Advice from doctors would be much appreciated

[flatterchest]

I had gynecomastia surgery (lipo + gland excision) over a week ago. Recovery seems to be going well; however, soon after the surgery a hard mound has formed on the left side. I am hoping it is scar tissue and will break down over time. However, it feels so hard - almost like the muscle wall of the pec - but it is protruding. The skin around it is all bruised. I was just wondering if this is common? And what this is most likely to be? The right side is perfectly calm and healing so well. A year before this surgery, I had undergone simple lipo, which had reduced my gyne but not given me a flat chest. Could this earlier procedure have caused this weird, hard mound (the size of the hardened mound is about 1/4 of a fist)?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

This could be a localized hematoma (collection of blood).  Since your surgery was so recent, it would be wise to return to your surgeon to seek his opinion and possible treatment.

Dr Jacobs

[flatterchest]

Thank you Dr Jacobs for taking the time to get back to me. I was wondering if I should wait to see if the mound subsides, but from what you've said, it would be better for me to contact the surgeon just to be on the safe side.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Yes, would def check with your surgeon about this.

Dr Jacobs

[DrPensler]

It sounds like a localized small hematoma.Typically these can be aspirated with a needle simply after 10 to 14 days. I agree with Dr.Jacobs you should contact your surgeon.If these are very small they may be left alone and will resolve with time.

[flatterchest]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my query. I took your advice and contacted my surgeon, who examined me and confirmed that it was a small hematoma. It was too hard to be aspirated at the moment so hopefully it will subside with time. I just hope that it doesn't affect the end result!

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Just FYI.  A hematoma is initially solid clot.  It takes about 10-14 days for that clot to become liquified -- at which time a doctor can try to remove some of the liquid blood with a syringe.

If the hematoma is small, it should resolve by itself.  If it is larger, then removing some of the blood would be beneficial.

This is a call made by your surgeon.

Dr Jacobs