Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, is considered the most effective surgical treatment to permanently get rid of gynecomastia with a straightforward surgical procedure involving a quick recovery period. Recovery from gynecomastia surgery should be smooth and straightforward as long as you follow your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions. Healing and recovery are optimised when you take it easy and avoid doing too much too soon in the first few weeks after surgery.
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Recovery from gynecomastia surgery
Hormonal fluctuations, certain side effects of medications and medical conditions linked with gynecomastia must be ruled out before offering surgery as the best solution for getting rid of gynecomastia. The length of the recovery period differs between men but lasts approximately six weeks.
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How long does it take to recover from gynecomastia surgery?
The average gynecomastia surgery recovery time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks depending on the extent of surgical correction. Common side effects after this type of surgery include bruising, swelling and temporary numbness, although these will have disappeared by four weeks after surgery. We would recommend taking between one and two weeks off work after surgery. People with more physically demanding occupations may require longer time off to ensure proper healing. Your surgeon can advise you on how long your recovery after gynecomastia surgery should take.
What can I expect to feel after gynecomastia surgery?
Immediately after the procedure, you will have sterile dressings applied to the incisions and will need to wear a compression garment over the chest. The garment will help to minimise bruising and swelling, and it should be worn for a minimum of four weeks. Your surgeon will advise you on the exact duration to wear the garment. Swelling and discomfort will begin to improve after the first week, and most patients have no requirement for prescription painkillers after a few days.
Will I have gynecomastia surgery scars?
All surgical procedures involve making an incision and will inevitably result in a scar. Our surgeons are experts at positioning incisions in the natural skin folds of the chest to make them as invisible as possible and improve the appearance of gynecomastia scarring over time.
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You will be given detailed instructions on how to look after your incision lines, and you should make sure to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, as this will help to minimise excessive scarring. You should avoid strenuous activity too soon after surgery as this could cause wound healing complications and increase scar visibility. gynecomastia scars are generally very well tolerated by patients due to their inconspicuous nature.
How long does gynecomastia surgery take?
Gynecomastia surgery takes between one and two hours, depending on the extent of surgical correction required and whether it is combined with other procedures such as liposuction. Your surgeon will be able to give you an accurate duration for your procedure once they have carried out a physical examination.
What are the best foods to eat after gynecomastia surgery?
We would recommend eating a balanced and nutritious diet consisting of plenty of lean protein, healthy fats, including nuts, seeds and avocados. Fruit and vegetables should also be consumed regularly. You may notice having a diminished appetite for the first few days after surgery. This is completely normal, and we would recommend having a soft diet consisting of soups, yoghurt and smoothies. You will generally transition to a more conventional solid-based diet after the first few days.
How to get the best gyno surgery recovery
Although there are no recognised ways to speed up gynecomastia surgery recovery, there are several sensible interventions you can take, such as following your surgeon’s instructions in full and avoiding excessive physical activity during the first few weeks after surgery.
What should I do if my chest is not flat after gyno surgery?
We would recommend waiting at least six months after gyno surgery to allow any residual swelling to disappear completely. This will allow any excess tissue left in the chest to become more visible and not be related to postoperative swelling, which occurs during the first six months. If you are still dissatisfied with the results of the surgery, schedule a consultation to see your surgeon. The appearance of the chest can also be improved after gynecomastia surgery by increasing levels of resistance training and increasing the amount of lean protein in your diet. This will help to get rid of excess fat and tone the chest for a more firm-looking appearance.
Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Although it may, in theory, be possible for gynecomastia to come back after surgery, this is very uncommon. In cases of recurrent gynecomastia after surgery, it is usually due to a persistent hormonal problem or because of an underlying medical condition which can cause gynecomastia. In some cases, gynecomastia can come back if men gain significant amounts of weight after the surgery with an unhealthy diet and lack of physical exercise.
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Schedule a gynecomastia consultation at Centre for Surgery
If you would like to know more about gynecomastia surgery recovery and how much does gynecomastia surgery cost, get in touch with us today at 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below. Your dedicated patient coordinator will be your personal point of contact throughout your journey with us at Centre for Surgery. We are recognised as the leading gynecomastia clinic in the UK, with expertise across the full range of gynecomastia surgery, including liposuction, gland removal and skin excision.
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