Quality of life in the surgical treatment of gynecomastia.

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia has an incidence of up to 60% of adolescents, causing pain and self-image disorders for the patient, leading to emotional and physical problems that can be reversed with treatment. This prospective case control study assessed the surgical treatment of gynecomastia and its impact on quality of life.

METHODS: Thirty-three patients aged 18-50 years and with 2-21 years of gynecomastia progression were included in the study. Adenectomy was performed. Preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, patients completed the Brazilian version of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire.

RESULTS: There was improvement in the SF-36 domains of General Health, Functional Capacity, Social Aspects, Vitality, and Mental Health.

CONCLUSION: The Short-Form 36 questionnaire demonstrated that surgical treatment of gynecomastia afforded positive changes in quality of life.