Nipples still sticking out 3 weeks after gynecomastia surgery? Is the lump normal? Should I continue to massage?

Question

I had a minor gyno surgery 3 weeks ago, lipo and gland excision . When I took off the bandages for the the first time everything was super flat but within a day or two, my left nipple started sticking out again, not as bad as before but still not flat. Gyno was worse on left side. Right side only slightly puffy. Also have a pretty hard disc like lump on my left that I noticed approx one week post op that doesn't seem to be getting smaller. Are these things normal? Should I massage? Thanks.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nutgrass,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a gynecomastia surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It's too early to know at this point. It takes a good 3 months for things to settle and the swelling to resolve enough to get a real sense of what your final results will look like but everything you are describing sounds like normal things someone would experience following this procedure. If you are really concerned then book a follow up with your surgeon so they can reassure you. Massage definitely will not hurt in the meantime. Best of luck!

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for writing,You are still in the early post-op phase. Massage, constant garment compression and time are your friend. It will take 3-6 months before tissue begin  to maximize your results. I recommend you follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgery post-op instructions carefully and completely. You should do well, Good Luck Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSCertified: American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember : American Society for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Maria M. LoTempio, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It takes a good three months for the breast to soften and heal completely. Give yourself more time to heal. Best of luck.

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

A plastic surgeon can perform a physical exam to determine and to show the patient if there is swelling, residual fat, scarring, lymphatic fluid, seroma, hematoma or any other type of build up.  Swelling is very common after gynecomastia surgery and many men feel as though they are getting "bigger" in the weeks after surgery.  This is why compression, avoiding working out and other strategies are employed to minimize swelling.  For peace of mind it is best to have the plastic surgeon show you with a physical exam exactly what is going on.

Nipples still sticking out 3 weeks after gynecomastia surgery? Is the lump normal? Should I continue to massage?

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Nipples still sticking out 3 weeks after gynecomastia surgery? Is the lump normal? Should I continue to massage?

Answers (7)

Answer: Gynecomastia recovery

Answer: Gynecomastia recovery

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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