Recovery After Male Gynecomastia Surgery: What to Expect

Gynecomastia surgery for males involves the removal of breast tissue?

I underwent a mastectomy earlier this year, and I had the drain removed in the middle of the month.
Now, the wound is almost scabbed over, but the area around the incision, particularly around the areola, feels hard.
Will this condition heal? How long is the recovery period? Additionally, the drain on the left side fell out initially, and I went to the emergency room to consult a doctor, who said it was not a concern.
However, I later squeezed the wound at home and expelled quite a bit of serous fluid.
Currently, there is occasional slight bleeding, but it is not painful.
Is this because the wound has not fully healed? I do not have any signs of infection, excessive fluid accumulation, or chest indentation issues.
Could you please assist me? Thank you.

Rui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/30

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery

1.
After gynecomastia surgery in males, it is normal for the affected area to remain firm as part of the scar healing process.
This condition may persist for 2 to 6 months before gradually maturing and softening.

2.
Occasional slight oozing of blood is generally not a concern and may be due to the drainage tube coming loose.

3.
If there are any other changes, it is best to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2017/01/30

More Info

Recovery after male gynecomastia surgery can vary significantly from person to person, but there are some common experiences and timelines that can help set expectations. After undergoing a mastectomy for gynecomastia, it is normal to have some hardness around the surgical site, particularly in the area surrounding the areola. This hardness is often due to scar tissue formation and can take several months to soften and mature.

Typically, the initial healing phase after surgery lasts about 4 to 6 weeks, during which time you might experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. The hardness you are feeling is a normal part of the healing process, and it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months for the tissue to fully heal and for the scar tissue to soften. During this time, it is important to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions, which may include wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.

Regarding the drainage tube that fell out, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some fluid accumulation after surgery, especially if the drainage was not fully effective. The presence of blood or serous fluid draining from the incision site can be concerning, but if it is minimal and not accompanied by pain or signs of infection (such as increased redness, warmth, or fever), it may simply be a part of the healing process. However, it is crucial to monitor the situation closely. If you notice an increase in the amount of drainage, or if you develop any new symptoms, it is advisable to contact your surgeon for further evaluation.

In terms of recovery, while some patients may feel discomfort or a sensation of heaviness in the chest area as they relax, this is often a normal part of the healing process. The body is adjusting to the changes made during surgery, and it can take time for everything to settle down. If the discomfort persists or worsens, or if you have any concerns about your recovery, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies if needed to ensure that everything is healing properly.

In summary, the hardness around your surgical site is likely a normal part of the healing process, and it should gradually improve over the next few months. The occasional drainage is also not uncommon, but it should be monitored. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your surgeon for guidance. Your health and peace of mind are paramount during your recovery journey.

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