Rasheed Ayobami Aranmolate, Titilayo Oluwakemi
Surgical management of gynecomastia, the benign enlargement of the male breast (usually bilateral but sometimes unilateral) resulting from a proliferation of the glandular and fatty tissues component of the breast has been reported over the years. However, there has been a dearth of information on the surgical management of Gynaecomastia from an African author. The author thus aims to share his experiences in the last five years (2017 -2021) including techniques, outcomes and complications. A review of all gynaecomastia patients operated in the author’s private clinic in Nigeria over a 5-year period was undertaken in this study. For the purpose of the study, each operated breast was considered as an individual case. In total, 76 breasts in 38 patients were treated. The procedure was carried out either under local or general anaesthesia. Liposuction was first carried out to remove fat under the breast tissue followed by excision of breast tissue with a cut made around the areola to access the breast tissue. The cut is subsequently closed with vicryl 3/0 suture, after which a compression vest is worn for a period of 6 weeks to prevent fluids or blood products from accumulating under breast area. Trends observed with the average age, weight of breast tissue excised, weight of patients, duration of surgery, patients’ satisfaction, complications are reported. The mean age of patient presented for the procedure was 32 years, mean weight of patient was 95.9 kg, the mean weight of breast tissue excised was 355 g. Number of gynaecomastia surgeries carried out increased progressively over the years with 11% of the procedures done in 2017, 19% in 2018, 17% in 2019 and 53% in 2021 showing the popularity this procedure has gained in Nigeria over the years. No mortality was recorded from this procedure; however, complications including Pain, skin necrosis, itching, infection, bleeding, bruising, keloid, hypertrophic scars were observed. 94% of patients were satisfied with their cosmetic outcome as only about 6% of the patients were back for a review. Gynaecomastia surgery has gained more awareness in Nigeria over the years with more exposure noted about the procedure.