Inferior pedicle reduction technique for larger forms of gynecomastia

Abstract

The treatment of larger types of gynecomastia is significantly different than that of less severe gynecomastias. Special concerns of the former include aerola enlargement, nipple-areola ptosis, and redundant skin. Many procedures have been described to address these issues, none of which is completely satisfactory; these are reviewed here. Unsatisfactory results may be due to residual breast hypertrophy, skin redundancy, complications related to nipple-aerola placement, form and viability, and cosmetically unacceptable scars. We describe a new technique that uses an inferior pedicle to reposition the nipple-aerola complex and to maintain its neurovascular integrity and form. A superiorly based chest wall flap in conjunction with suction-assisted lipectomy maximizes chest wall contour. There are no breast mound scars, only a periareolar and inframammary scar.