Background: Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast. Although treatment is not indicated in most cases, aesthetic reconstructive surgery is commonly performed for psychological reasons. The goals in surgical treatment are to restore the breast contour with minimal scar and to protect areolar anatomy and sensation. This clinical study investigates the results of the subareolar glandular pedicle technique, in which the pedicle is dissected 2 mm wider than the areola with a circumareolar incision and the breast tissue is excised en bloc. The technique differs from the classical circumareolar approach with its thinner pedicle and excision of the breast without leaving prepectoral tissue.
Methods: We operated on nine patients with grades 1 and 2 gynecomastia using the subareolar glandular pedicle. Exposure was excellent with the circumareolar incision. Neither hematoma nor seroma formation was seen in any of the patients. Partial areola necrosis, which caused suture separation, was the only early postoperative complication seen, and this in a patient who smoked heavily. Patients were followed for at least 6 months.
Results: Eight patients achieved a good aesthetic contour of the chest, and one patient needed a contour revision for the residual mass because of a bulky pedicle. Circumareolar scars were satisfactory for all the patients, including the patient with partial areola necrosis. Circumareolar hyperpigmentation developed in one patient, and areola sensation was preserved in seven patients.
Conclusions: The subareolar glandular pedicle is indicated for grades 1 and 2 gynecomastia. Circumareolar incision provides perfect exposure. The technique is reliable if the pedicle is dissected 2 mm wider than the areola and dissection under the pedicle is avoided. Postoperative circumareolar scarring is minimal and nipple-areola sensation is preserved in most cases. However, experience is needed to determine the pedicle girth because a wide pedicle leads to subareolar bulk, whereas a thin pedicle may cause partial areola necrosis.