Can My Gynecomastia Reduction Be Done With Smartlipo From The Armpit?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am seeking gynecomastia reduction by liposuction only. I am 24 years old with a body mass index of 26. I have developed glandular gynecomastia with enlarged areolas. All my endocrine labs are normal. Can I have Smarttlipo done using the axilla as access for the probe? Will this work for male breast reduction? I have attached pictures for your review.

A: This is one of the more challenging types of gynecomastia to treat because of the enlarged areolas and the skin excess on the chest. Trying to do gynecomastia reduction with liposuction only, regardless if the incisional access is not likely to result in the best outcome. With glandular tissue present under the areolas, any form of liposuction is not going to be able to completely remove it. I would do a combined open gynecomastia excision with liposuction and see what happens with the areolas and skin excess. (how much shrinkage occurs) One has to be prepared for the potential of the need for a secondary procedure that may involved a periareolar reduction with scars around the areola. One could argue that should be combined with the intial procedure but that would depend on he patient accepting those scars from the beginning.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana