[Management of weight loss consequences in the male chest: The amputation grafting technique with a L scar]

Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 2013 Dec;58(6):650-7. doi: 10.1016/j.anplas.2012.07.015. Epub 2012 Sep 26.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Following the upsurge in cases of morbid obesity and bariatric surgery, there is after massive weight loss effects of the thorax in man such as pseudogynecomastia extremely poorly tolerated by patients. Treatment aims to correct the excess skin while optimizing the location and quality of scars. Turning our back on techniques derived from mammoplasty, we go into these major forms for mastectomy with grafting the areolo-mammelonar plate and resulting scar in L extended if needed until the axilla.

Materials and methods: From 2005 to 2011, we performed 12 mastectomies after massive weight loss (45 kg on average). Patients aged 19 to 64 had an average BMI of 29.2. In five patients, we had started the move by liposuction (190 cc average per side). The mastectomy was performed by placing the scar at the lower edge of the pectoralis major. The areolas previously harvested were placed on the axis of the graft within two to three centimeters above the scar. All patients were reviewed and evaluated in consultation questionnaire with an average follow up of 2 years (6 months-5 years).

Results: The average volume of resection was 560 g per side (55 g-2500 g), operative time 155 minutes. Complications consisted of hematoma requiring surgical revision and delayed wound healing in three over 1 month with partial areola necrosis. The overall patient satisfaction was excellent with no secondary correction request.

Conclusion: In the major pseudogynecomastia, the option is taken immediately for a mastectomy technique which scar is located at the basis of the thorax and may include an axillary extension in L. It effectively corrects the large cutaneous and fat surplus and restores in one time a flat male chest. Satisfaction is high and patients are no more ashamed to expose their chest.

Keywords: Mammectomie et greffe de la plaque aréolomamelonnaire; Mastectomy with free nipple grafting; Pseudogynecomastia; Pseudogynécomastie; Séquelles d’amaigrissement; Thorax; Weight loss sequelae.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gynecomastia / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lipectomy
  • Male
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Weight Loss*
  • Young Adult