Gynecomastia Risks

The procedures designed to treat gynecomastia are both safe and reliable. Complications, even minor, are very uncommon.

This is worth repeating...

Gynecomastia surgery both safe and reliable.
Complications, even minor, are very uncommon.

Every procedure has its risks however and so do the procedures for gynecomastia. As our consultation draws to a close in my office, I will review all pertinent risks to ensure you are well informed before proceeding.

So what issues might you encounter following gynecomastia surgery? Montreal male breast reduction

Bleeding
It is possible, though very unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it is usually noticed in the recovery room or sometime during the first day home. If it is large or uncomfortable, a return to the operating room may be required to drain the accumulated blood (hematoma).

Infection
Infection is also very unusual. When it appears, it is usually in the immediate post operative period. You may notice some redness and tenderness near your incision and surrounding breast. If this occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Change in Nipple and Skin Sensation
Some change in nipple sensation is not unusual right after surgery. After several months, most patients have normal sensation. Partial or permanent loss of nipple and skin sensation may occur occasionally.

Skin Scarring
The scaring from liposuction are generally inconsequential and it is rare than the scar around the areola is problematic. In rare cases, abnormal scars may result. Scars may be of different colour than surrounding skin and unattractive. A revision of your scars may be required and is usually performed under local anesthesia.

Contour Deformity
Visible irregularities of the breast and chest skin may occur following the surgery and liposuction. A secondary liposuction procedure may be required to taper the periphery and improve the irregularity.

Residual Skin
Folding of the skin and the nipple-areola can occur following large reductions if the skin envelope does not shrink and conform as expected. Usually this resolves over the following year postoperatively. Should the problem not resolve, a minor touch-up procedure under local anesthesia maybe required.

Asymmetry
Almost all patients have some asymmetry between their breasts preoperatively and thus minor degrees of postoperative asymmetry are common. Differences are sometimes related to differences in the form of the chest wall itself - the ribs and underlying muscles. An obvious postoperative subcutaneous tissue asymmetry can usually be improved with selected liposuctioning and/or resection of residual glandular tissue.

Inadequate Resection
By 4 to 6 months postoperatively, the "near final" result is assessed. Occasionally some residual tissue remains. If present and noticeable, this may require correction under local anesthesia.

Pigmentation Changes
Mild hyperpigmentation of the breast skin following liposuction may occur. This is a normal process of wound healing. It is considered rare to persist past 6 months and extremely rare after 1 year. It can be permanent in some very rare cases.

Allergic Reactions
In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may result from drugs used during surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Breast Disease
Current medical information does not demonstrate an increased risk of breast disease or breast cancer following surgery for gynecomastia.

Long Term Results
Subsequent alterations in breast shape may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, or other circumstances not related to the gynecomastia surgery. Having the surgery to correct gynecomastia does not mean your breasts will not change with time. While it is uncommon that long term adjusts are required, you may at sometime in your future require a revision.

Unsatisfactory Result
You may be disappointed with the results of surgery because of asymmetry, contour irregularities or perhaps residual breast tissue. Pain may occur following surgery. It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results.

Additional Surgery Necessary
Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary.

Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks I have just listed above are particularly associated with gynecomastia surgery. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied on the results that may be obtained from having gynecomastia surgery.

If you have other questions regarding the risks associated with gynecomastia please contact our office to set up a consultation.