Male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery is joint in helping men get rid of enlarged breast tissues. Since self-esteem and body image drastically improve after the surgery, one of the issues that worry patients is scars. It’s normal for your skin to become red and have scars when it’s healing. However, some things help minimize scarring after gynecomastia and promote the best healing for the skin. As we proceed through this article, we will also be discussing some factors that cause the formation of scars and ways of minimizing scar appearances after gynecomastia surgery.
Factors Affecting Scarring After Gynecomastia Surgery
Scars after gynecomastia surgery depend on the approach used. The most common type of scarring is periareolar scars. These are situated at the periphery of the areola (the black ring around the nipple). This is the most widely practiced approach in the surgery of gynecomastia since the natural curvature between the areola and the rest of the chest skin can hide the scar.
However, scarring is a normal part of the healing process, provided the skin and subdermal layers of the body have been incised or otherwise damaged during surgery. The severity and visibility of scars depend on several factors:
Surgical technique:
Based on the type, size, or location of the incisions made in the surgery, different surgical procedures may result in various types and sizes of scars. Cosmetic procedures performed through minimally invasive approaches are likely to produce minor or insignificant scars.
Skin type and genetics:
Some people are genetically inclined to form more prominent or rough scar structures. Skin type, color, and texture also work hand in hand in the way that the scar would heal.
Postoperative care:
The kind of care that a patient gives to the operated area will determine how the scar looks after some time.
The purpose of male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery is not only to have a flat chest but also to have minimal scars. Hence, it is possible to minimize the visibility of such scars through timely identification of causes of scar formation and is timely prevented.
Tips to Minimize Scarring After Gynecomastia Surgery
1. Choose an Experienced Surgeon
To minimize scarring after gynecomastia is crucial, and one can only get the best results by consulting a professional surgeon. However, surgeons who perform gynecomastia surgeries have better skills in opening the chest area. They are most likely to perform different techniques that are less harmful to the tissues and, therefore, give minor scar lines. When you meet them for consultation, do not hesitate to ask how they handle scars, and also consult them to show you pictures of previous patients who underwent a similar procedure with them.
2. Maintain the Postoperative Instructions
Even after surgery, your surgeon will advise and give you guidelines on what you should do next, if there is any wound, or if you should handle it differently in any manner. Adherence to these instructions is essential to reduce the risk of complications and also to facilitate a proper healing process. Key points to remember include:
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Keep incisions clean and dry:
To reduce the chances of scarring, one must prevent infection and thereby reduce the healing time required for the body. It comprises washing the area of operation and replacing the dressings in accordance with the surgeon’s advice.
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Avoid excessive movement:
Tight or stressed chest muscles or activities that pull on the scar can cause the scar to widen or rise. They should not carry heavy objects or exhaust themselves physically for several weeks after the surgery.
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Wear compression garments:
Many surgeons advise wearing a compression garment to minimize swelling of the chest and to support it during the healing process. The garments can also help reduce scar formation by adequately aligning the tissues.
3. Moisturize Your Incision
Surgeons suggest applying some lotion on the area of the incision to prevent the skin from becoming stiff and, therefore, minimize the development of thick skin. Depending on the volume of the scar, you can begin applying over-the-counter topical agents, which include silicone gels, after stitches have been removed and the cut has healed over. Silicone-based products operate on the principle of providing coverage to the skin and preventing moisture loss while at the same time helping to reduce the height of the raised scars.
4. Use Scar Massage Techniques
After healing the incision site (within 7-14 days), a gentle massage of the scar may help. It also aids in the management of pain and scar tissue to reduce the force required to break up collagen fibers that thicken the scar. It also tones the blood flow system, and this helps heal and reduce scar prominence.
Give the scar a light massage with the tip of your fingers in a circular motion, at least for several minutes daily. However, after consistent usage, this technique may reduce the appearance of the scar until it is almost invisible. Nevertheless, one must not overdo it, and at the same time, it is possible to damage sensitive newly formed tissues, so they need some protection.
5. Protect The Scars From Sun Exposure
Another factor to minimize scarring after gynecomastia is not to expose fresh scars to the sun because they tend to become darker and more vicious. During the treatment, it is essential to remember that sunshine can seriously threaten the skin. It can cause hyperpigmentation or prolonged redness. To protect your scars from sun damage, follow these guidelines:
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Use sunscreen:
Once your scars have healed, they should become less sensitive. However, you should protect the area by applying sunblock/sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 if you are going out in the sun. There are many sunscreens available, so be careful when choosing one that is safe for sensitive skin.
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Wear protective clothing:
In the case of the area of surgery, ideally, wear loose clothing that will mask the area and prevent excessive exposure to direct sunlight in the initial months of surgery.
6. Drink Water Often and Eat Healthy
Your body’s general health determines how you are likely to recover once you undergo surgery. Consuming adequate water and eating a healthy diet with vitamins may help prevent scars from forming after deep wounds. Essential nutrients that support wound healing include:
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Vitamin C:
Stimulates collagen synthesis, which is vital, particularly in cases of wound repair.
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Zinc:
It is used by the body to repair damaged tissue.
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Protein:
Contributes to the ingredients for the generation of new tissue.
7. Be Patient
After gynecomastia surgery, healing takes several weeks, and scars improve over the next few months. It’s normal to worry about the scar after surgery, but as your body heals, the scar will become less visible. Due to the scarring process, the final scar appearance is between 3 months and one year. Therefore, it should be essential to remain patient.
Conclusion
Scar diminishment after Gynecomastia must involve proper surgical training, appropriate wound healing practices, and alteration of habits. Remember to follow your surgeon’s instructions by keeping the surgical area clean, applying lotion, and avoiding UV lights. In that case, your chances of decreasing the size and improving the color of the scars are very high. Besides, there are professional scar treatments and nutrition to support your scar’s healing as well. For this reason, one can benefit from gynecomastia surgery while also getting the least amount of scars.