What Is Recovery Like After Gynecomastia Surgery?

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Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, can be a life-changing procedure for men unhappy with the appearance of their chest. As with any cosmetic surgery, it is essential to consider the recovery process. In this piece, we will explain what the recovery process entails for gynecomastia surgery. 

What to expect during your gynecomastia recovery

Getting your stitches wet after Gynecomastia surgery is fine, meaning you can wash and bathe right after. However, keep incisions and scars clean to avoid infection. Thorough aftercare instructions will be given, and you can ask your surgeon questions before the surgery.

It is normal to feel some discomfort after male breast reduction. This is due to swelling and soreness, which typically subside after a few days. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to help with this.

Following your male breast reduction procedure, you need to rest for a maximum of 7 days (depending on how invasive the surgery was) before going back to work. However, if your work requires heavy lifting or rigorous physical activity, you may need more time away to ensure you’re fully recovered. 

You would typically need to avoid strenuous exercise like weight training for 6 weeks. However, light exercise may still be possible. We recommend low-impact cardio such as walking, using a stationary bike, or any exercise that focuses on the lower body.

Surgeons at Centre for Surgery do not recommend driving for up to 72 hours after your gynecomastia surgery. This is because anaesthesia may still be in your body and can affect your focus. Remember to arrange for transport to take you home after the cosmetic surgery. You should have a responsible adult escort with you for the first 24 hours. 

RELATED: How to get rid of Gynecomastia without surgery?

It is in the first few days that you may experience the most post-surgery swelling and soreness. Your surgeon may prescribe painkiller medication to help with any discomfort that may be felt. Results can be seen right after the gynecomastia surgery, but they may be obscured by swelling. 

RELATED: How to Get Rid of Puffy Nipples in Men

You will be given a compression garment to wear to keep the area secure and help the body heal. You should also sleep on your back during this period. Prop yourself up on pillows to make getting up the following morning easier.

During the first week, you should now feel more comfortable, and the swelling will have reduced noticeably. Wear your compression garment and avoid exercises that target your chest muscles. However, you can resume most of your daily activities and engage in light, low-impact workouts that focus on your lower body. After the first two weeks, you will feel well enough to do most of your daily tasks. You should still avoid vigorous exercise, though. If you get the go-ahead from your surgeon, you can now sleep on your side.

By week 6, you should have recovered fully. You will now be able to resume any forms of exercise you enjoy. Additionally, you will no longer need to wear your compression garment, and you will likely notice that your scars have faded considerably.

RELATED: Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs – Q&A about Male Breast Reduction

Top tips for Gynecomastia surgery recovery

Massaging scar tissue around the breasts is an effective way to ensure the skin settles evenly. Post-operative massages should only be performed after four weeks or when the scars have significantly healed. It is best to do so when the tissue is still soft, using your hands and a roller device with care.

You can also book a lymphatic drainage massage, which helps drain built-up fluid from the body. This is particularly important after surgery, as swelling on the body may be exacerbated by a buildup in the lymphatic system.

Make sure you maintain good posture after your surgery. Sitting up straight keeps the skin on your chest tight, decreasing the appearance of loose skin on your newly formed chest and reducing the appearance of scars.

Compression vests are effective for keeping treated areas secure after surgery. The benefits of compression vests include:

The compression vest enhances the contouring effects of gynecomastia surgery. One of our preoperative nurses will measure you up for the compression garment before your procedure.

Be sure to regulate your fluid intake after surgery to prevent the formation of seromas (build-ups of liquid under the skin). Seromas are typically harmless and will either resolve on their own or be treated with needle aspiration; either way, they can be irritating.

Seromas can become noticeable up to three weeks after surgery. Because of this, it is essential to monitor your fluid intake before you notice seromas. Aim to drink a maximum of 2 litres of fluid a day to lower the risk of seromas developing.

When we sleep, our body produces protective white blood cells, which:

Without sufficient rest, you can slow your healing process and potentially cause yourself injury. For optimal results, take it easy and follow the recovery guidelines.

What to expect from gynecomastia surgery

Your surgeon will assess your surgical and aspirational needs. At this point, you will be told if you need liposuction and gland removal and how the surgery will be carried out. During this consultation, you are welcome to ask any questions you may have.

Remember that cosmetic surgery is individualised and is based on your needs. Male breast reduction surgery can involve different techniques and a combination of surgeries. This will be made clear during your consultation. The most common gynecomastia techniques include liposuction, gland excision and skin reduction.

A typical procedure will mean the patient is placed under general anaesthesia. Once you have been anaesthetised, an incision is made around the nipples. This is known as a Webster’s incision. Glandular tissue and excess skin will be precisely removed, and the skin will be closed with dissolvable stitches. After the surgery, it is expected to experience mild discomfort, bruising and swelling, but don’t worry – this will generally go away after a few days. Any discomfort can be easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol. Full recovery after the procedure takes around 6 weeks. During this time, avoid strenuous activity to promote healing and recovery. Your surgeon will review you at six weeks to assess the results of your gynaecomastia.

Am I suitable for gynecomastia surgery?

If you have "man boobs" that aren’t going away, no matter how much exercise you do, you could have gynecomastia – this can be effectively resolved with a straightforward surgical procedure. To be eligible for a gynecomastia procedure, you must have no underlying medical conditions. You also need a BMI (Body Mass Index) below 30. Being overweight or obese increases the risks of anaesthesia and surgery

RELATED: Does Exercise Prevent Gynecomastia?

Surgeons at Centre for Surgery recommend waiting until you are at least 18 years of age. This is in case the appearance of overdeveloped breasts is the result of puberty, which will resolve itself. A consultation can confirm whether this is indeed the case.

At Centre for Surgery, we understand the sensitivity and discomfort associated with Gynecomastia, commonly known as ‘man boobs’. Our state-of-the-art clinic in London is renowned for providing superior male breast reduction procedures, offering patients a path to increased confidence and comfort in their own skin.

We believe that financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your journey to self-improvement. That’s why we offer 0% APR financing through Chrysalis Finance, making your treatment more accessible and stress-free.

For more insights into plastic surgery and Gynecomastia, visit our plastic surgery blog.

Have questions? Our comprehensive FAQs provide detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and more.

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