Contour Deformity Following Unilateral Gynecomastia Surgery, How do I Address this Issue? (photo)

Question

I am noticing a horizontal tear-drop shaped depression. Immediately following surgery contour was perfect, then as swelling subsided I noticed this depression form at 2 weeks post op. I am currently 3 weeks post op. 1)Is there any reason to believe that contour will improve on it's own? (I am doing a lot of massaging) 2)What are the drawbacks of fat injections to address this issue? I've heard that this fat may die and become hard and look poor on animation. Thank you very much in advance.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Following #Gynecomastia #surgery, your incisions will go through a maturation #process. For the first few months they will be red and possibly raised and/or firm. As the scar matures, after 6-12 months, it becomes soft, pale, flat, and much less noticeable. You may experience numbness, tingling, burning, “crawling”, or other peculiar sensations around the surgical area. This is a result of the #healing of tiny fibers which are trapped in the incision site. These symptoms will disappear. Some people are prone to keloids, which is an abnormal scar that becomes prominent. If you or a blood relative has a tendency to keloid formation, please inform the doctor.Bruising and #swelling are normal and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However, it may take 6-9 weeks to disappear completely. Also, as you heal, the area may feel “lumpy” and irregular. This, too, decreases with time, and massaging these areas will help soften the scar tissue. The #compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly you will #heal. It can also assist in the retraction of the skin. If you have any concerns about #healing, its best to ask questions of your surgeon or their nursing staff.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.

	One of the potential risks associated with gynecomastia surgery is contour deformity related to over resection of glandular tissue and/or adipose tissue.  This is a risk that is explained to patients who are undergoing the procedure. Many patients who have gynecomastia are looking for the chest to be as flat as possible. Surgeons must  balance their desire to achieve the patient's goals with efforts to avoid over resection and contour deformity.

	You may find that your situation will be improved upon with techniques such as fat grafting,  use of allograft/dermis as a filler and/or selective liposuction of prominent areas.

	I hope this helps.

Teanoosh Zadeh, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Dear patient,
	This is most likely due to removal of excess breast and fatty tissue. This is a difficult problem to correct, I would advise you consult your physician.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I see what you are complaining about at two weeks, but it also may be differential swelling. Either way, you will have to give it a few months to settle down.  One of the risks of this surgery is over resection and subsequent  contour problems.

Jay M. Pensler, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

You are still early in your recovery. I have a lot of experience with this issue and it is just not possible at this point to assess your situation. Further I have no idea what was performed surgically nor do I know what you looked liked prior to surgery. In a best case scenario the result will improve and nothing will be required. In a worst case scenario you may benefit from a revision. Even if a revision is necessary it is too early to perform one so regardless of the final outcome you are presently in a holding pattern. Good Luck!

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Contour Deformity Following Unilateral Gynecomastia Surgery, How do I Address this Issue? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Contour after gynecomastia surgery

Answer: Contour after gynecomastia surgery

Answer: Gynecomastia Surgical Result at Three Weeks

Answer: Gynecomastia Surgical Result at Three Weeks

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.