What’s The Recovery Like After Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
It is every man’s desire to have an alluring masculine chest. However, when it appears enlarged and feminine, it not only affects your appearance but can also be a bigger blow to your self-esteem and confidence. It is for this reason that Gynaecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, has become the most sought-after option for men for a firmer and contoured chest appearance.
If you are someone who has just undergone Gynaecomastia surgery, you may be wondering, when you will be able to show off your new masculine chest with pride and confidence! However, it is crucial to understand, that your recovery period is as important as your surgery, to achieve the desired cosmetic results. After the surgery, you may face few challenges that needs to be addressed with utmost care and guidance.
From following your post-operative instructions to taking care of yourself post-surgery, continue to read our blog for tips on recovering from gynaecomastia surgery.
Simple tips for a successful Recovery from Gynaecomastia Surgery:
Although the recovery timeline is different for each individual, there are some key recovery tips, you can follow for a overall successful outcome. Here are the guidelines to be followed post-surgery for a safe and successful recovery. So, let us take a closer look!
Wear your compression vest: Post surgery, you need to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks in order to minimize discomfort and swelling. Using a compression vest will help the chest tissue bind properly, reduce swelling and also allow the skin around the chest area to contract and fit comfortably. You should however, make sure that the garment is not too tight, as this may inhibit proper blood circulation.
Rest Well: In the aftermath of gynecomastia surgery, you are likely to feel tired for a few days following your surgery. It is extremely important to ensure that you get plenty of rest and sleep well, so that you can recover quickly and efficiently. It is therefore important to take it easy and relax during your recovery period.
Make healthy choices: Keeping a healthy diet is essential, if you want to recover quickly. Consume a diet full of fruits, vegetables and protein to ensure that you are getting the right nutrients your body needs. Moreover, you should also avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages to ensure a speedy recovery.
Incision care: Be sure to keep your incisions clean and dry. For the first 24 hours following your gynecomastia surgery, you should not take a shower as your chest will be bandaged and you would not want it to get wet. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, following your surgery. Just follow those instructions carefully to prevent any infection and promote healing.
Keep yourself active: Even though you might feel tired post your surgery, it is important to stay active and move around a bit. Exercises such as walking are great to start with. However, as you feel better, gradually increase your activity level. However, please ensure not to overdo it: listen to your body and take things slowly at first.
Put on loose-fitting attire: Comfort is the key factor as you recover. Do not choose fabrics that will chafe your skin. You will feel more comfortable in soft fabrics, when you have a compression garment under your clothes. It is also preferable to wear shirts that do not require you to raise your arms in order to put them on.
Rest in a reclined position: It is best to elevate your head and torso as much as possible. Depending on your comfort level, you can sleep in a recliner in an inclined position. Also, you can prop yourself up in bed with a foam wedge or extra pillows. In this way, swelling can be reduced and complications may be avoided.
Activity & Exercise: We advise you to avoid driving for the first 1-2 weeks following your surgery. Also, abstain from heavy lifting, stretching or high-intensity exercises for at least 6-8 weeks following surgery. You should wait for at least 10 weeks, before beginning any strenuous activities such as tennis, golf, swimming or other vigorous exercises.
Finally, please do not forget to follow up with your surgeon for any post-operative appointments. By following these guidelines, you will be on your way to achieve your new attractive chest in no time!
When to call for help?
In case of a medical emergency, the following symptoms should be observed. Call 999 if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden chest pain
- Sudden bleeding
- Spike in body temperature
- Signs of DVT such as calf pain and swelling
Recovering from surgery can be a long and emotional process. We hope that these tips will help you to make the most of your recovery. If you have any concerns or questions about your gynaecomastia recovery, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Deemesh Oudit. Give us a call on 0161 989 1234 for further information.