Although we would love it if gynecomastia surgery could be performed without resulting scars, this simply isn’t possible.
Even with the major advances in today’s technologies and plastic surgery techniques, gynecomastia surgery scars are inevitable. The good news is that most patients are able to fully recover from gynecomastia surgery without noticeable scarring.
This can be partly due to having a great surgeon (so choose wisely!), but it also has to do with the fact that most gynecomastia incisions do not have to be very big.
In the following article, we’ll go over what you can expect for your gynecomastia scars after surgery, as well as some tips for reducing scar appearance once you are healed.
Does Gynecomastia Surgery Leave Scars?
Yes, at least some level of mild gynecomastia surgery scars are inevitable.
Where scars from gynecomastia surgery are located really depends on your situation. For some patients who only have excess fat, liposuction is typically all that is needed. Liposuction scars are hardly noticeable at all because the incisions only need to be a few millimeters long in most cases.
If what needs to be removed from the breast area is excess breast tissue or a combination of breast tissue, fat in excess and saggy skin, then more significant incisions will need to be made.
Typically, incisions can be made around the outer edge of the areola. Fortunately, this will not produce very visible scarring because the pigment of the areola can mostly camouflage the incision sites. In some cases, a more involved male breast reduction may require incisions to be made within the breast crease or elsewhere.
Tips for Reducing Gynecomastia Scar Appearance
Both during your gynecomastia surgery recovery process and after you’ve fully healed, there are certain steps you can take to reduce scar tissue and minimize the appearance of any noticeable scars.
First, be sure to take care of yourself during the healing process. Even if you have minimal scarring to begin with, be sure that you’re eating a healthy diet, getting up to move around frequently, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated.
Take care of your wounds as directed by your surgeon, and get a good nights sleep every night. Your surgeon will have specific instructions for you on how to properly sleep (typically, gynecomastia patients will need to lie on their back with the upper body elevated).
Especially as your scars are still healing up, stay out of the sun as much as possible. Dark scar tissue may result if your incision sites are exposed to the sun.
Scar gels can often be of use as well. Scar gels silicone works by hydrating incision sites so that they heal smoother. Silicone has also been known to reduce redness and flatten out scars by reducing the amount of collagen that is produced.
Lastly, if you continue to be dissatisfied with the appearance of your scars, even after your incisions have healed, be sure to contact your plastic surgeon and ask about what options you have. Sometimes, steroid injections or laser therapy treatments can be used to diminish the appearance of scars.
FAQ: Gynecomastia Surgery
What does gynecomastia surgery cost?
Gynecomastia surgery cost typically varies based on what type of surgical procedure you need. If you need liposuction only, the cost will be different than if you need a breast tissue excision and/or an excess skin excision.
Are there celebrities who’ve had gynecomastia?
Yes, some celebrities, such as Dwayne Johnson, have stated they’ve had gynecomastia surgery. Others, like John Travolta and Simon Cowell, are only rumored to have had it.
How do I know if I have chest fat or actual gynecomastia?
The question of whether a patient has gynecomastia vs fat is sometimes difficult to resolve until a consultation appointment. Your surgeon will palpate and examine the area, then recommend the best gynecomastia treatment for you.
Can I combine gynecomastia surgery with other procedures?
Yes, skin tightening treatments, liposuction, and several other procedures can be combined with gynecomastia surgery if the patient desires. Naturally, not every surgery can be added to a gynecomastia surgery, and it is always up to the discretion of your surgeon.
But if you are considering another improvement to your chest area or another area of your body, be sure to bring this up at your plastic surgery consultation appointment.
Set Up Your Consultation Appointment
Are you interested in male breast reduction surgery (gynecomastia surgery)? Enlarged breast tissue, fat, and excess skin on the male chest can be an embarrassing problem to deal with. Surgical treatment is typically the only permanent solution.
If you’re ready to tackle this problem once and for all and want to know how to get rid of gynecomastia, please contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan.