Scar Massage After Surgery Can Minimize Visible After Effects
Gyno surgery is aimed at giving you masculine contours and a surge of confidence when glandular tissue has marred your physique. When hormones in the male body fluctuate, excess glandular tissue can take the form of female-like breasts. Male breast reduction can return the male chest to a flatter, more masculine shape. But like any surgery, it can leave Gynecomastia Scar behind. To minimize these after effects, scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery can help. scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery is an excellent part of any postoperative routine.
If you suffer from gynecomastia and are considering gynecomastia surgery but you find yourself worried about potential scarring, this post is for you. We are going to discuss the specifics of gyno surgery, the ins and outs of gynecomastia recovery, the amount of scarring that typically results, and how to massage the scars to minimize their appearance.
Read until the end to find out where to get help for gynecomastia in & near Los Angeles, California.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for Gyno Surgery?
Having male breasts does not automatically qualify you for surgery. Doctors will first attempt to treat your condition with alternate means. The formation of male breasts is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance. The condition can form during the teenage years as puberty causes natural hormonal fluctuations. Older men can form the condition as testosterone naturally declines with age. Other causes of the condition include genetics, obesity, underlying conditions such as liver disease, some medications, steroid abuse, and illicit drug use. These factors should be addressed first before gyno treatment is considered.
If the male breast growth cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments or the alteration of lifestyle habits, male breast reduction surgery can permanently and safely treat the condition.
Other factors that will make you a prime candidate for surgery include being a non-smoker and non-drug user, having a positive outlook and specific goals, and being of sound general health.
Weight can also be a determinant for gyno treatment. Breast development should be stabilized before surgery is considered. This is why doctors recommend that teenage boys with gynecomastia wait for at least 1 to 2 years before having surgery, as sometimes gynecomastia can resolve on its own.
If you are older, you should attempt to remain at a healthy weight to maximize your safety during the gynecomastia surgical procedure.
If you suffer from gynecomastia and wish to get a consultation about J-Plasma gynecomastia treatment in & near Los Angeles, contact us to set up a consultation with one of the best gynecomastia surgeons in Los Angeles.
How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?
If you are deemed to be a viable candidate for surgery, and you have realistic goals for the outcome, your gynecomastia specialist will schedule you for a surgery date.
The process of removing breast tissue is relatively simple and involves several distinct techniques. The cosmetic surgery is customizable depending on your aesthetic goals. During the initial consultation with the gynecomastia surgeon, you will discuss your goals, and the concerns that you have, whereby you and your doctor will determine the best course of action for the male breast reduction procedure.
Anesthesia
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. This step ensures your comfort throughout the procedure and takes several minutes to kick in. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will be present in the operating room to monitor your response to the medication and to ensure your safety while the breast tissue is reduced.
The Surgeon Makes the Necessary Incisions
To gain access to the excess breast tissue underneath the skin, strategic incisions are placed around the treatment area. Incidentally, these incisions are the source of the resulting scarring that can result. The incisions are only made after the anesthesia takes effect. The incisions are placed in discreet locations. This means that any scars that do result will typically be hidden within the folds of the skin.
The incision lengths vary. If the excess glandular tissue is accompanied by fatty tissue, liposuction will be used to remove the extra padding. Traditional liposuction requires small incisions to insert the metal rod (cannula) that is used to suction out the fat. Larger incisions are often used to remove the excess glandular tissue. These incision lengths and their purposes will be discussed with you prior to surgery during the initial consultation so that you are fully aware of all the marks that will be made on your skin.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Liposuction for Fatty Tissue
Excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of gynecomastia treatment, but fatty tissue is usually also present. Female breasts are mostly composed of fat. When men have fatty tissue along the chest area, the effect can mimic female breast tissue. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat.
During liposuction, a saline solution is mixed with an anesthetic solution and is inserted into the chest through small incisions. The solution dissolves the fatty tissue to make it easier to remove. A cannula is then inserted into the small incision point for the purpose of suctioning out the fat. Liposuction is used to contour the chest and restore a masculine shape.
Tissue Excision Removes Excess Skin and Glandular Tissue
Some men have minor forms of gynecomastia that only involve the removal of glandular tissue and some excess fat. Other men have excess skin that has lost its elastic ability and extends beyond the chest. This tissue is removed during gynecomastia surgery by making incisions along the lateral sides of the chest, whereby the extra skin is removed. The excess glandular tissue is also removed during this time.
Nipple Repositioning and Resizing
Some men with gyno suffer from enlarged and puffy nipples. During surgery, the nipple and areola complex can be made smaller and more symmetrical to match your new chest contours.
Read our article: Why Do I Have Puffy Nipples as a Man?
Gynecomastia can involve glandular tissue removal, tissue excision, and nipple resizing, but not always. Some men only require glandular removal while other men may require all 3 variations of this procedure.
What is Recovery Like After Gynecomastia Surgery?
You will not be worried very much about scarring immediately after waking up from surgery. Your mind will instead be focused on the minimal to moderate pain, which is understandable. Your body has gone through trauma, and some discomfort is to be expected. Doctor can prescribe medication or advise over-the-counter medicines to counteract any pain you happen to feel. Scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery also helps.
There may be surgical drains inserted into the chest area to collect excess fluid. This is a normal aspect of male breast reduction surgery. The drain tubes may remain for one to two weeks and will be removed during a follow-up appointment with your gynecomastia surgeon.
Your surgeon will provide you with post-op instructions. These steps help to preserve the surgical work while expediting healing. Examples of instructions you may be given include no sexual activity or working out for at least 2 weeks. You should find yourself returning to work after 5 to 7 days and you could be back to light activity within 2 weeks. You may be asked to wear a compression garment for at least 6 weeks to help with circulation and preserve your masculine contours.
Read our article: Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Tips for Superior Results
How Much Scarring is Left Behind After Gynecomastia Surgery?
After the initial swelling and bruising have subsided following gyno surgery, you may be left with some lingering scars. Your gynecomastia surgeon will make every effort to minimize scarring. This includes avoiding scar tissue that can compromise the final result. In rare cases, scar tissue can form that acts as firmness or a mass under the chest that can be felt and sometimes seen. This type of scar tissue is not always immediately apparent. It can take up to 6 to 8 weeks or longer after treatment for the hardened mass to show. The normal time to fully heal from male breast reduction surgery is 6 months to 1 year.
Scar Tissue is Normal
Scar tissue can develop as your body heals from the gynecomastia surgical procedure. Some patients may form more scar tissue than others. Fluid or blood that remains at the surgical site can promote tissue expansion. A hematoma is a term meaning blood collection and a seroma is a term that implies fluid collection. If you form either of these following your procedure, you may be at higher risk for scar tissue formation.
There are 3 ways to manage scars that result after surgery. The first is to use steroid injections to soften and dissipate the scars. But this method can be more expensive and takes time, as months have to pass between each scar injection.
The other alternative is to use a separate surgical procedure to reduce or remove the scar tissue. This form can also increase your expenditure and put you at risk for complications. You will also have to endure yet another surgical recovery period.
The other method to help with scar reduction or removal is to scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery, which is the method you came here for, and which is far less expensive and time-consuming than the previous 2 scar mitigation techniques.
Read our article: Scarring After Gynecomastia Surgery
How to Massage After Gynecomastia Surgery to Minimize Their Appearance
Scar tissue can be manipulated with a roller or massage device. With diligent work, you can effectively break up the scar tissue.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Scar Tissue Massage
Scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery helps the body remove built-up collagen from the treatment site. Scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery leaves the scar tissue flatter in appearance. By repeating the scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery technique, you can keep the scar flexible. Scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery essentially helps the scar remain moist, which aids in the healing process. Since scars can itch, scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery can reduce the sensation without causing inflammation.
Start Scar Massage Only After the Chest Has Healed
It is important that you wait before massaging the scar tissue that results from surgery. You do not want to skew your surgical results. Talk to your gynecomastia specialist about the duration of time you should wait before using a roller or massage machine around the affected area. As a general rule, you should wait at least 2 weeks before you start scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery. Never perform scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery when you still have stitches or scabs from the surgical procedure.
Gynecomastia Massage is Best When Performed Slowly and Consistently
You can start scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery with the tips of your fingers, a roller, or a massage device. Apply gentle pressure to the scar and surrounding area. Use a back-and-forth motion along the length of the scar making small circles so that the circumference of the circles encompasses the skin on either side of the scar.
Each massage session should last at least 10 minutes or until the scar begins to feel sensitive. Stop massaging immediately if the scar tissue becomes sore. Do scar massaging after Gynecomastia surgery 2 to 3 times per day.
Gynecomastia Surgery Scars Can be Massaged Dry or with Cream
It is not necessary to use cream when massaging a surgical scar, but it helps. Using a cream will keep the scar tissue lubricated, which can keep the scars flexible. Keeping the scars moist can also minimize scabbing. Scabbing can slow down the healing process, as can a dry wound that cracks and bleeds. The best lotions to use for scar massages are those that are low-scented and intended for sensitive areas.
Other Factors That Promote Gynecomastia Scar Healing
In addition to learning how to massage scar tissue after gyno surgery, it helps to eat healthily and get plenty of rest. When your body is at its healthiest, your scar tissue routine will get far better results.
Looking for Help with “Gynecomastia Near Me”?
If you live in Southern California and suffer from gynecomastia, you may be worried about scars. You now know the ways that gynecomastia surgery is performed and the types of scars that can result. You also know that any resulting scars are typically hidden within the natural folds of your body, but that visible scars can be massaged away with steady and consistent work.
The best way to minimize scarring is to choose the most experienced gynecomastia doctors. One of those doctors operates out of an accredited surgical center right here in Los Angeles, California. Doctor Babak Moeinolmolki is a skilled gynecomastia surgeon. By meeting with Dr. Moeinolmolki, you can discuss your aesthetic goals and the potential for gyno surgery scars to form. You can discuss the correct techniques for gynecomastia surgery massage, and how to get the best results from surgery. Book an appointment with Doctor Moein by calling the Gynecomastia Surgery Center of Los Angeles at 310-861-3799.
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Dr.Babak Moeinolmolki
LA Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Moein is board-certified by the American Board of General Surgery.