While gynecomastia is a development of the mammary gland, adipomastia is an accumulation of pre-pectoral fat. Clinically, the vast majority of cases are mixed: some development of a mammary gland associated with an accumulation of fat. Pure forms are rare.
Gynecomastia can be unilateral or bilateral. It develops most of the time during adolescence but can occur at any age. In the majority of cases, the origin of gynecomastia is undetermined (idiopathic) and benign. It is nevertheless important to carry out an update (imaging and hormonal assessment) to detect the rare cases secondary to a hormonal disorder or another pathology.
Regardless of age or origin, gynecomastia is often the cause of significant psychological suffering.
There are different degrees of gynecomastia: from the simple elevation of the areola to the formation of a real breast with a large volume.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the deformity. From a simple scar on the lower edge of the areola to resect the glandular nucleus associated with a small liposuction up to the repositioning and reduction of the areola with skin resections in order to obtain a harmonious and aesthetic male thorax shape .
The duration of the intervention varies between 45 minutes and up to 2 hours in the most severe cases. In general, a day hospitalization is sufficient. The post-operative pain is relatively light and taking paracetamol combined with an anti-inflammatory is enough to be comfortable the first days after the operation. Wearing a compression jacket (bolero type) is recommended for four weeks. After 15 days, the patient can resume a light sports activity.
For more detailed explanations of the different techniques, you can consult the explanatory sheets of the French Society of Plastic Surgery:
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