Can the gynecomastia gland grow back if it’s not 100% removed?
From my experience performing and data of over 600 gynecomastia surgeries a year, less than 5% of patients need a secondary gland reduction for regrowth or uneven remnant thickness - and around 20% come back for small touch-ups or fine-tuning liposuction contouring, not revisions (a wrong terminology). That’s a pretty low number and suggests that leaving a thin layer when done carefully usually gives long-term stability.
In most cases, unless the areola skin is bulky or large (>3.5 cm), I remove almost all of the gland and leave behind about 3 mm of tissue to support the areola and keep the surface smooth.
That said, some patients specifically request total (100%) excision, and when the conditions are right - such as a small areola, well-developed pectoral muscles, and good tissue for a subcutaneous flap - this can be considered safely. It’s all about balancing contour, support, and individual anatomy rather than following a strict “always 100%” rule.
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