For many men, male breast reduction surgery can help improve their physical and emotional outlook. But despite the high rate of satisfaction after gynecomastia surgery, there are some men that remain hesitant because of the scarring after surgery.
While it’s nearly impossible to have zero scarring after male breast reduction surgery, a skilled plastic surgeon will use your natural contours to help conceal them.
Types of Male Breast Reduction Scars
The size and placement of your scar will depend on the type of surgery you are needing. Some men only need liposuction to reduce fat tissue. In these cases, the prognosis for scarring is very minimal as the incisions are very small. However, when more extensive surgery is performed to remove excess fat and breast tissue as well as loose skin, the scarring may be more significant.
In either case, there are steps you can take to help promote better healing and scarring after gynecomastia surgery.
Post-Surgery Scar Management
Gynecomastia scars are no different than any scar, really. When you properly care for your incision sites, you reduce your risk of having a thick, raised scar.
Keep the Incision Site Clean
The more you ensure that the incision site is clean, the less chance for dirt and bacteria to get in and cause an infection. Infections cause prolonged healing time which can make the wound worse and create more scar tissue.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Activities that cause the skin to pull around your incision site can result in a thicker, more elevated scar. Your plastic surgeon will provide guidelines on how long you should wait before engaging in more strenuous activities, which can be around a few weeks.
Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
If you don’t already know that eating right and not smoking provides a plethora of benefits, you can add proper healing to the list. Eating healthy foods supplies your body with proper nutrients so you can maximize your body’s natural healing process.
Minimize Sun Exposure
When you expose your male breast reduction scars to the sun, you’re likely to get some hyperpigmentation, which can make your scars more obvious. It’s a good practice to keep your scars covered for at least 6 months and diligently use sunscreen.
Follow the Doctor’s Orders
Your plastic surgeon has provided you with evidence-based practices intended to help you achieve the best results. These post-op instructions typically include wound care and scar treatment. Be sure to follow them and if you have questions or are uncertain about your recovery process, call your surgeon’s office. They want you to have the best outcome possible just as much as you.
The Role of Genetics
Another key point you need to consider when thinking about scars after male breast reduction is how your body scars, in general. Genetics play a significant role in whether your scars are flat and narrow or thicker and more raised.
While you can’t do much about genetics, you can give your body the right support for proper healing. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of having gynecomastia surgery and consider your concerns regarding scars. For many men, the ability to wear clothing comfortably and be more confident in their shape is greater than the resulting scars.
If you’re considering gynecomastia surgery, visit a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing male breast reduction and ask them what you can expect after male breast reduction including scarring after surgery.
Dr. David Dellinger at Elysian Plastic Surgery in Austin is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who maintains a practice focus on body contouring surgery, breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation.
