Why Does One Side of my Chest Look Larger Than the Other Side After Gynecomastia Surgery? (photo)

Question

On 09/10/2012 I had Gynecomastia Surgery+ Liposuction. After surgery I had a Jackson-Pratt drain attached to both my sides. The left side of my chest look flat and sunken in a bit but the right side of my chest looked bigger. Well on 09/14/2012 I had the drains removed and feel great but today I looked in the mirror and the right side of my chest worries me since it still looks larger than the right. IDK if it's the swelling or fluids in my chest or if this is how my chest will stay.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Asymmetry after gynecomastia surgery can occur just like after any other surgery. While most of the time this asymmetry is temporary and secondary to swelling and bruising that subsides at different rates, it can also be an inherent part of the end result. This could be secondary to underlying differences between the two sides that become uncovered when the breasts are reduced, but it could also be secondary to a postoperative complications. You should definitely consult with your surgeon.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Asymmetry during the healing process is not at all uncommon after any breast surgery. Also, your incisions will go through a maturation #process following #Gynecomastia #surgery. For the first few months they will be red and possibly raised and/or firm. As the scar matures, after 6-12 months, it becomes soft, pale, flat, and much less noticeable. You may experience numbness, tingling, burning, “crawling”, or other peculiar sensations around the surgical area. This is a result of the #healing of tiny fibers which are trapped in the incision site. These symptoms will disappear. Some people are prone to keloids, which is an abnormal scar that becomes prominent. If you or a blood relative has a tendency to keloid formation, please inform the doctor.

Bruising and #swelling are normal and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However, it may take 6-9 weeks to disappear completely. Also, as you heal, the area may feel “lumpy” and irregular. This, too, decreases with time, and massaging these areas will help soften the scar tissue. The #compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly you will #heal. It can also assist in the retraction of the skin. If you have any concerns about #healing, its best to ask questions of your surgeon or their nursing staff.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Asymmetry can occur post surgery. Frequently it is temporary as one side heals faster than the other. Consult with your surgeon to determine if you are healing as you should as he or she understands the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Richard Silverman, MD · Answer

As noted, it's too early to say if the asymmetry is a result of tissue left behind, or if it's related to swelling, hematoma (blood collection) or seroma (fluid collection).  Your surgeon may be able to detect the latter causes, and if required, aspiration of a hematoma or seroma may give some instant improvement. Otherwise, you need to give your results time for resolution of swelling before pursuing any revision.  I advise my patients to wait 9 months to a year before doing any revision, particularly for asymmetry, as it can take that long to resolve, particularly if it's related to swelling from some excess bleeding on one side as compared to the other side.  If it's just residual fat, some additional liposuction can be done to get improvement, and that's a fairly simple process.  

	 

	Rick Silverman

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Still very early in the healing phase. Best to discuss with your doctor in person. Check if hematoma or just swelling or excess tissue.

Why Does One Side of my Chest Look Larger Than the Other Side After Gynecomastia Surgery? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Post-op asymmetry

Answer: Post-op asymmetry

Answer: Why Does One Side of my Chest Look Larger Than the Other Side After Gynecomastia Surgery?

Answer: Why Does One Side of my Chest Look Larger Than the Other Side After Gynecomastia Surgery?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why Does One Side of my Chest Look Larger Than the Other Side After Gynecomastia Surgery? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Post-op asymmetry

Answer: Post-op asymmetry

Answer: Why Does One Side of my Chest Look Larger Than the Other Side After Gynecomastia Surgery?

Answer: Why Does One Side of my Chest Look Larger Than the Other Side After Gynecomastia Surgery?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.