Can this botched gynecomastia surgery be fixed? (Photo)

Question

I had gynecomastia surgery a couple years ago and this is how it left me. My cosmetic surgeon did another surgery to fix the problem and the problem is still there. Now I look for the opinion of other surgeons. One pectoral is significantly bigger than the other and the other pectoral muscle hangs. There is now a line that has formed and that is from the excess skin. I do not know what to do.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Expanded skin can remodel and retract after liposuction of gynecomastia to a certain degree. Unfortunately, there are no available before pictures to compare what happened in your case. Several months after surgery retraction of skin is completed; if there is residual deformity, like in your case, skin needs to be removed and tightened. You would most likely need additional liposuction of lateral chest/breast and skin excision of folds. Without in person evaluation and discussion of possible options it would be difficult to tell you where to place the scars and how large they will be. Good luck.

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

Gynecomastia surgery takes on many different forms depending on the patient's age, muscular development, and underlying cause of the gynecomastia.  Treatment can involve excision of the breast tissue, liposuction of the fatty component and commonly a combination of the two.  After surgery there can occassionaly be some residual breast tissue that requires re-excision if it is painful or causes symptoms.  More commonly, there is some loose and excess skin that must contract down after liposuction.  The ability of the skin to contract depends on many factors and will differ from person to person.  With large amounts of excess skin, sometimes a decision to remove the excess skin makes sense, other times not.  It is best to have an in-person examination with a local board-certified plastic surgeon and determine a safe and effective plan that will allow you to reach your desired goals.  Best wishes on a great outcome.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. An in-person exam would be helpful to evaluate this problem. There is likely some options available to you to improve the result but it depends on your exam and your goals. You likely had a liposuction procedure alone when what you needed was skin shrinkage or even skin removal. The wrong operation often leads to a poor result. Make sure you see a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for a consultation and accept nothing less.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

dolphins0623. Sorry you are having this issue. Your pectoralis muscles are not sagging, however the skin of your chest area, especially on the left side, is sagging. It appears from your photos that skin excision would be the best option for you. You may consider getting a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, it appears you have extra skin on the left, and to achieve a contour similar to the right, a skin resection would be advised.  Hope this helps.

Can this botched gynecomastia surgery be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Gynecomastia Revision

Answer: Gynecomastia Revision

Answer: Results after gynecomastia

Answer: Results after gynecomastia

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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Can this botched gynecomastia surgery be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Gynecomastia Revision

Answer: Gynecomastia Revision

Answer: Results after gynecomastia

Answer: Results after gynecomastia

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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.