Gynecomastia surgery scars can lead some men not to pursue gynecomastia surgery. However, what many don’t know about these types of scars is that they’re typically hardly noticeable once healed. Indeed, many men say they would have gone through with this surgery sooner had they realized how mild gynecomastia surgery scars can be.
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia is a male medical condition that results in enlarged breast tissue. Unless the gynecomastia causes are by a natural fluctuation in hormones, which will resolve itself, most patients who have gynecomastia will require surgical treatment to remove the excess skin, tissue, and fat.
Gynecomastia surgery (also known as male breast reduction surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess breast tissue from the male chest.
Does Gynecomastia Surgery Leave Scars?
Yes, because gynecomastia surgery requires incisions. Minimal scarring is an inevitable part of any surgical procedure requiring incisions, and this includes gynecomastia surgery.
But the good news is that gynecomastia scars after surgery are usually hard to see. If you choose a skilled surgeon with experience, they will place your incisions so that they are shadowed by the chest or obscured by the change in pigment around the edge of the areolae.
Ultimately, how noticeable your scars from gynecomastia surgery are will depend on several factors, including:
Surgical Technique Used
The surgical technique used by your plastic surgeon plays an important role in determining the appearance of visible scarring.
Experienced plastic surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring and promote good healing. Techniques such as liposuction-assisted glandular tissue excision and minimal incision approaches can reduce the formation of dark scar tissue and minimize scarring overall.
Placement of Incisions
The location of the incisions is another critical factor in scar visibility. Your surgeon will strategically place incisions in areas where they can be easily concealed, such as along the natural contours of the chest (usually below the chest) or within the areolae.
Skin Type and Healing Process
Individual differences in skin type and healing can also influence how scars develop. Factors such as skin color, texture, and elasticity can affect the appearance of scars.
Additionally, following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions diligently can promote optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications that could affect the formation of scars.
Surgeon’s Skill and Experience
Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in gynecomastia surgery for adults is essential for achieving the best possible results with reduced scarring. A skilled surgeon understands and employs the latest scar management techniques, and this leads to more favorable outcomes for their patients.
How to Minimize Gynecomastia Surgery Scar Appearance
#1 – Some topical products can help minimize scar appearance.
Your surgeon may recommend the use of silicone-based scar gels or sheets to help soften and flatten scars. These products create a protective barrier over the scar and provide plenty of moisture, effectively promoting healing and reducing redness and discoloration over time.
#2 – Sun protection is key.
Exposure to sunlight can cause scars to darken and become more prominent as a result. It’s essential to protect your scars from the sun’s harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF and wearing protective clothing when outdoors. This is true even on cloudy days and in the winter!
#3 – Massage therapy can help.
#3 – Massage therapy can help.Scar tissue that is lumpy and bumpy can be both uncomfortable and more noticeable.
Gentle massage of the scar tissue can help improve circulation and break down scar tissue, leading to smoother, less noticeable scars. Your surgeon may recommend specific massage techniques to aid in scar management during the healing process.
#4 – Laser therapy options may be available.
For stubborn or hypertrophic scars, laser therapy may be used in some cases to help minimize scar appearance. Laser treatments target the pigment in the scar tissue. This can reduce redness and give you smoother skin.
#5 – Have patience.
It’s important to remember that scar healing is a gradual process that takes time. While scars may initially appear red, raised, or lumpy, they often improve significantly over the first year following surgery. Have patience during this time, and do not attempt to rush your results and stick with your post surgery scar management plan.
FAQ: Gynecomastia Treatment & Results
Where are gynecomastia incisions usually located?
This depends on the extent of gynecomastia the patient has and how much skin, glandular tissue, and/or fat needs to be removed. Most gynecomastia surgeries involve incisions made around the edge of the areolae where the color changes.
However, if more skin, fat, and glandular tissue needs to be removed, an additional incision may be made in the armpit, beneath the breast in the natural contour of the chest, or in both places.
Are gynecomastia fat removal scars noticeable?
If a patient only has excess fat on their chest, liposuction may be the only procedure needed to restore natural chest contours. In this case, liposuction incisions will be made, and these are typically very small. Liposuction scars are hardly noticeable once healed.
Does gynecomastia surgery get rid of excess and saggy skin?
Many men who’ve lost a significant amount of weight struggle with excess loose skin on their chest and may search out skin tightening treatments. Gynecomastia surgery primarily treats gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue). However, it can certainly get rid of loose skin as well, and it’s not uncommon for the two to go hand-in-hand.
What hormone imbalances cause gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia typically results from hormonal imbalance and fluctuations, notably estrogen and testosterone levels. However, it can also arise from medication side effects like antidepressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy, prostate or cardiovascular drugs.
Contact Us to Book Your Consultation
Don’t let the fear of gynecomastia scars hold you back from pursuing gynecomastia surgery. Most gynecomastia patients say they wish they would have pursued this surgery sooner. Contact our office today and book your one-on-one consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/results