7 years after surgery...

[pheeyok]

I'm a 31 year old male that has suffered from gynecomastia.  I had two surgeris with the first one roughly seven years ago.  I seemed to have a crater defect, the doctor told me to work out and build the muscle.  I had previously been working out like crazy, hoping the it would cure my issue.  I had a second lipo done to my chest, with the same outcome.  While I now feel more comfortable wearing shirts, I feel even more self-concious of my crater deformity.  I don't take my shirt off in public due to double the embarassment of: 1)Explaining I had manboobs 2)Explaining I had man boobs and now I have a cratered chest.

I had the sugery around the age of 24-25, and I was bench pressing 270lbs (not max).  Obviously I was doing something right as I continued to get stronger, but I could still never get rid of the crater deformity.

After years of depression, and slacking off at the gym, I've gained weight, but my chest looks no different than before.

I've avoided beaches, pools, and any summer activities for over 15 years.  What options can I turn to just to feel like I have a normal looking chest?  I'd rather ask people dealing with this problem because the one doctor told me that I looked fine and that I needed to workout more.

Thanks...

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Once a crater deformity is present, no amount of exercise will improve it -- it needs revision surgery.

Would suggest you consult with an expert who specializes in gyne surgery (there are several around the country) for an evaluation as to what could be done with your situation.  Sometimes major improvement can be obtain -- and unfortunately, sometimes there is nothing more that can be done -- but it is worth a shot.

I have a mantra which I always talk about with my staff:  if it doesn't look good on the operating table at the end of surgery, it will not magically improve during the healing phase. 

In essence, as advice to those contemplating gyne surgery:  choose your surgeon carefully -- the best chance for a terrific result is your first operation.

Dr Jacobs