Gynecomastia: Surgery And Post-Operative Care
Gynecomastia: Surgery And Post-Operative Care
There are mostly two types of surgery to recover from in these gynecomastia treatment extremes, medical interventions , through plastic surgery type procedures. (i) excision with a scalpel (ii) liposuction. Here are EIGHT key steps that gynecomastia post-operative care and patients might want to pay special attention to:
1. Most commonly patients will experience some levels of pain and discomfort for a few days after surgery.
2. Pain management and related pain-killer type medications will prescribed by your surgeon during post-operative care
3. Resuming normal duties, activities and life is critical and very important to adjusting and getting over the surgery, both physical and emotional scars need time, effort and purpose to heal properly!
4. Stitches (if used) will be taken out probably around 1 to 2 weeks following the surgery
5. Swelling and Bruising, reduction techniques, even wearing elastic pressure garments continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night might be recommended to address this aspect of your healing process
6. Walking, even working after a day or two after surgery might be encouraged for some patients
7. You have to wait up to three months (maybe even longer) before you will be able to see and enjoy the final results or the surgery
8. You will require help and support at home, for at least 3-5 days, getting home from the hospital as you will not be able to drive or do the basics for a while
Other important pieces of advice for gynecomastia convalescence:
– Avoid, curb any heavy exercise for about three weeks after your surgery and even after that still take care (preferably no heavy lifting)
– No sexual activity for a week or two
– No sport or job-related activity with unacceptable risk of injury or hard hits to the chest or breasts (at least for 1-2 months after the procedure)
– No sun-exposure of chest areas, breasts and scars, for up to 6 months
– You need to have realistic expectations of surgery, outcome, healing, results and more, discussing any concerns you have with your treatment team and surgeon PRIOR to going under the knife so to speak. This will make it easier on you down the line, to focus on your physical and emotional healing over time.
After surgery, the emphasis falls on getting better, enjoying life again, reclaiming your freedom, confidence and ‘man-hood’, not that you ever lost it!