As a plastic surgeon and Gynecomastia specialist, Dr. Ronald Schuster has helped numerous men achieve a more masculine chest contour through Gynecomastia surgery. One of the most common concerns among his patients is the fear of regrowth of breast tissue after surgery. In this article, we will discuss the subject of regrowth after Gynecomastia surgery and explain how scar tissue and a healthy lifestyle can prevent it.
Gynecomastia is the development of excess breast tissue in men. It most frequently begins during puberty and the exact cause is unknown. Certainly there are many changes in hormone levels occurring at that time but most of the time hormone levels tested are normal. Other causes of gynecomastia include hormonal imbalances, tumors, certain medications, drug use such as anabolic steroids, or genetics. Enlarged male breasts are enlarged because of excess fat, breast tissue (the gland) or a combination of both. Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, removes the excess breast tissue and fat, creating a more masculine chest contour.
Many men fear that the breast tissue will regrow after Gynecomastia surgery, but this is more fear than reality. Breast tissue is a gland. Unlike fat, which responds to calories, glandular tissue does not change with weight gain or loss. This is why guys get so frustrated as they work out more. They become more lean as the fat melts away, but the gland becomes more noticeable as it is no longer hidden by the fat. When fat is removed, either with liposuction or directly cutting it out, the remaining fat can still grow thicker with weight gain. Once the excess breast tissue has been surgically removed, it cannot grow back or get bigger with weight gain. If all of the breast gland is removed it is not possible for any of it to “grow” or “enlarge’ since none is left. In reality however, even with the best surgical techniques there is always the very small chance that small specks of breast tissue could be left behind. It is theoretically possible that with continued hormone stimulation, as with the use of PEDs and prohormone supplements that these specks could get slightly larger. However it is a myth that the small specks can somehow grow into another full breast. Instead they can grow to the size of a pea for instance. These are usually not visible but might be felt deep under the skin. This is why it is always best to go to an experienced gyno surgeon who is able to remove as much breast tissue as possible.
Another factor that can contribute to the appearance of regrowth after Gynecomastia surgery is the presence of scar tissue. Scar tissue naturally forms after all surgeries used to correct gynecomastia. Within the first three months after surgery, scar tissue typically gets hard and lumpy and can feel like the previous breast tissue. This is part of the healing process and occurs in every patient to some degree. Massage and occasional steroid (Kenalog) injections can help to dissolve this scar tissue. Usually the scar tissue eventually matures and becomes thin and not lumpy. Some guys create more scar tissue than others so it is always important to follow up with your surgeon after surgery to get the best results.
In conclusion, the fear of regrowth after Gynecomastia surgery is more of a myth. Lumps that are felt early after surgery and for the next three months are mot likely to be scar tissue than any breast tissue left behind. Once the excess breast tissue has been surgically removed, it cannot grow back into a full breast. A small amount of glandular tissue may remain, but it will never fully regrow, especially if you follow a healthy lifestyle. If you experience the appearance of regrowth after surgery, it may be due to scar tissue, which can be treated with Kenalog injections. If you are considering Gynecomastia surgery, it is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ronald Schuster, who specializes in this procedure and can guide you through the process.
