Gynecomastia surgery can be a life-changing procedure for men suffering the embarrassment of “man boobs.” The procedure removes glandular tissue, fat, and excess skin if necessary to create a more masculine chest contour. If you are considering this procedure, you may have questions about the recovery process.
This blog outlines the gynecomastia surgery recovery process, including tips to make it as smooth and comfortable as possible.
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How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Take?
Recovery time after gynecomastia surgery depends on the extent of correction necessary. However, Dr. Lo’s expertise in gynecomastia techniques and proprietary multi-step plan results in a shorter, more comfortable recovery for most patients. You will likely be able return to work and activities within one week and resume chest workouts after two weeks.
Immediately After Your Male Breast Surgery
You will be able to go home the same day as your gynecomastia surgery. Since you will have anesthesia for your procedure, you will need someone to drive you home or take an approved car service. Your chest may be mildly swollen and tender for the first few days around the incision sites. Many of Dr. Lo’s patients do not take any pain medication afterward, but Dr. Lo recommends acetaminophen or over the counter anti-inflammatory medications for patients if needed.
Initial Recovery to Complete Healing: A Timeline
Patients see the results of their surgery right away and it is very exciting as the chest appears flat and contoured with minimal swelling. By the end of that first week, most patients have returned to work and other activities without discomfort or the need for pain medication. Driving is allowed 2-3 days after surgery. Dr. Lo’s innovative techniques also allow patients to resume abdominal and lower body workouts as soon as they feel ready. Chest workouts can resume after two weeks, and Dr. Lo encourages his patients to focus on chest exercises to improve the results. A compression vest is worn for about 1 month to minimize chest swelling and to support your chest.
At the end of the first month, any mild swelling will be gone, and the contour and shape of your chest should be appearing and be complete by 6 months to 1 year. Most of Dr. Lo’s gynecomastia surgeries involve small incisions around the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) and in the armpit which will appear with mild redness early in the healing process and fade with time to be almost invisible. For patients who undergo more extensive male breast reduction surgery, a longer incision underneath the chest will require additional healing time up to 1 year or more. By the end of the first year, these incisions will continue to flatten out and fade with time.
Dr. Lo’s gynecomastia surgery before-and-after photos demonstrate his ability to achieve natural results with minimal visible scarring after recovery.
Factors Impacting Your Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Process
There are some steps you should take (and some you shouldn’t) to ensure a healthy and comfortable recovery process:
- DO follow all postoperative instructions carefully
- DON’T smoke for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your surgery
- DON’T resume strenuous activity too soon
- DO stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- DON’T drink alcohol in excess during your recovery
- DO eat a healthy diet to ensure your body gets sufficient nutrition
- DON’T expose your incisions to UV rays as they are healing
- DO begin chest workouts after your recovery to enhance your results
- DON’T hesitate to call our office with any questions or concerns
Have More Questions About Gynecomastia Surgery in Philadelphia and New Jersey?
Gynecomastia surgery helps men feel more comfortable with their bodies by creating the masculine chest contour they desire. Dr. Adrian Lo specializes in gynecomastia surgical techniques, delivering natural results while improving his patients’ recovery experience. To learn more about your gynecomastia surgery options in Philadelphia and New Jersey, call our office at (215) 829-6900 or complete our online contact form.