How big is the scar left behind after gynecomastia surgery?

Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery—namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips.
Scar Management tips:
Minimize tension on the scar. Steri-Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas at the time of surgery to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar.  This minimizes the  stress that  can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and  delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”. In the first few weeks after surgery, I recommend the use of Embrace Scar Therapy which is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar.Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. Never apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection, contact your surgeon’s office right away and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.Protect your scars from the sun. Staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. The best product available in my opinion is the Embrace Scar Therapy System by Neodyne BioSciences, Inc. available in many surgeons’ offices. Essentially this is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar. For areas that are not applicable for this product (e.g. smaller areas or on the face), I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen, etc).. If the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected.  Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of  injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments  to treat or  prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.

Your scar will depend on the skill of your surgeon and how the surgery is done, there are different techniques depending on the severity of your gynecomastia. For my patients, in most cases, the incision goes around the bottom half of the areola so that as it heals it tends to be well hidden with the change in skin color and texture. Good luck!

The amount of visible scarring after male breast reduction surgery can vary from patient to patient. It depends on several factors including the amount of breast tissue, excess skin and fat that is removed during the procedure. However, scarring after this procedure is typically minor. During surgery, I try to make the smallest incisions possible (incisions are typically as small as a bug bite) in hard to see areas to help reduce the visibility of post-procedure scars. If an incision needs to be made around the areola, it blends seamlessly into the color change. In my years of performing male breast reduction procedures, even patients who are particularly prone to scarring or those with more visible scarring are still very satisfied with their overall breast reduction results. 

Impossible to say without examining you in person. The scar is going to depend on what needs to be done which will depend on the severity of your gynecomastia. However, if you see a skilled surgeon, scars should be minimal. Best of luck.

Dear Tarsuc,
Thank you for your question.
Gynecomastia surgery has different techniques and depending on how much gynecomastia you have will determine which methods of treatment are suitable for you. If you do not have too much excess of breast tissue, you may only need liposuction as a treatment modality. This would leave you with a very small scar that may be unnoticeable over time. If you have a lot of excess breast tissue, you may need to have this cut out, placement of the incisions will be dependent on the plastic surgeon that you have performing your surgery. Common techniques include placing the incisions around your areola or in your armpit. Your surgeon will try to conceal the incision and scar as much as possible, however, all scars are visible to a certain to a degree, but can be improved in appearance over time once settled. Discussing your specific case with a board certified plastic surgeon will give you a better understanding of what will be suitable surgical techniques used in your case and where scars may be placed. 
Good luck.