Are swelling and hard lumps normal in healing from gynecomastia surgery?

Question

I had surgery 4 weeks ago. Week 1, with the compression binder and foam, my chest was very flat. Week 3, my surgeon said it was ok to stop wearing the compression binder, and to do cardio. I've been doing the stationary bike. I sleep with the binder on, and my chest looks decent in the morning. But now there’s swelling and a couple of areas where there are hard lumps. At the end of the day, it looks more swollen. Why did my chest look good the first week and now looks lumpy? Is it scar tissue?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Most likely, this is residual swelling after your surgery which could persist (especially if you have stopped wearing your garment for a few months) for 6-12 months following surgery. Also lumps may appear when there is scar tissue under the skin.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Firmness and irregularities are not uncommon in the early post operative period. As swelling resolves these areas may sometimes become more apparent. Your result will be evolving over the next several weeks. I generally discourage patients from passing any judgement in the first few weeks as healing is the priority at this point.
Should any of your concerns persist beyond 6 months, you can discuss revisionary options at that point.
As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

The area may seem seem uneven as the healing occurs but should ultimately become even. Follow the post operative instructions of your surgeon.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you are absolutely normal. it is normal to get swelling. allow a full year for things to normalize. keep up your exercising etc and try not to be too self critical. enjoy your life and forget about checking your surgery results all the time (I realize this is easier said than done).david berman md

Are swelling and hard lumps normal in healing from gynecomastia surgery?

Answers (4)