Gynecomastia All FAQ

Gynecomastia is a medical condition that has psychological effects along with physical implications. In case this condition is hampering your mental health, undergoing surgery is one of the effective options to consider. The researchers of “The Satisfaction Rate among Patients and Surgeons after Periareolar Surgical Approach to Gynecomastia along with Liposuction” concluded that patients were extremely satisfied with the results of the gynecomastia surgery.

Yes. The results of gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting and in some cases, permanent, in nature. If patients commit to following a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a proper diet along with a proper workout regime, the results of the gynecomastia tend to remain so. In case the patient falls back into using certain drugs or taking alcohol in excessive amounts, there is a possibility of gynecomastia relapsing.

Generally, the patients fully recover within a period of 4-6 weeks of the gynecomastia surgery. The actual duration of recovery after gynecomastia surgery can vary depending on the patient’s physique and the extent of the tissue removed from the chest. In the initial 2 weeks of the surgery, the patient should not perform any strenous activity or lift any heavyweights.

Generally, the patient can start working out within 2 weeks of the procedure unless the doctor suggests otherwise. Once the swelling has subsided and the wounds are not so sore anymore, then the patient can start with their workout. In order to shape up the chest after gynecomastia surgery, you can start with some cardio exercises such as walking, running, jogging, etc. Followed by this, you can start chest-targeting exercises such as push-ups, sprints, bench presses, dumbbell pullovers, etc. You need to aim for 3 sets of each exercise, each of 10 rounds.

Usually, surgeons ask patients to avoid drinking alcohol completely during the entire time when they are taking pain medicines. However, surgeons give their approval to consume alcohol after 2 weeks of the recovery. The combination of taking pain medications along with alcohol can prove to be dangerous during the recovery and result in severe complications. Moreover, as consumption of alcohol is one of the risk factors for gynecomastia, the patient should think of quitting completely.

Surgeons recommend not driving for the entire period when the patient is taking antibiotics and pain medications. The effects of these drugs can hamper the ability to drive. For the first 24 hours of the recovery, the patient should not drive in any way. The initial week of the recovery is crucial after any surgery and thus, strenous activity such as driving should be prohibited.

Surgeons recommend that patients after the procedure should wear the compression garment for the first three weeks of the surgery. The surgeons can ask otherwise depending on the volume of tissue is removed. The vest helps in reducing the swelling and offers support for the treated area.

The final results of the gynecomastia surgery are evident within 3-6 months of the surgery. Once the surgery is completed, the patient recovers within 4-6 weeks. By this time, the swelling subsides but the chest may not be toned. Therefore, the patient has to go for rigorous exercise for another three months to notice the final results.

After the gynecomastia surgery, the patient is able to live with more self-confidence and self-esteem. The patient’s psychological condition improves as they have a more positive outlook towards life. Gradually, the patient resumes their daily routine within 24-48 hours of the surgery. Within 4-6 weeks of the recovery, the patient can start focussing on cardio exercises followed by exercises that tone the chest.

As recovery is crucial after any procedure, surgeons recommend the following do’s and don’ts to follow after the surgery- ||Do’s- Wear compression garments, take brisk walks on the second day of the recovery, drink lots of fluids, perform daily activities, listen to the body. ||Don’ts- Drink alcohol, drive for the first 24 hours of recovery, perform any strenuous activities or lift any heavyweights, go directly under the sun without any protection.

Generally, the swelling lasts for four to six weeks after the gynecomastia surgery. This duration can vary depending on the patient’s physique and extent of tissue removed. Once the swelling subsides, the patient can see results.

After gynecomastia surgery, patients should sleep on their back. During the entire recovery period, patients should sleep on their back at a 45 degree situation by propping some pillows under the head.

Surgeons ask patients to take complete rest for the first 24 hours after gynecomastia surgery. This is crucial as the effects of anesthesia doesn’t wear off completely. After the initial day of recovery, it is important to listen to the body and react accordingly. If you are getting tired too easily, then it is advisable to take proper rest.

Similar to any other procedure, there can be some common side effects that can occur after gynecomastia surgery. Here are a couple of them- Bruising, bleeding, collections of fluids, loss of sensation in the nipple area, scarring, asymmetrical breasts, irregularities of contour, nipples get inverted, etc. ||All these complications can be easily managed with prescribed aftercare tips as well as medications.

No. Gynecomastia and infertility are not related in any aspect. There is no connection between swelling of male breasts and the infertility of males. However, the risk factor for both the conditions are the same- lower testosterone levels in the male bodies. As there is a lesser production of testosterone with age, older men are prone to developing gynecomastia and suffering from male fertility.

Some of the common complications that are associated with gynecomastia surgery are- ||Bruising, contour irregularities, visible scarring, hematoma or seroma formation, visible scarring, asymmetrical breasts, loss of nipple skin, inverted nipples, deep vein thrombosis, infection, inability to heal wounds, persistent pain, etc. ||There is nothing to worry about these complications as these are easily cured with prescribed medicines and aftercare tips.

Increased sensitivity or temporary numbness after gynecomastia surgery is one of the common side effects that can occur. A lot of patients have reported regarding increased sensitivity after the procedure that have subsided ultimately over time. In case the problem persists and worsens with time, surgeons prescribe appropriate creams and medicines to control the same.

One of the common problems that people complain of after gynecomastia surgery is having an uneven chest. The uneven chest develops due to swelling of the wounds caused due to the removal of the tissue and fat permanently. It takes time for the chest to go back to its usual texture and uniformity. This is a temporary condition that subsides with time. The swelling reduces faster if the patient has taken proper preparatory steps.

Yes. Generally, formation of scar tissue after gynecomastia surgery is one of the most common complications that is reported by gynecomastia patients. The scar tissue usually forms after 4-12 weeks of the procedure. Hence, surgeons suggest wearing the compression garment for at least 3 weeks of the procedure. Sometimes, surgeons prescribe massaging the chest so that there is no fluid accumulation. In this way, the swelling is controlled as well as the formation of scar tissue is reduced.

Yes. As with any other procedure, wound infection is also one of the common side effects that can occur after gynecomastia surgery. The chances of infections are relatively high after 10 days to 4 weeks of the surgery. In case the patient follows every possible precautionary measure, the chances of infections are reduced to minimal.

Yes. Every experienced surgeon explains that visible scarring is one of the most common complications that can occur male breast reducting surgery. The scars are likely to develop around the nipples where the incisions are being made. With time, these blend with the skin. If the scars darken over time, then the surgeon prescibes creams that can lighten them and treating them completely.