Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) Series Part 2: What to Expect Before and After Surgery
What To Expect Before And After Male Breast Reduction Surgery:
After you have decided to undergo Gynecomastia surgery, communication is vital in reaching your goals. Dr. Michael Devlin will work closely with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and Dr. Devlin will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.
One to Two weeks Before Male Breast Reduction Surgery
- Schedule a Pre-op appointment with Dr. Michael Devlin - At this appointment you will sign your consent forms, receive your prescriptions and post operative care will be reviewed with you as well as risks and complications.
- If you are a smoker you will have been advised to stop smoking six weeks before your surgery. You will be nicotine tested one to two weeks before your surgery as well as the day of your surgery. (view our detailed smoking policy here)
- Avoid medications that can cause bleeding (aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, etc) for about 10 days before the surgery.
- Arrange for help or special care following surgery.
Day of Surgery
You will arrive at our surgery center one hour before your surgery. An IV will be started and Dr. Michael Devlin will talk to you before being taken back to the operating room. Typically Gynecomastia surgery takes 2-2.5 hours to complete. After completion you will spend 1-2 hours in the recovery room and then you will be discharged home. You will need someone to drive you home and help care for you the first night. Sleep with several pillows behind you to keep your head and chest elevated. You will have a compression vest over to help reduce swelling. You will also have two drains in place. Drain care will be reviewed with you at your pre-op appointment as well as with your care giver after surgery.
Day 1 After Male Breast Reduction
Do as little as possible around your house. Lift nothing over 5-10 pounds. Do not bend over to pick things up. You still may be groggy from the anesthesia and pain medication. You may have mild to moderate pain that is well controlled with the pain medications.
2-3 Days After Male Breast Reduction
You will slowly feel better with discomfort gradually improving. The breasts will be swollen and may have some areas of bruising. You may gradually increase your activity, but still no bending over and lifting over 10 pounds. You will return for a follow up appointment with Dr. Devlin during this time.
1 Week After Male Breast Reduction
Pain and swelling continue to improve. Most men will return to work during this time, doing light activities only, after the 1st week sexual activity may be resumed. Your drains will be removed during this period of time. You will continue to wear your compression garment for approximately 10 days to 2 weeks after surgery.
1 Month After Male Breast Reduction
You may resume all normal activity along with exercising. You will be asked to come back to the office for another follow-up visit about 6-7 weeks from the date of your surgery. During this period of time, soreness with diminish. Your chest area may become harder during this period. This is completely normal and will soften up over the next few weeks.
Gynecomastia surgery is not as difficult as you may think. The pain is limited to the first few days and is well controlled with pain medication. You may be unable to work out for the first few weeks but the benefits of the surgery far outweigh this inconvenience. The results are permanent and the increase in your confidence is priceless.
If you have questions regarding the recovery of male breast reduction surgery contact our office today.
501-227-8811
Check back soon for our third series in the blog Gynecomastia: Male Breast Reduction Five Facts You May Not Have Known
