Post-Surgery Concerns: Male Gynecomastia and Chest Indentation Recovery

Postoperative chest depression after gynecomastia surgery in males?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about my condition.
I have already undergone surgery for gynecomastia, but I have noticed that my chest has a depression, which has persisted for almost four months.
Additionally, the scars are very noticeable, thick, and raised, and they feel hard to the touch.
Will the depression in my chest heal on its own? How long will it take for the scars to fade? I appreciate your guidance.
Thank you.

STT, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/04

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery

A physician must not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or provide a diagnosis without a personal examination.

1.
Scars typically mature over a period of 1 to 2 years.
Where there is an incision, there will inevitably be a scar; our goal is to make the scar as inconspicuous as possible.

2.
If there is significant indentation in the chest, it may be due to the removal of breast tissue, resulting in a void.
If there is no improvement after one year, fat grafting may be considered.

Reply Date: 2016/12/04

More Info

Post-surgery recovery, particularly after procedures like gynecomastia surgery, can often lead to concerns about physical changes, including chest indentation and scarring. It's important to understand that recovery from any surgical procedure varies significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual healing processes, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

Chest Indentation After Gynecomastia Surgery
Chest indentation or contour irregularities can occur after gynecomastia surgery due to several reasons. These may include:
1. Tissue Removal: During the surgery, excess glandular tissue and fat are removed, which can sometimes lead to uneven contours if the surrounding tissues do not settle properly.

2. Healing Process: The body undergoes a healing process where swelling and inflammation can temporarily alter the appearance of the chest. This can lead to indentations that may improve over time as the swelling subsides and the tissues settle.

3. Scar Tissue Formation: The formation of scar tissue can also contribute to changes in contour. Scar tissue may feel firmer or harder than the surrounding tissue and can affect the overall appearance of the chest.

Recovery Timeline
- Initial Recovery: The first few weeks post-surgery are critical for healing. During this time, swelling is common, and the chest may appear uneven. Most of the swelling should subside within 4 to 6 weeks, but some residual swelling can last for several months.

- Long-term Changes: It can take up to 6 months to a year for the final results to become apparent as the body continues to heal and the tissues remodel. If the indentation persists beyond this period, it may be worth discussing with your surgeon.

Scarring
Scarring is another common concern after surgery. The appearance of scars can vary widely based on:
1. Surgical Technique: The method used during surgery can influence scar formation. Techniques that minimize incisions or use less invasive methods may result in less noticeable scars.

2. Individual Healing: Each person’s skin heals differently. Factors such as skin type, age, and genetic predisposition to scarring can affect how scars develop.

3. Post-operative Care: Proper care of the surgical site, including keeping it clean and moisturized, can help minimize scarring. Some surgeons recommend silicone sheets or gels to help flatten and soften scars.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up with Your Surgeon: It’s crucial to maintain follow-up appointments with your surgeon. They can assess your healing progress and address any concerns regarding the indentation and scarring.

2. Scar Management: If scarring is a concern, ask your surgeon about options for scar management, which may include topical treatments, laser therapy, or surgical revision if necessary.

3. Patience: Healing takes time. While it’s natural to be concerned about your appearance, many changes will occur over the coming months.
4. Seek Support: If you find that your concerns about your appearance are affecting your mental well-being, consider speaking with a counselor or support group specializing in body image issues.

In summary, while chest indentation and scarring after gynecomastia surgery can be concerning, many patients experience improvement over time. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider and proper post-operative care are essential for optimal recovery. If issues persist, further evaluation and treatment options can be discussed with your surgeon.

Similar Q&A

Addressing Post-Surgery Indentations After Gynecomastia Surgery

Hello Doctor, since my surgery for gynecomastia in October 2017, I have had a noticeable indentation near my areola on the left side where the tissue was removed. The indentation is quite prominent due to some muscle definition in my upper left chest. I am unsure how to restore i...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Hello, if there are still unsatisfactory areas in the appearance after male gynecomastia surgery, such as the indentations you mentioned, it may be due to a thinner layer of fat. This can potentially be addressed through other methods. It is recommended that you discuss your foll...

Post-Surgery Concerns for Male Gynecomastia: Uneven Fat Recovery

Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a question. Recently, I underwent gynecomastia surgery at Taipei City United Hospital. According to my doctor, the glandular tissue was close to a D cup, which is quite large. It has been two months since the surgery, and my doctor advised ...

Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Mr. Mao Mao, Based on your description, wearing a sculpting bra and applying heat to the breasts after surgery can help alleviate your condition. However, this may take some time (3 to 6 months), so it is important to approach it with patience! If necessary, you may consult...

Post-Surgery Concerns for Male Gynecomastia: Healing and Compression Guidance

Hello Doctor: I had surgery on May 6 to remove male breast tissue and a benign fibroadenoma from my left chest. The drain was removed on May 12, but the drainage site has not healed yet. Is this normal? Additionally, after the surgery, the area around the wound is swollen (not th...

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Mr. Gao, 1. Post-operative issues with gynecomastia in males often involve the accumulation of serous fluid, which may indicate that there is still fluid present. 2. The surrounding area may appear swollen, possibly due to the removal of both glandular and adipose tissue du...

Post-Surgery Issues in Male Gynecomastia: Pain and Follow-Up Care

Hello Doctor: Last August, I underwent surgery for gynecomastia, which included liposuction and glandular excision. Now, a year post-surgery, I still experience pain when pressing on both nipples and the surrounding area, with the right side being slightly more painful than the l...

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery
1. The area where surgery was performed may experience abnormal sensations as the scar matures, such as tenderness or tingling. 2. These abnormal sensations can sometimes take 1 to 2 years to resolve. 3. You can return to the original hospital for a follow-up appointment to check...