The Surgical Management of Gynecomastia in Bodybuilders

ABSTRACT

Gynecomastia is relatively common among males, but its appearance is particularly troublesome to bodybuilers, who strive for an ideal, male physique. Surgical management in these patients is directed at correcting the cosmetic deformity, including potential fatty excess along the pectoral border, while minimizing interruption in the training regimen of these highly active and most times, extremely motivated individuals. A significant number of these patients may have developed gynecomastia as a result of anabolic steroid use, and this should be addressed during the course of treatment, with particular attention paid to the increased risk for postoperative bleeding. A combination of suction-assisted lipectomy and direct excision is utilized in most of these individuals. Careful guidance by the surgeon in the postoperative period can assist the patient in achieving an early return to his important training activities. Recurrence is a potential problem in cases associated with prolonged anabolic steroid use, if use is continued after operation. Meticulous surgical technique must be employed, and close attention to postoperative management, can provide excellent results in most, if not all, cases.

Keywords

Gynecomastia - bodybuilder - diagnosis - anabolic steroids - surgical management - postoperative bleeding - suction lipectomy