervention for gynecomastia on psychological domains, are greatly needed. More data on this subject could improve the pre-operative evaluation of these patients and help identify the patients that will benefit from treatment.