Gynecomastia – Patient 107

A man in his late 50’s with breast development since his early teens. He is troubled by the appearance of his chest at the beach, but also in some shirts. He has not used marijuana or anabolic steroids, two common caused of male breast development, and his cause is considered “idiopathic” – which means that doctors don’t know the cause. This is probably the most common scenario. Some medical studies suggest that 30% or more of males may have some female appearing breast development around the time of puberty but in most cases it goes away. If it is not gone by 18 months, then it is probably not going to resolve. He is shown before and again, 6 weeks after gynecomastia treatment with a SAFElipo. His small incisions are still red at this point but will fade as he heals over the next 6-12 months. He is already pleased with the improvement in his contour. Typically skin is felt to continue to shrink and contract over the next 6 months. The “S.A.F.E.” method described by Dr. Simeon Wall gives more effectiveness with fewer irregularities than thermal-based technologies such as laser-assisted liposuction or internal ultrasound-assisted liposuction. These thermal technologies can damage the fat cell and coagulate the tissues surrounding the fat, and can lead to more irregularities in the skin. With SAFElipo, a three step process is followed: S eparation, fat A spiration and F at E qualization. In the first step a special probe is used to mechanically separate the fat cells. This is often done with a power assisted device that vibrates back and forth. Then fat aspiration is performed but can be less aggressive than standard techniques because the fat cells have already been separated. After suctioning, the area may feel smooth, but can still have some irregular areas of fat that are thicker and thinner. The mechanical probe is then used for Fat Equalization, to help reposition the fat deposits and smooth them out. Using this technique can give a smoother result, and helps to preserve the fat cells that are left behind.