Hormonal imbalances and similar different causes can cause men’s breasts to grow abnormally. This condition, called gynecomastia or male breast, is caused by swelling of the breast tissue in men.
Regular exercise and diet can help dissolve fat in this area, but it cannot reduce breast tissue. Therefore, gynecomastia surgery is the most important option for a definitive and fast solution.
Gynecomastia surgery involves removing excess tissues and fat in the breast area. One of the curious issues related to the procedure in question is the surgical scars.
Are you wondering how the scars will look after gynecomastia surgery and how long it will take to pass? All the details are in our article.
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Why and Where Does Gynecomastia Surgery Scar Occur?
All surgical operations cause some scarring. This is also the case for gynecomastia surgery. However, experienced and expert surgeons ensure that the scars in question are minimal and can be easily hidden.
For surgery, it is generally preferred to make an incision around the nipple. In addition, depending on the amount of fat in the relevant area, liposuction may be preferred as an additional procedure. The scar that occurs may be of different size and visibility depending on the procedure to be performed on the patient.
The scars that form will significantly lose their visibility in the first months of the healing process. However, this may vary from patient to patient.
Gynecomastia surgery scars are in the closed area. That’s why their size is usually small and easy to hide. The first weeks after surgery are the period when the scars are most visible. In this period, it is not possible to notice the scars from the outside as the patients will wear compression clothes.
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Gynecomastia Surgery Scar Recovery Timeline
The healing process after gynecomastia surgery may differ depending on the general body health and the incisions made. In the healing process, the appearance of scars will improve over time.
In the healing process, there is a period called maturation. The period will be specific to you, depending on your body’s response to the wounds.
Although the healing process differs according to each patient, it can be said that the process is generally as follows:
Days After the Procedure
In the first days after the procedure, known side effects will begin to appear. In this process, it is important for patients to rest and sleep abundantly. As the stitches melt, the scars here will begin to appear red. In addition, the swelling and bruises in the relevant area will also dissipate significantly.
It is very important to keep the incisions clean in the first days. In this way, it is ensured that the wounds heal properly and get a smooth appearance.
First Week
By the end of the first week, you may notice that the bruises and swelling dissipate significantly. You will notice that your chest area improves compared to the first days after surgery. This process is followed by the clinic and you should be in contact with your doctor to get a clearer understanding of your condition.
In this process, your pain will pass to a great extent. So you can start to get back into your daily routines. In this process, the improvements in your skin will also begin to be noticed.
First Month
After the first month, the swelling and bruising will be almost completely healed. In this month, your stitches will melt and your wounds will close. Scars in the form of thick and dark scar tissues will form.
But these scars are formed due to the increased supply of blood and collagen to heal the skin itself. It is a natural part of healing in a positive sense.
After 6 Weeks
Week 6 and beyond is the almost complete recovery time of gynecomastia surgery. At the end of this period, you can return to your exercises and start sleeping in the position you want.
The compression clothing you will wear until this process shortens the healing process and seriously reduces the likelihood of permanent scars. However, after this week, you can stop the compression garment if your doctor approves. So you start to enjoy your new breasts.
However, you will have to be patient for a few more months for the scars to return to a natural color. Over time, these scars will become less pronounced, softer and straighter.
Read Also: How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia? Do Your Pinch Test!
Factors Affecting Scar Formation
When the incisions opened after gynecomastia surgery heal, scars will occur. There are some factors that affect how visible these scars will be. Details of these factors are as follows:
Surgical technique
Gynecomastia surgery is performed with great care and sensitivity to get the best results. Postoperative scars are directly related to the size and size of the incisions made during surgery.
The incisions are made around the nipple using a very thin excision device. The scars that form when the incisions around the nipple heal are not noticeable from the outside.
However, depending on the person’s condition, liposuction may also need to be done. In such a case, very small incisions are made in different points of the chest, and when these heal, small scars remain. However, the scars in question are insignificant because they are very small and very little visible.
Genetic Factors
The scar is also related to genetic factors. Scars generally consist of fibrous tissues. They are a response of the body to promote healing and eliminate the risk of infection. Some people’s bodies are more prone to scar formation.
Genes linked to certain ethnicities produce more connective tissue than collagen. Accordingly, fibroblasts, which make scars more pronounced, produce more cells.
An example of this is that the scars that occur in those with fibroproliferative disorders are more prominent and larger. Surgical procedures are usually not recommended for those with such conditions.
Post-Processing Maintenance
It is believed that the scarring depends on the surgery performed and to a large extent on the skill of the surgeon. However, the care applied after the surgery directly affects the scars. Inadequate care can lead to the fact that scars become pronounced.
In order to achieve the best desired results, the incision site must be cleaned in accordance with the instructions. In addition, the area should not be exposed to direct sun. Apart from these, other instructions given by the doctors must be followed.
Read Also: What Are The Diseases That May Cause Gynecomastia?
Tips to Reduce Gynecomastia Scars
Although gynecomastia surgery scars vary from person to person, some clues can be made to make the scars less visible. These tips are as follows:
Hygiene
Hygiene is an important element in the healing of wounds caused by the surgical procedure. After gynecomastia surgery, wounds should be kept clean to eliminate the risk of infection.
In addition, you should also moisturize the relevant area so that the dry skin does not turn red or fade.
Sun Protection
During the periods of exposure to the sun after healing, sunscreen helps the scar to fade quickly.
It is necessary to use creams of 30 or wider spectrum to protect from the sun. You can apply them to the relevant area when you go out in the sun and provide sun protection.
Drug Use
Medications and ointments may be prescribed by your doctor to speed up the healing process and disappearance of scars. These should be used regularly and in accordance with the instructions.
Silicone Sheets or Wound Gels
Silicone layers or wound gels fully adapt to the pigment of the skin. It generally meets the expectations of those who want to reduce the appearance of scars.
Scar gels need to be applied daily to reduce scar pigmentation and size.
Fractional Lasers
Another option for the loss of scars is fractional lasers. Lasers that target the upper and middle layer of the skin can completely erase scars.
With this method, you can completely or largely lose deep scars. Several sessions may be needed to lose your wounds with fractional laser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions about gynecomastia surgery scarring and their answers are given below.
How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cure Take?
The recovery period is usually 6-8 weeks. In some patients, this period may be slightly longer. For full recovery and definitive results, it is necessary to wait 6-12 months.
Do The Scars Go Away?
Scars may lose their distinctive color and shrink greatly after surgery. After the wounds are closed, you may be advised by your doctor to use gel to pass the scars. It is important that you use the scar gel every day until you get the results.
How Long Should You Wear a Compression Vest After Gynecomastia Surgery?
The compression vest is closely related to the healing process. It ensures that the shrinkages and settlements in the skin and tissue are as desired. It also prevents the increase of swelling and contributes to the reduction of existing swelling. For best results, the vest should be worn for 4-6 weeks.
Can Massage Be Applied to The Area After Gynecomastia?
After the incisions are closed, the relevant area can be lightly massaged with a hand or roller. The massage will contribute to the best result. Massage can be done for 8 weeks, depending on the condition of the wound. Massage, softening of scar tissue, allows the skin to grow evenly and ideally.
Read Also: Can Gynecomastia Recur After Surgery?
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering gynecomastia surgery but are worried about scars, you can minimize this problem with the right choice of doctor. Experienced and expert surgeons open the incisions during the operation by taking into account the scars that will occur. They also show the necessary sensitivity for the formation of scars and the concealment of the scars that occur.
Surgeons within COSMETICIUM show high sensitivity about the operation scar. They take the necessary steps to prevent scars both during and after surgery.
If you want to have gynecomastia surgery by specialist doctors or get more information about it, you can contact us immediately for a free online consultation.
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