How Many Men Get Thick Red Scars After Male Breast Reduction?

Question

What is the risk of hypertrophic scars arising over the skin after a male breast reduction surgery? Obviously, the goal is to avoid visible scarring.

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.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Although the length and precise placement of
the incisions will depend on the individual case, a typical male breast
reduction surgery, or gynecomastia surgery, generally does result in significant scarring. In
most situations, the incisions are made around the edge of the areola. Because
this so-called peri-areolar incision is strategically located, it helps to
minimize the visibility of the scar. Post-surgical wound care can help reduce
the risk of complications. If thick scar tissue begins to forms, the incision
site may not be healing properly and it should be examined.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery—namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

The risk of a bad scar from gynecomastia surgery is very low. it would really be the same risk as any other surgery you would have. If you have a tendency to form thick scars already than I would be more concerned. Gynecomastia surgery would not increase the risk.

Richard Silverman, MD · Answer

The short peri-areolar scars after male breast reduction tend to fade quite nicely in most patients. The risk of hypertrophic or thick scars is greater in patients of color, and that holds true in my gynecomastia patients, where in 20 years, I've had about 10 patients develop thickening of these scars. 3 of these patients have been caucasian, and the remainder have been patients of color. This is particularly notable, since patients of color are by far in the minority of this patient group. There are treatments available, and in most cases, these scars can be improved.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to predict who will get unfavorable scars. More commonly darker skinned patients, and patients prone to thicker scars( i.e. previous surgical results, or family history) are good indications.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The incidence of &ldquo;thick, red scars" after surgery will depend on the patient's propensity for hypertrophic scar formation,  ethnic and genetic factors, and the surgeon's  skill with closure. Generally, the incidence is low (my best estimation is less than 5%).

	I hope this helps.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

In most cases male breast reduction for gynecomastia can be performed through a very small incision at the bottom edge of the areola. The scar in this area is usually for 1 to 3 cm in length, usually heals well, and is not very noticeable. As with any surgery, there is a small risk of hypertrophic scarring. If this were to occur there are treatments available including topical hydrocortizone cream, hydrocortizone injections, or if necessary surgical scar revision.

How Many Men Get Thick Red Scars After Male Breast Reduction?

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