Vaser lipo and gynecomastia - swelling has suddenly got much worse one week post op, is this normal? (photos)

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Though swelling in the chest region is not uncommon a week after gynecomastia correction, it is concerning that it developed rapidly.  As this is a change in your recovery , I would see your surgeon for an in-person examination to rule out any issues and to provide you with reassurance.  

Thank you for your question about swelling after VASER liposuction after male breast reduction, gynecomastia, and chest sculpting. What you are describing is not normal.  I would suggest you contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.  Hopefully, this is just swelling.  However, this may also be collection of blood or fluid.  If this is the case, the fluid may need to be drained.  In the mean time, please continue your chest compression garment.  Please be sure your garment is tight.  You may need a smaller size.  Good luck!  I do hope this is nothing, but call your plastic surgeon.  I hope that I have answered your question regarding swelling after VASER chest liposuction for male chest reduction for the treatment of gynecomastia.  If you have any other questions regarding male breast reduction, gynecomastia, chest sculpting, or post-operative conditions after VASER liposuction, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

BRUISING AND SWELLING: 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. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly you will heal.NUMBNESS: It is normal to experience numbness around the areola and chest. As your body heals, you may notice random bursts of pain in your chest. This is usually a sign that the numbness is subsiding.LUMPINESS: 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.ACTIVITIES: If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause pain. Wait at least 4 weeks to begin aerobic exercise.As with all operations, pain and discomfort varies greatly from patient to patient. Generally, one should expect that pain medication will be required for the first several days. Continuing discomfort can last varying amounts of time. The best thing to do if you experience questions or concerns during the healing process is to visit your surgeon for a follow-up to make sure that all is progressing as it should.

It appears like you may be swollen for sure but you don't appear to have a hematoma. It's entirely possible that you still have some swelling/size just from tissue that may not have been removed. I suggest that you give this six weeks and if you still look that large I suspect you may need additional treatment. Talk with your surgeon about your concerns.

With the "late" and rapid onset of the swelling and pain it is possibly a fluid collection. Just speculation on our part without seeing and feeling. Your doctor will be able to settle the question with a visit today.