3 weeks post op gynecomastia, had infection which led to areola wound. How will this heal? (photo)

Question

Hello, I recently had gynecomastia surgery (3 weeks ago). The sutures on my left areola broke prematurely. This led to an infection (1 week ago), which I now have under control. Unfortunately, the infection ate away some of my areola. Right now there's a scab over the damaged space. My question is: how will this heal? Will my areola 're-generate' itself or will it heal as breast skin? The space also craters in a bit (i.e., doesn't follow the dome shape of my areola when viewed from a bottom angle). I am also wondering about possible revision options. Thank you.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

This wound will heal fine in my opinion.  I may suggest using an antibiotic ointment.  Good luck and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This small scab is a minor issue.  once healed it may be a small white spot.  If it really bothers you it can be easily revised very easily and successfully

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi ConcernedMale,Thanks for the post and photo. In all likelihood the scab will fall off and there will be new skin underneath. The width of the scar and the color in this area may end up being different from the rest of the scar. That could easily be remedied under local anesthesia but I would not do a scar revision until you are closer to 1 year post surgery.Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Jeffrey Kenkel, MD · Answer

it is not uncommon to have some minor healing problems following any surgical procedure. Fortunately, these are usually self limiting and get better with some routine wound care. In most of the cases, a revision is not even needed.

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD · Answer

I agree with the other posts. Wound care is all you should do now. With time, the wound will likely improve significantly, and you will likely just be left with a somewhat wide and thick scar. At that point, a scar revision will help.

3 weeks post op gynecomastia, had infection which led to areola wound. How will this heal? (photo)

Answers (10)