An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon will offer the safest and most effective gynecomastia procedure. However, once you head home to finish recovering, the final stage of healing depends mostly on you. Even though you did your homework finding the best and brightest surgeon for your male breast reduction, you need to be equally diligent in learning what is needed for your recovery. While Dr. Vitenas and the staff at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery will provide you with very clear instructions before you leave the office, you can expect your gynecomastia recovery instructions to cover these topics:
Wearing your compression vest
A compression garment or vest is an essential part of the gynecomastia recovery process. After your male breast reduction, the chest skin and tissue will contract and settle. Remember that this area has lost a certain amount of fat or glandular tissue. To ensure the skin heals tightly in a pleasing manner, a compression vest adds support to facilitate the skin retraction. The snug fit also controls swelling for better healing and a comfortable recovery. You will need to continue wearing the vest all day for about four weeks. Your surgeon will let you know when your compression garment is no longer needed.
Doing at-home tissue massage
Tissue massage is an excellent way to ensure the best gynecomastia results. While the skin is still soft and malleable, massaging the tissue with your hands or a special roller device promotes healing, soften scar tissue, and allow the skin to heal flat and smooth. Tissue massage can begin about three weeks after your male breast reduction surgery. Gently massage the breast tissue for 20 minutes, two to three times a day for up to 8 weeks.
Stand up straight
The ‘gyno-hunch’ refers to the slack, shoulder forward position many men, embarrassed by large breasts, take on. A male breast reduction can dramatically improve self-confidence and self-esteem, creating a flat, masculine chest. After surgery, it is time to lose the ‘gyno-hunch’, roll your shoulders back, stand up straight, and show off your natural-looking results. By rolling the shoulders back and maintaining a tall and strong posture, the confidence that comes from being free of gynecomastia will come more easily and be perceived by others.
Getting back to normal activities
As with any surgical procedure, your body will need time to heal from the trauma of a male breast reduction. During the first week or so, limiting activity is important as the body is most susceptible to injury. Depending on your job, it is generally safe to return to work in one to two days, but more strenuous positions may require up to a week off. Any activities that are vigorous enough to increase blood pressure should be postponed for two weeks. After that time, begin increasing cardio and lower body activities, avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting with the upper body. Wait four to six weeks for full body workouts, lifting, and strenuous activities. Your surgeon will give you the green light for adding activities back into your schedule.
Following your personalized recovery plan
Everyone’s recovery will be a little different. Detailed recovery instructions will be provided during your gynecomastia consultation, with time for you to ask any questions you may have. Dr. Vitenas will carefully follow your healing progress and revise your personalized recovery plan according to your individual needs.
Schedule a consultation with Houston’s best gynecomastia surgeon –
Learn more about gynecomastia and find out if a male breast reduction can provide the aesthetic results you have been longing for. Call (281) 668-7370 schedule your confidential gynecomastia consultation with Dr. Vitenas. If you are not from the local area, talk to our patient coordinator about the option of a virtual consultation.