4 weeks post op. Is this loose skin, swelling or remaining fat/gland after gynecomastia surgery? (photos)

Question

I had lipo done on chest only because doctor said there was no gland during surgery. I'm four weeks post op now. My chest from the front looks good now. From an angle it looks like like maybe loose skin or gland/fat? I doubt it's swelling because both nipples and surrounding skin look cone shaped. I wanted a flat and even looking chest from any angle. I understand there would be swelling but this just doesn't look like it. I've been wearing compression vest religiously all day all night.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

At 4 weeks it is far too early to worry about final shape. Your tissues are swollen and your skin still needs to tighten.  At six months it is generally safe to start evaluating "final outcome".  Until then, let nature take its course.

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.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

4 weeks is a little too short time frame to worry about final results. Swellling will still be there and it will definitely take some more time.the best thing that you can do is to remain in contact with your surgeon and get yourself examined regularly. If at all you might need a minor revision to correct if your problem persisits.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi,Thank you for posting.  Four weeks is relatively early in the healing process and swelling can still be a factor. Final results tend to be between 4-6 months.  That being said, if you continue to have fullness in this area without any decrease, then it is not swelling. It can be either scar tissue or residual tissue.  I would recommend being in close contact with you plastic surgeon during this period.Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Though we like to wait at least 3 months it does appear as if there could be residual tissue/gland/fat. Return to Dr Krau to discuss these issues...

4 weeks post op. Is this loose skin, swelling or remaining fat/gland after gynecomastia surgery? (photos)

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Answer: 4 weeks post op. Is this loose skin, swelling or remaining fat/gland after gynecomastia surgery?

Answer: 4 weeks post op. Is this loose skin, swelling or remaining fat/gland after gynecomastia surgery?

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4 weeks post op. Is this loose skin, swelling or remaining fat/gland after gynecomastia surgery? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling 4 Weeks After Gynecomastia Surgery

Answer: Swelling 4 Weeks After Gynecomastia Surgery

Answer: 4 weeks post op. Is this loose skin, swelling or remaining fat/gland after gynecomastia surgery?

Answer: 4 weeks post op. Is this loose skin, swelling or remaining fat/gland after 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.