Is there a risk of permanent deflated look disfigurement after gynecomastia / mastectomy surgery? (photos)

Hello, and thank you for your question. Here are some common post-operative healing issues that can occur with this procedure:Asymmetry during the healing processLumps or firmness under skinProlonged swelling (edema)Skin Pigment changesProlonged redness of the incisionBlood clotsHematomaBreast contour or shape irregularitiesAnesthesia risksInfectionScarringFluid accumulationPersistent painTemporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensationAnd some definitions of these issues:Contour Abnormalities: Although the doctor will make every effort to give you a “perfect” result, the area of excess tissue removal may end up with a contour that is slightly too high or too low. You may feel the “edge” around the areolar dissection. Massage and time (4-6 months) usually eliminates or reduces this problem, if it occurs.Reduced sensation of nipple: Any surgery of the breast can lead to reduced nipple sensation. Reduced sensation is usually temporary, but may take months to resolve. In unusual cases, some permanent loss of sensation may occur.Recurrence of Breast Enlargement: This is uncommon, but can occur. If this happens, you may require further surgery later.Seroma Formation: A collection of fluid under the skin occurs occasionally during the postoperative period. Aspiration of the fluid with a needle is frequently helpful. Secondary surgery is rarely necessary.Harness Within Breasts: Postoperative scarring within the breast tissue may cause areas of hardness. Occasionally, areas of hardness, when discovered later may cause worries about cancer. Mammography or even biopsy is occasionally indicated.Now, one of the best things to remember is that if you find yourself concerned at all about the healing process at any point you should visit your surgeon to have the area examined and make sure that everything is progressing as it should. There can always be complications, but revisions are possible if needed. Best of luck.

while it is early on, it does appear that you are deflated.I typically perform gynecomastia with liposuction and then a small removal of the remnant breast tissue.it appears you might've had a formal mastectomyits best to follow up with your plastic surgeon.If a revision is required,  please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Thank you for the question and pictures.  A week after surgery is too soon to assess what you will look like in the end.  However, if you are dissatisfied with your result further down the road, please see your plastic surgeon to discuss correcting anything you are not happy with.All the best,Dr. JSB

Consider waiting a few months prior to having any revisions but most likely the gynecomastia tissue under the nipples was removed. The tissue over the chest/pecs may need to be addressed as well. Seek a plastic surgeon with specialty training in gynecomastia surgery.

It is too early for more surgery. I know this result is not what you anticipated. I'm sorry you are going through this. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and based on your confidence in your doctor ,and their plans for a correction, you may elect to have consultation with other plastic surgeons who specialize in the correction of gynecomastia.   This results can absolutely be improved after a period of time. I would suggest that you take photos from every angle to have available in the event you would like to be examined by another plastic surgeon in the future. Growing your hair out may not hide everything, but it can camouflage some scarring and irregularities.   

Hi BotchedMan3000,Thanks for the post and the photos. Although you are very early in your recovery I am concerned that you have had too much tissue removed. This is based on your preoperative photo as well as the cratering in the area above your areolas. There is nothing to be done at this point as you should wait at least 6 months to allow the tissues to settle and the skin to re-drape. If it continues to be an unsatisfactory result, I highly recommend that you see a plastic surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia surgery and revision gynecomastia procedures. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

When possible, I like to do Gynecomastia surgery with liposuction. There is a small incision and the result is smoother. If the tissue is too thick, then it has to be removed by excision rather than liposuction. The results with excision may not be as smooth as it would be with liposuction. It is important to remove the thick breast tissue which may leave a depression.

How should I choose a surgeon?Selecting a surgeon is as important a choice as the decision to undergo surgery. Choose carefully. The decision is yours. What follows is some advice to assist in making your selection.1. Experience matters. Choosing a surgeon who has performed over one thousand gynecomastia cases increases the likelihood that they have seen a case similar to yours in the past. Selecting a surgeon whose practice is focused on gynecomastia exclusively is also an indicator of experience.2. Results matter. The more before-and-after pictures a surgeon displays, the better. Pay attention not just to the number of pictures, but whether the surgeon is confident enough to show multiple angles of the same patient.3. Reviews matter. Have patients reviewed your surgeon? Did those patients undergo the surgery you are considering?4. Expertise matters. Is your surgeon recognized by the profession as an authority in the field? Are they certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? Have they authored books or medical journal articles regarding your surgery?We hope these guidelines are of assistance when you are selecting your surgeon. When undergoing surgery, it is very important to be realistic about your expectations. Past results are not a guarantee of future results. Also, revision surgery tends to be significantly more difficult than initial surgery.

Thanks for your question but it is too soon to tell what you final result will look like.  It takes six months or more to tell how your skin will shrink down. I would be patient and follow up with your surgeon who can guide you through this process.