How long can it take hematoma to heal after gynecomastia surgery?

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. Results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. It is also 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.#Complications after gynecomastia surgery are rare, but just as possible as they can be with female breast surgery. #Infection, #bleeding, #seroma and #hematoma to name a few, are all very rare.  Yet, they can happen. Its suggested that you speak and see your plastic surgeon or their licensed medical staff to discuss your #healing concerns.

Hematomas can happen.  It doesn't mean that the doctor did anything wrong.  I usually wait for less than 30 cc over 24 hours for 2 days to pull drains.

     I do not use drains in these surgeries, but you will probably have continued drainage until all of the hematoma has liquified and the area starts to seal.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Drains remove fluids that do not clots. Hematoma is a collection of blood which is clotting. It cannot be evacuated through drain in require surgical removal.

Fortunately for you that a drain was in place.  The drain with the hematoma will have to remain a bit longer but barring infection your total healing time should remain about the same.

Dr. ES

Each doctor has their opinion on when drains should be removed after a surgical procedure. In my practice we remove them when they drain less than 25cc in a 24 hour period. I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to find out when they should be removed.

I'm glad you’re monitoring your recovery closely — that’s very important after gynecomastia surgery, especially when complications like hematomas occur.
What is a hematoma?
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often caused by bleeding during or after surgery. It's relatively common in gynecomastia procedures and usually occurs within the first 24–48 hours.
Healing Timeline for a Hematoma After Gynecomastia Surgery:
The timeline can vary depending on
• Severity/size of the hematoma
• Whether it was evacuated surgically
• Use of drains
• Your body’s healing capacity
General Recovery Outlook
1. Mild hematomas (small and not surgically evacuated):
o May resolve on their own in 2–4 weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually subsiding.
2. Moderate to large hematomas (like yours, with fluctuating drain output and likely under close observation):
o Healing may take 6–8 weeks or longer.
o Continued drainage (as in your right side) indicates your body is still processing excess fluid or minor bleeding.
3. Surgically treated hematomas (if evacuated during or after surgery):
o Recovery is usually quicker once the hematoma is drained, though bruising and swelling may persist for several weeks.
o Full healing and contour normalization may still take up to 3 months.
Drain Output and Concerns
As long as:
• The output doesn’t continue to increase consistently,
• There's no sign of infection (fever, pus, increased redness),
• And your surgeon is closely monitoring the situation,
...this can still resolve without further surgery.
What You Can Do
• Keep your compression garment on as instructed — this helps reduce fluid buildup.
• Limit activity (especially chest movements) to avoid worsening the hematoma.
• Continue monitoring drain output and share trends with your surgeon.
• Follow up if you notice sudden swelling, increasing pain, warmth, or redness.
Most hematomas resolve within 4 to 8 weeks, but some may take up to 3 months for full healing, especially if large or initially untreated. If your surgeon continues to monitor you and drain output gradually decreases, you're likely on the right path to recovery.

Hi kaka8cr7,Thanks for the post. Hematoma is a risk with surgery. The most important aspect is that it is identified and treated. Typically a drain is not adequate to drain a hematoma and a more effective technique is to open the incision and evacuate the hematoma.  Drains are utilized for watery fluid that can accumulate after excision of gland tissue and not for prevention or treatment of thicker formed clot. Stay in close communication with your plastic surgeon.Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Usually drains do not stay in more than a week in my practice for gynecomastia surgery.  Best to follow closely with your surgeon.