Why am I noticing asymmetrical healing/swelling 2 weeks post gynecomastia surgery? (Photo)

Question

Although somewhat pleased with my results, I am starting worry a bit about the asymmetrical headling I am noticing. The left side of my chest looks and feels great, the right side however is noticeably larger and looks as it is more swollen. On a side note, this side was already larger prior to surgery which is causing more concern and I do not see my surgeon for another month. I have been wearing my compression binder religiously along with thin foam pads.

Alexander Q. Ereso, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your photos and congratulations on undergoing gynecomastia correction. Your question is shared by many who undergo procedures that involve both sides of the body. Due to many factors, some which cannot be explained, healing proceeds asymmetrically and usually involves one side healing faster than the other. Because a patient cannot help but compare one side with the other, seeing any difference sometimes can be a cause for anxiety. You might begin to think: "it that side not going to heal well?" or "is there a problem on that side?". My advice is to follow your surgeon's instructions and just allow your body to heal. 2 weeks is way too soon to determine if this will be your final result. Should you have any concern, don't hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is way to soon to see your final results, you may have swelling for several more weeks. It is not unusual for one side to swell more than the other. Continue following your surgeons post operative instructions and wearing your compression vest. Good luck!

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Good morning, TXAG2010.  Thank you for sharing your photos and your concern.Swelling after surgery, especially early on, can really distort things and make it appear that something is abnormal when it is not. And swelling can often be asymmetric for a variety of reasons.  Likewise, swelling can sometimes mask an underlying problem.Without the benefit of pre-operative photos, and knowing what your chest looked like at the completion of the surgery, it is difficult to determine whether the asymmetry you are experiencing is to be expected and will resolve with time.  However, upon review of your photographs, I am concerned that you are not healing ideally, and I would strongly encourage you not to wait for a month but rather contact your surgeon with your concerns and an appointment for an evaluation.The right side looks fuller than I would expect post-operatively.  This could easily be due to post-operative swelling.  However, it could also be due to a fluid collection, called a seroma, that might require drainage.  It is also possible that the fullness is due to persistent gland and/or fatty tissue.  On the left side, there is some sub-optimal skin draping with folds and creases -- there are steps that your plastic surgeon may suggest to help minimize permanent skin irregularities and to help smooth out these contours.Best of luck to you, and I hope all resolves and that you achieve the results you were hoping for.  Dr. Ghafoori

Why am I noticing asymmetrical healing/swelling 2 weeks post gynecomastia surgery? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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 am I noticing asymmetrical healing/swelling 2 weeks post gynecomastia surgery? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.