Good results with surgery for gynecomastia in bodybuilders

In men with 'good physique,' steroids are common cause of breast enlargement, reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

January 28, 2015 - With attention to some unique patient characteristics, breast reduction surgery achieves good aesthetic outcomes in bodybuilders with gynecomastia--enlargement of the male breast, according to a report in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

ASPS Member Surgeon Mordcai Blau, MD, a plastic surgeon in private practice in White Plains, N.Y., reviews his extensive experience with gynecomastia surgery in bodybuilders. He highlights key patient characteristics and technical issues, including the causal role of anabolic steroids and hormone supplements. Dr. Blau's coauthor was Ron Hazani, MD, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Focus on Gynecomastia Surgery in Bodybuilders

An expert in male breast reduction, Dr. Blau has performed gynecomastia surgery in nearly 1,600 bodybuilders and other patients with "good physique." The new report focuses on 1,073 such patients, followed up for one to five years after surgery.

The men ranged in age from 18 to 51 years; 15 percent were competitive bodybuilders. All were free of hormonal or other diseases that can cause gynecomastia. In some cases, gynecomastia developing in adolescence--usually a temporary condition--became permanent after the patient started using steroids or hormone-containing supplements.

For several reasons, gynecomastia surgery in bodybuilders calls for a different approach, Dr. Blau believes. In contrast to other groups of gynecomastia patients, who tend to be overweight or obese, bodybuilders usually don't need removal of excess fat or skin.

However, they do need special attention to prevent bleeding and scarring. Bleeding risk is higher because of increased blood flow in the highly developed chest muscles. Steroids and unregulated supplements including protein shakes, vitamins, and fish oils may also increase bleeding risk.

Emphasis on Complete Removal of Breast Gland Tissue

Bodybuilders are "perfectionists with regard to their physique and chest aesthetics; hence their level of expectations is higher," Dr. Blau writes. He performs the procedure through a one-inch incision, made on the underside of the areola surrounding the nipple.

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Good results with surgery for gynecomastia in bodybuilders