Everything about gynecomastia surgery scars

Hormonal imbalances sometimes develop female breasts like chest enlargement in men. This condition is known as gynecomastia or commonly known as “man breasts.” Gynecomastia is due to the swelling of the breast tissue in men. Regular exercise can slightly reduce the gynecomastia condition, but to have a chiselled chest area, you need to be patient to see the results naturally. However, if you want to see results quickly, you can opt for gynecomastia surgery.

Male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery) is a cosmetic procedure designed to aid men in breast enlargement by creating a more feminine-looking chest area. Gynecomastia surgery is a popular plastic surgery procedure performed across the globe to shrink male breast tissue in men struggling with the condition.

In this article, Dr Anmol Chugh, plastic & cosmetic surgeon at CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon, will discuss gynecomastia surgery scars, the benefits of gynecomastia surgery, and how to reduce scar tissue after gynecomastia surgery?

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is an overdeveloped or enlarged breast condition in men that can appear at any age. This condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain medications. Gynecomastia can cause emotional stress and affect a man’s self-confidence.

There are two types of gynecomastia: true gynecomastia, in which the main component is the enlargement of the glandular tissue, and pseudogynecomastia, in which the breasts grow due to the deposition of fat in the chest area.

Who can go for gynecomastia surgery?

A man who can opt the gynecomastia surgery are;

• Healthy people who don’t have a life-threatening illness or illness that can interfere with healing
• Non-smokers and non-drug users
• Physically healthy and relatively normal weight man
• A problem in wearing tight t-shirts or going for outdoor sports

Will there be visible gynecomastia scars?

Most men seeking surgical treatment for gynecomastia may be concerned about the location and size of the incision and the visibility of the scar after the procedure. Depending on the severity of each case, gynecomastia surgery may require large incisions to remove more significant amounts of excess breast tissue and fat. Some of the techniques used in male breast reduction surgery are no different from those used in female breast reduction procedures. While a total reduction of scars is quite impossible with any surgical procedure, the natural contours of the man’s chest area help hide gynecomastia scars for optimal results. For male patients with small amounts of fat or breast tissue, liposuction may be an option that requires small incisions, which are almost unnoticeable once they have fully healed.

 How long does it take for gynecomastia surgery recovery?

The goal of gynecomastia surgery is to give men a flatter and masculine chest. Typically, most male patients can return to work within a week and resume normal activities within a few weeks, suggested by their surgeon. This highly effective cosmetic surgery for men offers almost instant results once the post-operative swelling reduces in the second week. Men with gynecomastia will appreciate their new, more masculine looks and feel confident about their looks.

How to reduce gynecomastia surgery scars?

Any surgical treatment to correct gynecomastia requires incisions. After the surgical treatment, most of the cut lines are within natural contours, some may be visible as a part of the surgical procedure.

Following are some methods to reduce gynecomastia surgery scars caused by surgery:

• Good hygiene – Good hygiene is important to heal wounds from cosmetic surgery. When operating the male breast, it is important to keep unwanted germs out to prevent infection. It may include moisturizing the area to prevent dry skin from turning red or discoloured.
• Protection from sunlight – Applying sunscreen to the scar area after it has healed, which can fade the scar faster. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it frequently.
• Medications – Your surgeon can prescribe ointments, supplements, and skin-care products to help the healing process.
• Scar gels or silicone sheets – Silicone sheets have healing properties that make them an optimal choice for those looking to reduce the scar appearance. Scar gels are usually applied daily to reduce pigmentation and scar size.
• Fractional lasers – After healing scars, laser treatments can be a suitable option. When recommended, laser technology can remove scars with microscopic lasers that target the top and middle layers of the skin. This technique can reduce or remove deep scars. It may take several sessions over some time to achieve the desired results.

  What are the benefits of gynecomastia surgery?

Apart from physical appearance, other benefits of gynecomastia surgeries are-

• It helps in enhancing confidence and self-esteem
• It offers a more masculine figure
• It helps in maintaining a healthy weight
• It can ease back pain

Outlook

Gynecomastia surgery is one of the best treatments to reduce male breast because it is so effective and offers many benefits. Based on the severity of your gynecomastia, medical history, and current health status, our expert will create a personalised treatment plan for you. To determine if this procedure is right for you, contact CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon today to schedule your initial consultation.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to heal from gynecomastia surgery?

The initial recovery time for gynecomastia surgery is around 1 to 2 days on average. During this time, patients have to relax and avoid strenuous activities to aid healing and to avoid complications.

2. Can gynecomastia grow back after surgery?

Yes, gynecomastia can come back after a male breast reduction surgery. The most common causes of recurrence of gynecomastia could be-

• Incomplete removal of glandular tissue.
• Treating patients for a condition known as pseudogynecomastia.

3. What are the side effects of gynecomastia surgery?

There are several side effects of gynecomastia surgery, including;

• Anaesthesia risks
• Blood clots
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Breast asymmetry
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Changes in nipple
• Breast sensation (temporary or permanent)
• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs
• Thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fat necrosis
• Seroma
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Recurrence of gynecomastia

4. Do gynecomastia surgery scars go away?

Over time, scars can lose their colour and even shrink. Your doctor may recommend using a scar gel once the wound has healed. For scar gels to work, you need to use them every day until you get the results you want. It can take several months.