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Schedule A ConsultationGynecomastia comes in varying degrees, which is why Dr. Cruise developed his classification system to better understand the different types. To continue with our series exploring the six types of gynecomastia, we will review Type 3 Gynecomastia. Below, you can learn more about the common characteristics, causes, and best treatment options for Type 3 gynecomastia.
Type 3 gynecomastia is the first category in which a breast roll is seen. Patients with this type of gynecomastia will see excess breast tissue which creates a slight roll over the chest fold, nipples that fall at or just below the chest fold, and moderate excess skin. They likely will not have sagging skin, though a small amount of excess skin will be relaxed and not firm enough to compress the tissue. Rather than the tight or rounded appearance seen in Type 2 gynecomastia, these patients will have a more horizontal shape in their excess breast tissue. The muscle border will be difficult to distinguish due to the excess tissue.
Type 3 gynecomastia is caused by excess breast tissue and fat in the chest. Most patients with this type of gynecomastia are 25-60 years old, and face the problem due to hormonal imbalance, genetics, or side effects of drug use. The appearance of this type of gynecomastia is caused by breast tissue that drapes over the pectoralis muscle border and some mild skin laxity which results in the slight drooping or rolled appearance. This excess tissue must then be removed so that the chest muscle can be visible and appear defined.
Dr. Cruise uses one of two incision techniques to treat Type 3 gynecomastia. The first is an inferior crescent incision, a semi-circular cut along the lower areola. The second combines superior and inferior crescents with a short vertical incision, adding a semi-circular cut at the top of the areola and a small vertical incision below. These approaches allow for tissue removal and precise skin tightening, creating a smooth chest contour that follows the pectoral muscle. In cases using a superior crescent, the areola and nipple can also be elevated for a balanced appearance. Dr. Cruise prefers crescent incisions over full circular ones (“donut lifts”) to avoid puckering and reduce visible scarring.
Type 3 treatment involves removing both breast and fatty tissue. Tissue is removed through the crescent incision, and liposuction is performed along the lower breast pole. Tiny pinhole incisions may also be used laterally to tighten the breast roll. Most cases combine manual tissue removal with liposuction and can often be performed in-office using local anesthesia.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about gynecomastia surgery and the best techniques for your type of gynecomastia, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cruise. Call our Newport Beach office at (949) 644-4808 or contact us online. You can also send in photos for a virtual consultation.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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