Gyno surgery and overuse of Kenalog. Can this be fixed? (Photo)

Hello Jon_Richards86 in Sacramento, and thank you for your question regarding correcting nipple indentation and hypopigmentation following gynecomastia surgery and Kenalog injections.

From your description and picture, it appears that excessive use of Kenalog has caused tissue atrophy, resulting in the indentation, as well as hypopigmentation of the areola. To address the indentation, you can consider filling the area with a soft tissue filler like Restylane or Juvederm. These are temporary solutions, typically lasting 6–8 months. For a more permanent correction, fat transfer is a great option. Fat can be harvested from an area such as around the belly button and then injected into the indented region to restore volume.

For the hypopigmentation, medical-grade tattooing is an excellent option to camouflage the discoloration and achieve a more uniform appearance. While surgical options, such as resizing the areola, exist, medical-grade tattooing often yields superior results in cases like yours.

I hope this helps answer your question and provides some clarity on your options. Best of luck, and be sure to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Thank you for your query. A small amount of your own fat can be injected as micro-fat grafting and it usually takes care of the problem. Please discuss this with your surgeon who can help you. All the best!

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is a procedure to reduce the size of enlarged male breasts. Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is a corticosteroid medication sometimes used in the treatment of gynecomastia, particularly in cases where there is inflammation or scar tissue formation after surgery. However, overuse or misuse of Kenalog injections can lead to complications and undesirable side effects.
If you've experienced complications due to the overuse of Kenalog injections after gynecomastia surgery, it's important to consult with a plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your specific situation and determine the best course of action to address any issues that have arisen.
Some potential approaches to addressing complications from overuse of Kenalog injections after gynecomastia surgery may include:
1. Discontinuation of Kenalog injections: Ceasing further injections of Kenalog can help prevent additional complications and allow your body to recover from any adverse effects.
2. Management of side effects: Depending on the nature and severity of the side effects you're experiencing, your plastic surgeon may recommend treatments to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. This could include medications, topical treatments, or other interventions as appropriate.
3. Revision surgery: In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to correct complications resulting from overuse of Kenalog injections or other issues related to gynecomastia surgery. Revision surgery may involve removing excess scar tissue, adjusting the placement of the incisions, or addressing other concerns to achieve a more satisfactory outcome.
4. Close monitoring and follow-up: It's essential to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon to monitor your progress, address any ongoing concerns, and ensure that you're healing properly.
It's crucial to seek care from a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon to address any complications or concerns related to gynecomastia surgery or the use of Kenalog injections. They can provide recommendations based on your individual circumstances and help you achieve the best possible outcome.