Despite the fact that gynecomastia surgery can completely alter a man’s physique, empowering them with a surge of confidence and motivation to work out and get even stronger, many men put off this surgery because they worry about gynecomastia surgery scars.
Fortunately, we have good news.
Not only are most gynecomastia scars small and barely visible, but they will fade even more as time goes on. Moreover, the vast majority of gynecomastia patients say that regardless of the scars, they would much rather have the excess fat, skin, and tissue gone.
With that said, we still understand if you have questions about what a gynecomastia surgery scar looks like and how you can apply treatment to help it fade over time. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding gynecomastia surgery and scarring.
What Do Gynecomastia Surgical Scars Look Like?
The appearance of your gynecomastia scars after surgery will depend on what type of surgery you need to undergo. There are usually three variations of the surgery.
First, some patients may only require liposuction to remove excess fat. Liposuction scars are very small because the incisions required for the liposuction cannula only need to be a few millimeters long. Therefore, the healing process is quick, and there is minimal scarring.
Second, some patients may require the removal of actual breast tissue or glandular tissue. This is usually the case when the patient has a solid, hard nub beneath their nipple area, which is causing the overall enlarged breast tissue. Surgery scars from this type of incision will be a bit longer. Your surgeon may need to make an incision of several inches below each breast, along what is called the breast crease, in order to remove the breast tissue surgically.
Finally, some patients may need excess and saggy skin removed from their breast area. Skin tightening treatments can be utilized to help tighten the skin, but most patients also need a surgical procedure to remove that excess skin. Gynecomastia surgery scars that are required for excess skin removal may also be slightly larger, but this depends on how much skin needs to be removed and if fat and/or male breast tissue also needs to be removed at the same time.
To gain a better understanding of what your scars will look like after surgical treatment, we recommend looking up gynecomastia surgery before and after photos for the particular plastic surgery that is similar to your required procedure.
Do Gynecomastia Scar Go Away?
Yes, over time, your gynecomastia scar tissue should fade, soften, and flatten out. Rarely, patients may experience keloid scarring or hypertrophic scars. But again, this doesn’t happen often, and if it does, your surgeon should present you with options for treatment.
How Do You Break Up Scar Tissue From Gynecomastia and Make Scars Fade?
Usually, the scar tissue gynecomastia surgery forms become soft and harder to see as the months and years pass. You can speed up the recovery process by applying scar gels, primarily to that dark scar tissue that is most noticeable. Scar gel or silicone scar treatment sheets are the best way to reduce the appearance of plastic surgery scars.
Many studies have shown that silicone aids in the healing process and help scars become less noticeable. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that regular and consistent use of these products is essential. When scar gels silicone works, it’s because the patient is diligent about the application of the product.
In some cases, you may also reduce visible scarring after gynecomastia treatment by using self massage with your hands and fingertips or a self massage roller. Regular massage can break up scar tissue to keep it from becoming painful, lumpy, and visible. Massage techniques can also help reduce swelling as you heal.
How to Reduce Scar Visibility After Gynecomastia Surgery
Most men are relieved to learn that gynecomastia surgery typically results in minimal scarring, especially when liposuction alone is required. In cases where excess glandular tissue must be removed through surgical excision, more noticeable incisions may be needed, but proper surgical technique helps reduce the risk of prominent scars and visible scarring. T
o support recovery and improve scar visibility, patients are often advised to use silicone sheets or scar creams, which help the skin heal more smoothly. Protecting the area from sun exposure is equally important, as sun protection prevents scars from darkening during the healing process. Even small liposuction incisions benefit from these treatments, ensuring a better long-term outcome.
FAQs: Gynecomastia Surgery Scars
How do I know if I have gynecomastia?
If you are a man who struggles with excess breast tissue, soft and puffy nipples, and/or hard lumps beneath your nipples, you may have gynecomastia, which may require surgery. Often, doctors and plastic surgeons will perform what’s called a gynecomastia pinch test to determine if you have gynecomastia.
This is when your provider uses their thumb and fingers to gently palpate the breast and nipple area, and this allows them to see if it is fat only or actual glandular tissue that is causing the problem. You can also perform this test at home on your own by simply standing with your shirt off and feeling around your breast nipple area for a hard lump beneath the nipple.
How much does gynecomastia cost?
Gynecomastia surgery prices vary. You’ll need to consult directly with a board certified plastic surgeon to know how much your surgery will cost. Not only do different surgeons charge different surgeons fees, but liposuction gynecomastia surgery is going to cost a different amount than liposuction and skin excision or liposuction and glandular tissue excision, etc.
Do gyno surgery scars go away?
You can’t completely erase any type of scar, which means your gynecomastia scars will always be there to some degree. The good news is that over time, they naturally fade, flatten, and blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin.
What do gynecomastia scars look like?
The look of gynecomastia scars differs from patient to patient. Some may notice only faint lines that blend with the skin, while others may have more visible scarring. In rare cases, certain skin types may develop keloids or more prominent scars during healing.
Book Your Gynecomastia Consultation Today
Excess breast tissue — whether in the form of glandular tissue, extra fat, or both — can cause major physical and psychological issues for men. Fortunately, male breast reduction surgery is a commonly performed, highly successful surgery that can treat these issues effectively and provide lasting results.
If you would like to learn more about male breast reduction through gynecomastia surgery, please contact our office today and book your very own consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David Sieber.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/the-benefits-of-a-good-gynecomastia-surgery-postop-routine