Is this normal? Gland removed 8 months ago & still tender around nipple area

Question

I had gland removal in my chest back in June 2022 and I’m still tender around my nipple area, right side more than the left. It’s not unbearable, just uncomfortable at times… is this normal at 7 months post op? Also, I know sensation may not return, but has anyone got sensation back around their nipples at this stage or is it too late now?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Experiencing tenderness around the nipple area eight months after gynecomastia surgery is not uncommon. Pain in this region can indeed persist for several months, and in some cases, up to a year.
If the discomfort becomes unbearable, please get in touch with your plastic surgeon. Steroid or 5-FU injections could potentially alleviate the pain. It's likely that normal sensations will return once the pain subsides. Don't lose hope; consider contacting your local plastic surgeon for pain management.
I trust this addresses your question about post-operative tenderness following gynecomastia surgery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

It is not uncommon to have tenderness now and then this far out after male breast gland removal.  This is because the soft tissue is still healing and the nerves recovering at the surgical site as well.  It is not too late for sensation to return, it is a very gradual process in the months to few years after surgery,  I recommend you gently massage the tissues that are still healing by rubbing lotion into them.  This will help with the tenderness and may help sensation return as well.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not unusual to have both, some sensitivity and/or numbness in the nipple area after Gynecomastia surgery. This can take up to one year to resolve. Massage can be helpful.  Please discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with your concerns. All the best!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear danlang123,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Some breast tenderness is not unusual. Many women who have more developed breast tissue often have breast tenderness. all people have breast tissue both men and women.
And some men breast tissue develops slightly more than the norm. With breast development comes potentially associated breast symptoms including tenderness.
Nerve regeneration after surgery continues slowly and can change for a couple of years. most significant changes happen within the first 12 to 18 months.
The brain are usually gets accustomed to some numbness as being normal.
Most people usually get accustomed to skin sensation changes overtime.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Is this normal? Gland removed 8 months ago & still tender around nipple area

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Answer: Tenderness after gland removal

Answer: Tenderness after gland removal

Answer: Gynecomastia surgery

Answer: Gynecomastia surgery

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Is this normal? Gland removed 8 months ago & still tender around nipple area

Answers (5)

Answer: Tenderness after gland removal

Answer: Tenderness after gland removal

Answer: Gynecomastia surgery

Answer: Gynecomastia surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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