Can You Shorten Your Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Time?
Every patient’s gynecomastia surgery recovery time will ultimately be different. As with any plastic surgery, recovery times depend on the specific scope of the surgery, the patient’s skin quality and own ability to recover, and how the patient follows their plastic surgeon’s instructions for healing.
So, to answer the question of whether the average recovery time for gynecomastia surgery recovery can be shortened, the answer is … it depends on the situation. What all patients can certainly do is optimize their recovery time from gynecomastia surgery and ensure the healing process is not necessarily prolonged.
Here are some tips for a smooth and gentle recovery process after gynecomastia surgery.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery
Follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend all follow up appointments.
Following gynecomastia surgery recovery, you will receive thorough aftercare instructions and be scheduled for several follow up appointments.
It is very important to diligently abide by these guidelines, and it is equally important to meet with your surgeon regularly so that they can check your progress and ensure no complications occur.
Wear your compression garment.
Your compression garment is designed to minimize swelling and keep things in place as you heal. Wear your garment as directed by your surgeon for optimal healing.
Invest in easy-on / easy-off, loose-fitting clothing.
During your recovery, wear loose fitting clothing that is easy to take off and put on. Shirts with buttons or zippers are better than over-the-head tops. This will be the case for several weeks.
Treat moderate pain with pain medications.
Most patients should only experience mild discomfort to slight pain for the first few days after surgery. If needed, your surgeon can prescribe medication for chest pains, though many patients do well with only over-the-counter pain remedies.
Eat well and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Be sure you are consuming a healthy diet during your recovery. You’ll need to avoid alcohol and smoking.
You may also consider staying away from excessively spicy foods and those high in sodium. Also avoid generally unhealthy foods such as those laden with sugar and fat as these may end up prolonging your recovery and leaving you feeling generally unwell.
Finally, be sure to monitor fluid intake during your recovery period. Drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids will actually help minimize swelling and flush out the excess fluid buildup in your body.
Keep your treatment area out of the sun.
Scars will be worse after surgery if they are exposed to sunlight. Not only can UV rays from the sun make scars hyper pigmented, but they can also prolong healing.
When going outside, always cover your treatment area with clothing as well as sunscreen. This is true on sunny days and cloudy days.
Contrary to popular belief, sunlight can penetrate the skin even if you are wearing clothes. Likewise, you can undergo sun damage even in overcast weather.
Talk to your surgeon about managing post surgery swelling with massage.
Massage can aid with swelling and general fluid buildup. It is also helpful at breaking up scar tissue so that your scars lay flatter and are more supple and flexible over time (matching the rest of your skin).
Massage can even mitigate pain during the weeks following surgery. Sometimes, excess swelling can cause discomfort.
You’ll need to start massage at the right time, however. Therefore, always consult with your surgeon before starting.
If you are not comfortable with self-massage using your hands, a massage roller devise can be used. Alternatively, professional lymphatic masseurs exist who can help you.
Promote healing with plenty of rest.
During the first few weeks of the recovery process, you must avoid strenuous exercise, including running, sports, and weight training. How much exercise you can do and when will be up to your surgeon, so be sure to follow recovery guidelines from your surgeon’s office closely.
FAQ: Gynecomastia Surgery
How long is recovery time for gynecomastia surgery that is liposuction only?
If you only require liposuction to correct gynecomastia, the typical recovery time for gynecomastia surgery is usually shorter than the recovery timeline for surgery involving gynecomastia treatment for glandular tissue and/or loose skin.
Most patients who do not have underlying medical health conditions will have a core recovery period of a few days to a few weeks if they only require liposuction.
What is the gynecomastia pinch test?
The gynecomastia pinch test tells plastic surgeons if a patient has only excess fat in their enlarged breasts or excess glandular tissue as well. If excess glandular tissue is present, a hard mass will be present, usually shaped like a small disc and located directly beneath the nipple(s).
The test simply involves the patient standing or sitting shirtless. The surgeon will use their thumb and fingers to palpate the breast area, feeling for the excess tissue.
Will I have a gynecomastia scar?
Yes, gynecomastia surgery requires incisions, so gynecomastia scars will occur. When excess skin and/or glandular tissue must be removed, scar tissue will be more significant because the incisions required will be larger.
Liposuction only requires very small incisions that should become almost imperceptible over time. No matter the size of your scars, with proper care during your gynecomastia recovery, they should flatten and fade as the months and years progress.
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?
As is the case with most plastic surgeries, there is no “typical procedure cost” for gynecomastia surgery. This is simply because all procedures are different, and all surgeons charge different amounts. The scope, length, and overall extent of surgery will all influence your final cost.
To know for sure how much you should expect to pay for gynecomastia surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. David Sieber.
Request a Consultation With Dr. Sieber
If you think male breast reduction surgery could improve your chest contours and restore your confidence by helping you achieve a more masculine appearance, please contact our office today to set up a consultation.
Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber performs a range of cosmetic surgery procedures, including gynecomastia surgery, for his patients in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Let us get rid of the excess breast tissue, skin, and fat that is causing you frustration and discomfort. Contact us today to set up your consultation.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-men-need-to-know-before-having-gynecomastia-surgery
