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

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

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

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

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.

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. 

Let the wound heal. The "scab" will fall by itself. The scar will undergo remodeling nad contracture. The final result in 9 months to one year will look very good. If the remaining scar has some aspects you do not like it can be corrected with a scar revision under local anesthesia.

Now that the infection is resolved, just let the scab come off naturally and then let the inflammation subside. I would give this at least 6 months. You may be surprised how well it make look. Irregularities can be addressed with a scar revision usually perforemd under just some local anesthesia.

Areolas in both men and women are incredibly forgiving. Dont' worry; it should heal well.

Dear ConcernedMale,

I think everything will be okay.  Secondary or delayed healing is a potential problem that can occur with any surgery and, in fact, it's pretty common.  It means that some areas of the incisions or wounds do not heal directly but, instead, develop a scab or open up (a bit), may have some drainage and then (typically) close on their own over a several week period.  The ultimate cosmetic result is usually pretty good and, once healed, you may not even be able to tell where it was that that process occurred.

Secondary wound healing is a particular concern if there is a risk of implant exposure (ie, if there is an implant, such as a breast implant, which may become exposed during the wound healing).  That's not the case here, or in most cases in which this occurs, such as tummy tucks, breast lifts or reductions, etc.

Once it is healed, which will probably take several weeks to months, you can talk to your surgeon about the potential for a revision (you can talk anytime but it will take that long to discern the final appearance).  If necessary, it is typically a small procedure that can be done under local anesthesia, typically in an office setting (even if the original procedure was done in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center).

Stay in touch with your PS, try to not be too concerned about this, let it heal on its own and then,, if indicated, you can consider a scar revision.

I hope that this helps, and good luck,

Dr. E

There is always a chance of infection or delayed wound healing after any operation.  I think that you and your surgeon's first concern shuld be attaining a healed wound.  Following that and scar maturation, it appears that it should be fairly simple to revise the scar and obtain a result that will be pleasing to you.