Gynecomastia Surgery: What Happens Afterwards?
After Gynecomastia Surgery
So many patients ask what happens after a male breast reduction procedure, I prepared a handout listing virtually all the questions that are most frequently asked. (FAQs.)
(I also have a handout instructing patients what to do before surgery.)
After any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, the main concerns are:
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Fluid collections
The chest is usually – temporarily – swollen and slightly bruised at the surgery site. So you won’t be able to see the results of the surgery right away.
You may also be aware of some numbness, tingling, itching or mild burning that goes away after a few weeks.
Usually, I tell patients their chests will feel like they’ve done a very heavy chest workout like 300 push-ups.
A tight fitting compression vest is vital to stop fluid or pools of blood building up under the skin. Rarely, you may have some surgical drains under the vest.
And here’s where you have to be your own plastic surgeon and make yourself do what’s in your own best interest: wear the compression vest 24 hours daily, seven days a week except for showering.
And we’re talking three to four weeks after surgery. Not to worry; a compression vest fits nicely under your street clothes.
Here are some rare, but possible, post surgery symptoms for which you should get back to me or my staff immediately:
- Severe discharge, redness, tenderness or pain at the surgical site
- One side much more swollen
- Muscle aches beyond soreness
- Nausea
- An overall ill feeling with fever
Most guys are able to go back to sitting activities like desk work in two to three days.
More hardy exercise or sports can usually be resumed after about three to four weeks. But you’ll have to wait three to six months to see the full results of surgery on your chest.
Another rare, possible but totally unpredictable side effect is scar development on the chest or directly under the nipple any time after surgery. I’ll treat those at no extra charge for up to a year after your surgery.
Looking at the long term, the bulging, female-like breast tissue that was causing you so much embarrassment will not return. However, if you gain a lot of weight, some fat will appear on your chest.
But look on the bright side: if you protect your surgical investment, consume a sensible low-fat diet and continue with a reasonable exercise plan, you will only enhance the results of gynecomastia surgery!