Will I have to get skin removed? (Pics included)

[thatboiokay]

Hey gentlemen.

Last year I had a consultation with a doctor local to Dallas and they recommended that I have skin removed. It deterred me away from surgery as I didn't want a huge scar (and the double scar). However, since that visit I have seen other cases similar to mine performed by other surgeons where the traditional areola incision and lipo performed under the arm with beautiful results ( Dr Leibowitz is who I think did it) I assume that I have stage 3 gyno, that's highlighted from being over weight but I'm currently dieting and working out to come down in pounds. (6ft 275) I am 25 and I hear that younger cases have better luck with skin retraction. I would prefer to have the surgery the classic way and then opt for revision if the skin doesn't retract instead of doing it all in one sweep. Already that way I would have the opportunity to not have the huge scar.

My question is, do you think that this is possible, or is having basically a mammoplasty the only option?

I thank you in advance for your feedback.

[thatboiokay]

Anyone

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

In my opinion, you are way too big to qualify for minimal scar surgery.  You are also fairly overweight.  Suggest lose weight, if possible, to 200-220 lbs and then seek the advice of a gynecomastia specialist.  You will most likely need a double-incision type of mastectomy.  Yes, it will leave scars -- but they do fade in time.  Think of it as a much improved body contour in trade for a scar.

Good luck!

Dr Jacobs

[realveer]

I am not a medical professional but in my opinion that skin is way too much to retract in any amount of time. You have to be realistic in your expectations.
The skin has more elasticity in your age but it has stretched too much. I am 22 years old and yet I know that my skin won't go back to its perfect shape ever.
Physical scars are much better than the mental scars that gynecomastia comes with. 

[Geoff88]

I would agree with these reliable opinions.  Your best option would be skin removal.

In my case one side only had a little too much skin, my situation was also asymmetric with the right side being almost as bad as your left side but not quite.  I have a little skin loose post surgery as My surgeon opted for just removal plus lupo and it has only been 15 weeks.  I lost just over 20kg weight prior to surgery as well, so my weight now is normal - see your doctor for weight loss help so that you get there soon and not in 20 years time!

Given my results, I'm extremely happy with the outcome and may never have the extra skin removed (not sure, we will see after six months perhaps, I'm 46 years of age).  The main result is that my chest is otherwise flat and I'm extremely happy with the result.

You should remove the skin now as your case is much more extreme, and in a few years the scar is likely to be minimal and you won't be regretting it in ten or twenty years time.  You can manage scars with silicon creams etc.  It really is your best option.