Gynecomastia Recovery

What to Expect During Gynecomastia Recovery?

The first few days after gynecomastia surgery are mildly painful. Discomfort and tenderness at the surgical site lasts for about a week. It is forbidden to bend over and lie face down during this period.

You should avoid any kind of movement that will force your breasts and damage your stitches. For example, avoid lifting or carrying anything heavy, and stretching your arms above your head is a must during the healing process. Most likely, you will be able to return to work in about two weeks.

Keep in mind that you may not see the final results of the surgery before three to six months. It takes time for your breast tissue to heal and the swelling to go down.

The results are permanent, but you are expected to be patient. It is not right to enter the surgery with unrealistic expectations and expect perfect results right after the surgery.
 

What is the Gynecomastia Surgery Timeline?

2-3 Days Following Surgery

You may experience pain, tightness, or tenderness in your chest right away following your surgery. Your surgeon will manage your pain through painkillers and other medication.

You may experience numbness for a few days if a long acting local anesthetic is used. Your chest area will appear swollen for a while. You will be recommended to wear a compression garment in order to minimize swelling and discomfort you feel.

Compression garments also help the area to heal. You should avoid taking a shower for 24 hours. It is advised to sleep on your back in an elevated position at a 45-degree position for the first days.

1 Week Following Surgery

At the one-week mark most patients are able to return to work and perform light physical activities. However strenuous movements should be avoided still.

If your procedure involved stiches and drains, you need to visit your surgeon to have them removed. If your procedure required a drain then it may be removed. You should continue wearing your compression garments throughout the day.

2 Weeks Following Surgery

After 2 weeks, most men begin to perform many normal daily activities without any pain. At the end of the second week, you can start to sleep on the sides or the stomach.

3-4 Weeks Following Surgery

After 3-4 weeks following surgery you can start doing light exercises. You don’t need to wear compression garments no longer need to be worn and you will be able to take baths. Swelling and bruising of your chest is almost gone and the final results are revealing.

6 Weeks Following Surgery

The 6-week point finally marks the completion of the recovery process. You can start exercising including strenuous movements involving your chest. You can also sleep in any position you want.
 

What Are the Tips to Speed Up Gynecomastia Recovery?

• The most important thing you need to do to speed up your recovery process after gynecomastia surgery is to follow the post-procedure instructions given by your surgeon. In this way, you can recover quickly and get through this process comfortably.

• Wear a compression garment. This is of paramount importance to properly rehabilitate the area.

• Cold compress can be applied to the chest to reduce pain and swelling. However, you should apply ice with a towel or cloth. If you touch the ice directly to your chest, you can burn and irritate the surgical site.

• Get plenty of rest and sleep in the first week after surgery.

• Avoid alcohol and cigarette consumption for two weeks before and after the surgery.

• Eat light and healthy diet. You can take vitamin supplements.

• Wear loose clothing.

• Keep the surgical scar constantly sterile and clean. Even if your scar itches, never touch it. Thus, you take precautions against the risk of infection.

What Are the Complications Can be Occurred After Gynecomastia?

As we explained above, gynecomastia surgery is safe and most patients recover uneventfully. However, as with any surgery, some complications may occur.

The most common complications include bruising, bleeding, contour irregularities, loss of nipple skin, visible scarring, nipple numbness, loose breast skin, and asymmetries. However, such complications are not common when you choose a good surgeon.