Nipple Appearance After Gynecomastia Surgery

Question

I am an extreme weight loss patient. 2 weeks ago, I underwent a gynocomastia excision procedure along with extended tummy tuck. 200 grams of breast tissue was removed.. and a slight crescent mastopexy was performed, to correct my slightly low nipple position. My chest was a lot bigger before, and it sagged. It no longer does that.. definately it lays a lot flatter. However, my nipple however look wrinkles along the incision, and the contour is cratered on one side. Is it too early to tell or is this normal?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The areas after Gynecomastia Surgery may feel “lumpy” or irregular, and should decreases with time. Often massaging these areas will help soften the scar tissue. Also, 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. It's possible that any indentations could be addressed with fat grafting or cosmetic filler(s) if eligible.

Typically, its best to wait at least one year following the initial surgery to consider a revision. It is imperative you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with male breast #reduction. Plastic surgeons who have specialized in breast surgery and cosmetic surgery are suitable to perform your procedure. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Please be advised that each patient is unique and previous results are not a guarantee for individual outcomes. As with all cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. With any surgical procedure, there are some risks which your doctor will discuss with you during your consultation.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

This should resolve as time passes. Let a few months go by before assessing your results. The tissues in the area need to relax and this wrinkling will probably go away.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

I think your surgeon did a really good job.  Give it more time to heal.  The wrinkling will likely resolve over time.  Good luck and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It
appears that you have undergone a peri-areolar mastopexy in combination with
your gynecomastia surgery. When this type of procedure is performed, gathering
of the skin occurs which results in the wrinkling that you describe. This
wrinkling tends to resolve with the passage of time.

After
two weeks this would be an anticipated finding. It’s important to be patient
because wound healing can take up to a year following surgery. If a scar
revision is necessary it should not be performed for at least a year after the
original procedure. If you’re concerned about this issue, then consultation
with your surgeon would be appropriate.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes, it is definitely too early. Although the extra skin may persist, it is best to wait and allow for skin heaing and contraction. Wait at least 4-6 months before contemplating any revision procedures.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The results look good.  Two weeks is extremely early in the recovery process.  Wrinkling around a periareolar lift can occur but resolves with time.  The contour will improve over time also.

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

After gynecomastia surgery, nipple appearance can vary based on factors such as surgical technique, individual anatomy, and healing. In some cases, the surgeon may reposition or resize the nipples to achieve a more natural look. Swelling and bruising are common initially, but these typically subside over time, revealing the final result. It’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon for optimal healing and outcomes. If you have concerns about your nipple appearance post-surgery, it’s advisable to consult with your surgeon for guidance.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi 3844anon,Thank you for the post and photo. At 2 weeks it is too early to tell. Final results are typically measured in months not weeks. I recommend to be patient at this point in time.

Mordcai Blau, MD · Answer

The photos are too early post op.I do understand the position of the patient and his desire to look good instantly. Unfortunately the healing is sometime a slow process and require patience.The time to judge it is 6 months and after. Should this patient be unhappy later on he should contact his surgeon for possible revision.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

In massive weight loss patients, the limiting factor for a good result is the quality of your skin. In many massive weight loss patients, their skin has been damaged as well. If your skin does not have good elasticity liposuction alone is not a good option for you. Your plastic surgeon should evaluate the quality of your skin and described the type of partial mastectomies that may be a good option for you. Keep in mind that the scarring after these procedures can be significant. Also discuss with your plastic surgeon the possibility of keeping the nipple attached to the underlying tissue or if it indeed has to be removed and used as a graft. If the nipple is to be removed and grafted, you will lose most sensation from the nipple.

Nipple Appearance After Gynecomastia Surgery

Answers (13)