Scar versus shape: patient-reported outcome after different surgical approaches to gynecomastia measured by modified BREAST Q®

Objectives The challenge in the operative therapy for enlargement of the male breast is to deal with the skin excess. Shape and scars are the major parameters after which patients assess their operative result. Therefore, we assessed the satisfaction rate among patients undergoing subcutaneous mastectomy at our institution with special regard to scar tissue formation and the postoperative appearance of the chest wall in dependence of the surgical approach (periarolar versus inframammary fold). Methods The study includes n = 36 male patients who underwent subcutaneous mastectomy at AGAPLESION Markus Hospital Frankfurt/Main. Patient's satisfaction dependent with the appearance of the chest wall and scar formation was evaluated by a modified BREAST Q (R) questionnaire plus two male-based additional questions. Results There is no statistically significant difference in satisfaction with the operative result depending on the pattern of incision (periareolar versus submammary periareolar; 81.9% versus 75.5%) with the operative result. Evaluation of additional questions of the modified BREAST Q (R) questionnaire showed that 86% of the patients (n = 31) would rather have more scars and a flatter chest wall. A BMI >25 kg/m(2) is accompanied by a higher risk for complications (p = 0.04). Conclusions Periareolar incision is still the method of choice, if promising an aesthetic appealing result. When reaching its limits though, we showed that a flat and male-shaped appearance of the chest wall is priority for the patients and should therefore be for the surgeon as well.

Automated summary

The objective of this study was to assess the satisfaction rate among male patients undergoing subcutaneous mastectomy, with a focus on scar tissue formation and the appearance of the chest wall. The results showed no significant difference in satisfaction based on the surgical approach used, but the majority of patients preferred more scars and a flatter chest wall. Additionally, a BMI greater than 25 kg/m² was associated with a higher risk of complications.