Gynecomastia Surgery: How to Recover Quickly After Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, called male breast reduction, is a surgical procedure that removes enlarged breast tissue in males and helps to create a smooth and contoured chest and feel masculine. Any excess skin contracts on its own without the need for excision and unsightly scars. It can take several weeks to completely recover from gynecomastia surgery, depending on the technique used and the patient’s medical profile.
In this blog, Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, the Best Gynecomastia Surgeon in Gurgaon at SB Aesthetics, discusses gynecomastia surgery recovery. Read on for more insights.
The following four steps will help one recover quickly and effectively after the surgery:
- Take an Adequate Amount of Rest
After surgery, take it easy for a few weeks, as the body needs time to heal. One may feel tired due to the anesthesia, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medications used. Therefore, it is important to take plenty of rest to recover completely.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily
The recovery from gynecomastia surgery is greatly aided by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins. The body requires a nutritional diet, lots of water, fiber, vitamins, and minerals at this time to replenish the blood with the iron and protein needed for strength and stamina so that one can get back to an active lifestyle.
- Take Care of Incisions
One must wear a compression garment in the first four weeks of the procedure. The compression garment helps to control swelling, supports the surgical site, and reduces stress on the incisions. This helps to reduce the appearance of scars and unwanted stretch marks. The incisions will be cleaned after the surgery, and the dressing or bandages must be changed as advised by the plastic surgeon.
- Enjoy Moderate, Low-Impact Exercise
Moving the body is required for one’s physical and mental well-being and plays a crucial role in a quicker recovery. While one will need to avoid any strenuous physical activity, including lifting weights, playing tennis, or moving heavy items for six to seven weeks after the gynecomastia surgery, that does not imply refraining completely from exercises. One can start with a leisurely walk outside or on a treadmill. One should consult Dr. Shilpi Bhadani at SB Aesthetics, one of the Best Cosmetic Clinics in Gurgaon, before introducing upper body workouts and high-intensity exercises.
Precautions to Take for a Quick Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery
Once the patient is discharged, the doctors ensure that the patient recovers quickly and develops no infection. Therefore, they guide the patients on proper diet plans along with a set of instructions to follow, which are as below:
- Make sure to attend follow-up appointments.
- Take precautions as advised by the surgeon.
- The patient must wear a compression garment throughout the day to ensure that the results are promising.
- Control the urge to itch the wound.
- Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol throughout the recovery period.
- Apply cold compresses to the chest to reduce pain and swelling.
- Wear comfortable fabric clothing.
- Take supplements with vitamins and minerals only after proper consultation with the doctor.
- Take good sleep to allow the body to heal quickly.
- Hydration is an essential part of recovery. Hence, drink lots of water regularly.
- Stick to a light and healthy diet for a quick recovery.
Normal Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery does not involve a lot of tissue removal, as men do not have much breast tissue. That is why recovery is not a cause for worry. Here are a few symptoms one can expect when recovering from gynecomastia surgery.
- Fatigue: For the first few days of the surgery, all of the body’s energy will be focused on healing wounds. The patient will feel a lack of power to perform any activity.
- Pain: After the surgery, it’s normal to have some burning pain in the chest. It is tolerable and requires painkillers occasionally.
- Numbness: Some men report losing sensation in a patch of skin on their chest after gynecomastia surgery. This is a temporary feeling.
- Swelling and bruising: The armpit and chest areas will show some swelling. These typically persist for a few weeks until being fully resolved.
After gynecomastia surgery, it is essential to follow the surgeon’s instructions for a faster recovery. If one experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pains, one should seek medical attention immediately. Also, one must ensure that the incisions are not subject to swelling or abrasion at the healing time.
To learn more about gynecomastia surgery’s cost or its benefits, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, the Best Plastic Surgeon in Gurgaon at SB Aesthetics. Book an appointment today!
