Can my hypertrophic scar after gynecomastia be revised to make a thinner scar along the border? (Photos)

Question

Can my hypertrophic scar after gynecomastia be revised to make a thinner scar that is more oriented around the areola without any issues such as dog ears or any other complications? I figure I can apply medical makeup a bit of the bottom portion where the pigment faded a tad. It has been 10 months since the operation. My other side healed perfectly. I moved my arms too much and the scar widened after the stitches were removed 4 days post op.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

A scar revision might be ultimately need but I would give it a little more time based on the appearance in the photos. It is still a bit red. Try either a topical steroid cream (get from your surgeo) or silicone taping (ScarAway is a good product). Good luck.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

There are several ways to improve scars in this area. One would be to excise it, but you would likely then need medical tattooing to make the lighter skin dark. Kenalog injections can soften scars. PRP or nano fat transfer are also good options to improve the scar.

Ashley Thorburn, MD · Answer

Yes, it's possible to revise a hypertrophic scar from gynecomastia surgery to make it thinner and less noticeable. Scar revision techniques may include surgical excision, laser therapy, or steroid injections, depending on the type and location of the scar. Consult with a plastic surgeon who specializes in scar revision to discuss your options and determine the best approach for your specific case. They can provide you with personalized recommendations based on your scar's characteristics and your desired outcome.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Looks like a good overall result. You may benefit from silicone gel and sheets, massage of the scar, vitamin E, and time. If after many months your scar is still raised, red, or has symptoms like itching or burning, consideration might be given to steroid injections and/or scar revision. Laser therapy can sometimes help blend scars. If there is depigmentation of the areolar color at the scar border, a judicious medical tattoo of some pigment can often make the scar even less conspicuous.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your questions and photos.  Sorry that this happened!  It looks like you got a really nice correction of your gynecomastia. Typically, especially in young, active patients, 4 days is too early to remove these sutures.  I most usually wait 7-8 days to remove any sutures, and then re-apply steri-strips to support the healing scar.  Nonetheless, your scar can definitely be improved upon with a scar revision, which should take no more than 20-30 minutes and only require local anesthesia.  
I would also encourage you discuss this with your surgeon and possibly to schedule a second opinion consultation and discuss your scar revision options with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), and also a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) demonstrating their commitment to cosmetic surgery and excellence in surgery.  Assure that they have multiple before and after photos of results that you like so that you can have an informed discussion about your gynecomastia scar correction and possible results.
Best wishes
Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember American Society of  Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500

Can my hypertrophic scar after gynecomastia be revised to make a thinner scar along the border? (Photos)

Answers (5)