Gynecomastia is a condition of unwanted enlarged breasts in men; unfortunately, it can occur at any age. This condition can happen due to hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain drugs. Men with gynecomastia suffer from emotional discomfort and low self-confidence. In addition to that, some men avoid certain physical activities to hide their cases.
As a result, men do gynecomastia surgery, also called breast reduction surgery, which is a plastic surgery that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, using a combination of surgical techniques and liposuction. The surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours to sculpt a masculine contour to your breast.
What is the recovery time for gynecomastia?
Recovery can differ from one person to another. However, gynecomastia patients usually take about 1-2 weeks to recover from surgery. At this time, patients should avoid intense activities that could endanger the healing process, making them need more time to recover. Wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and bruising during this time; the doctor will prescribe some medications to reduce the pain. After the first week of surgery, you can return to light activities and wait until 6 months to see the final results.
Breast reduction recovery week by week
Although Breast reduction recovery can be different from one person to another, we can say that most patients follow this regular recovery timeline after doing a breast reduction surgery:
- During the first week after breast reduction surgery: You could experience some pain and discomfort in your breasts; however, it can be reduced with pain medication. In addition, some patients report feeling numbness in their chest for 3 days after breast reduction due to the procedure used for anesthesia. Therefore, you should do any activity in the first 2 or 3 days of surgery, wear a compression garment and stay in your bed. Swelling and bruising will decrease in the next few days, so will you be able to resume light physical activities.
- During the second week after breast reduction surgery: At this point, your surgeon would have removed the stitches and drains involved in the surgery. You will be able to return to work, but you should wear compression garments all the time. Sleeping on your back will feel more comfortable, although you still need to avoid sleeping on your stomach or side until the end of this week. Most of your pain will decrease so that you can perform normal daily activities.
- During the third week after breast reduction surgery: Most men will feel very normal again and will be able to continue their daily activities without any pain. It is ok to sleep on your sides or the stomach again. However, you need to keep wearing the compression garments during the day and avoid extreme exercises until you fully recover.
- During the fourth week after breast reduction surgery: Most can resume normal exercises at this point, although chest exercises need to be cleared by your surgeon. You no longer need to wear compression garments; you will be able to retake baths. In addition, Swelling and bruising in the chest will be gone, revealing the surgery’s final results.
Breast reduction recovery tips
Here are few tips that you can do after gynecomastia or breast reduction surgery:
- First, follow post-procedure guidelines provided by your doctor.
- Wear compression garments as much as possible. This is very important to speed up your healing process and give the best results.
- Attend all appointments required by your doctor.
- You can apply a cold compress to the chest to minimize any pain or swelling. However, you should not apply the cold pack directly to your skin.
- Get as much rest and sleep as possible, especially in the first week after surgery.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery.
- Eat light and healthy meals.
- Take supplements with vitamins and micronutrients to improve your healing.
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily.
- Take the first full week off from work or even longer if your job requires physical activity.
- Wear shirts that do not require you to raise your arms to put them on.
- You need a person to be with you over the first 24 hours after the surgery.
- Sleep on your back and prop yourself up with pillows. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Do not do any intensive physical activity until your surgeon clears you.
- Do not scratch the targeted area, although we know that itchiness sensations are very common at this time.
How painful is the breast reduction recovery process?
Gynecomastia or breast reduction surgery is less painful than many other surgeries. Patients may experience some discomfort and pain during the first three days after surgery; however, you can take medication to reduce this feeling. After the first week, most of the pain will be gone; you will be able to return to your daily activities in 7 to 10 days.
How to speed up healing after breast reduction?
If you want to speed up the healing process after breast reduction surgery, you must get a lot of rest and sleep, especially in the first week after surgery. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for at least two weeks before and after breast reduction surgery. In addition, eat healthy food and take supplements with vitamins and micronutrients to speed up the healing process.
References:
https://livplasticsurgery.com/gynecomastia-surgery-recovery-time-all-you-need-to-know/
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/recovery
