Keloid scar after Gynecomastia surgery. (Photos)

Question

Hello, I had Gynecomastia surgery 2 years ago. It did not heal right and now looks worse than pre-surgery. I can feel keloid inside with mild pain when I apply pressure. It's way bigger than the other side of my chest. The outside keloid doesn't hurt at all. Is there a way to fix it? Will I ever get my chest back? ( I've seen some seen some before and after Gynecomastia surgery pictures with no scar at all).

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloid scars are characterized by their growth potential and increased degree of inflammation within the skin. Unlike non-inflamed scars, keloids have the potential for growth beyond the original footprint of injury. Our office specializes in the management of keloids, whether single or multiple, using a combination platform that includes lasers, RF, scar modulation, Parke-Davis Scar Protocols, and injection therapy. Some keloids will require surgical intervention as an initial step for treatment. 
Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself 100 Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  I think it would be best to be seen by a gynecomastia specialist for an in-person examination.  Through feeling of your chest tissues the best treatment can be recommended, but most likely revision surgery will be needed.  Hope this helps.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

At 2 years post op, what you see is your final result. I am sorry that you developed a keloid. Schedule a consultation with your surgeon or with another board certified plastic surgeon to discuss scar revision surgery.

Christopher S. Zarella, MD · Answer

The wound healing process can be a very frustrating portion of the surgery.  At two years, however, I would say that the scars that you have are fully matured, and if they are hypertrophic, or thickened and raised, then it is time to do something about it.  The degree of thickening and elevation of your scars looks more like a hypertrophic scar than a keloid.  (thank you for posting pictures!)  Nonetheless, the treatment is similar.  At first, a course of steroid injections can help to soften the scar and, in combination with massage, they may flatten and the tenderness you are experiencing may subside.  In a worst case scenario, where steroids fail, surgical revision may be necessary.  Knowing that you have formed hypertrophic scars, you can pre-emptively attempt to keep future scar hypertrophy at bay with other methods such as silicone sheeting, while you heal after a revision.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon, or any other surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery about your current situation.  Best of luck!

Robert Caridi, MD · Answer

Keloids are very aggressive scars that can develop after any surgery. They are more commonly seen in people who are dark skinned and have a history of bad scars. Your scars look more like the hypertrophic variety. I would suggest that you consider steroid injections into the scars and see how well this works to flatten them. Steroids can be injected every 8 weeks until the result is improved. Compression also helps this area as well as finger massage (deep tissue).

I would not recommend any form of surgery to improve these scars. First line treatment is steroids and compression with finger massage. Be patient, as this will certainly get better.

I would not recommend any form of surgery to improve these scars. First line treatment is steroids and compression with finger massage. Be patient, as this will certainly get better.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi bibux225,Thanks for the post and photos. At 2 years your scars have reached their final healing state. There are two issues with your scar. One is that it is raised and thickened. The other is that it extends off of the areola and onto your chest. I am not sure why there was a scar placed on the chest as tissue removal can be done through an incision limited to the areola. Massage and/or kenalog may help flatten the scar but will not address how wide the scar is. You will need a revision to fix the areola scar which could help, but there is no such thing as an invisible scar and the one on your chest, even if it can be made narrower, won't be invisible. As for any scar tissue inside, that would need a physical examination to determine the best treatment.Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Given your photos and description, I suggest that you consider a scar revision. You will need to be evaluated in person, however. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Keloid scar after Gynecomastia surgery. (Photos)

Answers (7)

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