Do’s and Don’ts - Before and After Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia is a disorder that results in the expansion of male breast tissue. It is often a major cause of low self-esteem and embarrassment for men. Patients who complain of gynecomastia typically have lumps in their breasts, either with or without additional chest fat.
However, surgical removal of the excess glandular breast tissue through an incision in the periphery of the nipple-areolar area is one way to treat or get rid of this male breast condition. The number of males undergoing gynecomastia surgery has risen steadily over time.
So, if you are considering undergoing this surgical process, you must first learn about the things before and after gynecomastia surgery.
What should you do before and after gynecomastia surgery?
Before the surgery: Do’s and Don’ts
Once the operation is arranged, follow our doctor’s instructions for preparation. Take 2 days off from work, and arrange for a ride after that if you feel good to go.
Here is what you should and shouldn’t be doing to be well prepared to go through the process successfully:
- Need to do all required diagnostic exams and lab tests
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for at least a week before surgery.
- Limit your use of blood thinners, including pain relievers, inflammatory medicines, and supplements, to lower your risk of excessive blood loss.
- Make appropriate medication adjustments following a consultation with our gynecomastia surgery specialist.
After the surgery: Do’s and Don’ts
Our doctor offers detailed directions on how to care for the wound area, apply or take oral pain relievers, attend the next follow-up appointment, and speed up the healing process.
- Make sure you ask the doctor appropriate questions about treating the wound.
- Starting on the second day of recovery, do 15-minute strolls.
- Avoid scratching the area around the wound.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol while you are recovering.
- Apply cold compresses to the chest if the breasts are excessively painful.
- When you are recovering, dress comfortably in cotton. Find a front open top with buttons.
- Consider taking vitamins and mineral supplements.
- To help the body repair more rapidly, get enough sleep.
- To keep the body hydrated, drink plenty of water.
- On the first few days of recovery, doctors advise following a light but healthy diet.
What about gynecomastia surgery recovery?
Typically, it takes close to 4 to 6 weeks to finish the recuperation process. However, depending on the patient’s immunity and the tissue volume removed, the time frame may change. Here are some things to anticipate when you recover:
Day 1: Feeling sleepy on the first day of recuperation is typical. Additionally, after the effects of anaesthesia wear off, the agony begins.
Week 1: The patient shouldn’t be in discomfort or edema by the first week’s conclusion.
After 21 days: The compression garment is removed after 21 days. The sufferer can now feel normal, as well. The outcomes become quite apparent by this time.
What should you do to maintain the results of gynecomastia surgery?
The gynecomastia procedure produces results that are irreversible. However, a patient is more likely to experience gynecomastia again if they follow an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, to lower the chance of recurrence, our expert advises maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery.
Takeaway
Gynecomastia surgery is a simple yet complicated surgery. Hence, it is always advisable that you get it done under the supervision of a qualified plastic surgeon. Our cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ashish Ghuge is a highly specialized and experienced doctor. He offers personalized treatment to each of his patients, guiding them well through the do’s and dont’s before and after gynecomastia surgery.