For men dealing with gynecomastia or “man boobs,” the enlarged breast tissue can cause severe embarrassment and low self-esteem. Gynecomastia treatments are available, but concerns over visible scarring often prevent men from seeking the help they need to enhance their physique. We will look at scars from gynecomastia surgery in greater detail, along with the reasons why Dr. Lo is a top choice for men worried about gynecomastia scars.
3 Min Read:
What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is an umbrella term for various treatments used to reduce enlarged breasts in men. Most of the techniques Dr. Lo performs to treat gynecomastia involve hidden incisions placed around the nipple/areola and in the armpit. Once fully healed, these scars are nearly invisible.
If breast enlargement is primarily due to fat, Dr. Lo may use one of three liposuction techniques to remove the fat while preserving the surrounding tissue. All methods involve inserting the liposuction cannula through a tiny incision in the armpit, leaving no visible scarring.
When the gynecomastia consists of gland tissue, surgical excision called subcutaneous mastectomy is required to remove the glands and create a more masculine chest contour. Dr. Lo makes a small incision along the lower part of the areola, the pigmented area surrounding the nipple. This incision allows for the complete removal of all the gland tissue to achieve the desired result.
Severe gynecomastia may require a procedure known as male breast reduction. This surgery requires a circumferential incision around the areola and a larger incision at the base of the chest to remove sufficient tissue, contour the chest, and reposition the nipple/areola to a more natural location.
Incision Care to Minimize Visible Gynecomastia Scarring
Although scars are an inevitable part of any plastic surgery procedure, including gynecomastia treatment, there are steps you can take after surgery to care for your incisions and minimize visible scarring:
- Follow All Post-op Instructions: Keeping the surgical site clean is essential to prevent infection and ensure a healthy healing process.
- Practice Sun Protection: UV rays are particularly detrimental to healing incisions, so keep your surgical area out of direct sunlight and wear sunscreen with a high SPF daily.
- Use Silicone Products as Recommended: Silicone sheets and gels keep the incision soft and hydrated, which prevents excess collagen production that can darken scars and make them more visible.
- Apply Gentle Massage: Massaging the surgical area helps promote healthy circulation and breaks down scar tissue, resulting in a smoother, less noticeable scar.
- Have Patience: Incisions do not heal overnight – it can take up to 1 year or longer for scars to fully resolve.
Dr. Lo and his staff can also provide information on scar care tailored to your specific situation. Good post-op care goes a long way in ensuring optimal healing and confidence in your results.
Dr. Adrian Lo’s Advantage: Fast Recovery and Minimal Gynecomastia Scarring
Your choice of plastic surgeon will also impact your outcome. A board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in gynecomastia will know how to perform your procedure to produce the most natural results with minimal visible scarring. Dr. Lo has over 25 years of experience and is renowned for his expertise in gynecomastia surgery. He has developed a multi-step plan to significantly reduce post-operative discomfort, shorten recovery time, and minimize visible scarring. His before-and-after gynecomastia results speak for themselves.
Still Thinking About Gynecomastia Treatment in Philadelphia and New Jersey?
Gynecomastia is a challenging condition that rarely resolves on its own. The good news is Dr. Lo can create the masculine chest contour you desire while keeping visible scarring to an absolute minimum. To learn more about your gynecomastia treatment options, call our Philadelphia office today at (215) 829-6900, or complete our online contact form to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Lo.