How Can The Small Gynecomastia Of My Left Chest Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a small area on my left breast of gynenemastia from use of steroids years ago. The lump is approximately 3/4 inch round 1/2 inch thick. Its not very noticeable but I would like to have it taken out. How is ti done and how easy is it to do?

A: With such a small gynecomastia on just one side, by description an areolar gynecomastia type, that could be simply removed as a short outpatient procedure done under either local anesthesia or IV sedation. Its removal would be done through a small inferior areolar incision. No drains would be used and no sutures would need to be removed. (all dissolveable sutures under the skin) You could shower the very next day without any problems getting the surgical site wet. You could also return to work the next day provided that it is not a highly physical job with a lot of arm motion. One could resume working out in a week or so  with chest exercises deferred until two to three weeks after surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana