Risks of Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia

Complications from treatment of gynecomastia are infrequent and usually minor, though no surgical procedure is without some risk. These would include bleeding, infection, loss of sensation that may take up to a year to recover and could be permanent, visible irregularities in the skin, asymmetry, and fluid accumulations beneath the skin following the operation that may require drainage.

The Post-Operative Period

At the conclusion of your procedure, you will be placed into a pressure vest over tape and gauze dressings. The breasts become bruised, swollen, and tender for a week or so, but the pain should not be severe, and is usually well controlled with the pain medication that is prescribed.

After 2 to 3 days, Dr. Parson or his nurse removes the dressings, and the incisions are checked to ensure that there are no problems or complications such as infection. You will then be able to shower. You will be asked to wear the vest around the clock for 2 to 4 weeks for support of the skin during the early stages of wound healing. Though the skin of the breast may feel numb for a while, usually the feeling returns in 6 to 8 weeks, but can take up to a year to feel completely normal. Heavy exercise should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks, and you should stay away from sporting activities or work that risks a blow to the chest for 4 weeks as well. Avoiding sun exposure to the incisions sites for 6 months or more reduces the risk of dark pigmentation of the scars; you may need to use a sunscreen for up to a year for this reason. It normally takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks for all of the initial swelling to subside, and it takes 1 to 2 years for the scars to mature and fade.