How Long It Take To Recover From Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is an effective treatment to correct male boobs. But the success of this surgical procedure is affected by various factors, including individual’s commitments towards post-operative care.

Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan is a renowned plastic surgeon for gynecomastia surgery  in Hyderabad. She does this treatment with minimal incisions and prescribes guidelines for the patient to follow after discharge from the hospital. Based on those recommendations, this article has been created to provide insight into when an individual can resume their daily activities. So, continue learning.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure. This cosmetic surgery to transform a male chest abnormality into a masculine one involves the below-mentioned steps followed by a plastic surgeon:

1. Overall Examination of the Health

Male breast reduction surgery starts with an evaluation of the candidate's mental and physical health. This step is used to determine any diseases, like diabetes or heart problems, the candidate is passing through. This phase may also include weight analysis and a BP check, depending on the candidate's expectations from the procedure.

2. Administration of Anesthesia

Anaesthesia is used to make the patient unconscious during the procedure. In order to do so, general or local anaesthesia, depending on the candidate's health and mental state, may take place.

3. Incisions

Once the patient is unconscious, incisions take place. In order to maintain aesthetic concerns, surgeons keep the incisions minimal. There may usually be one beneath the chest, one sideways, and one near the areola.

4. Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure to extract unwanted fat from any body part. In order to address excessive fat deposits on the male chest, liposuction takes place. With the use of liposuction tools, fat from the marked area of the chest is extracted. This fat-suction process is usually a 10 to 20 minutes process which may increase or decrease depending upon the degree of fat tissues.

5. Sutures

Once the process of liposuction gets over, incisions are sutured. After that the art of plastic surgery is used by the surgeon to hide those incisions and their marks. 

6. Discharge

After the male breast reduction surgery is done, the patient can be shifted to the general ward. Here the general evaluation of the surgery is examined by the surgeon. After becoming full-conscious, the surgeon may allow the candidates to take same day discharge and take rest at home. 

Gynecomastia Surgery- Post Operative Care 

Whenever the patient of male breast reduction treatment takes discharge after the gynecomastia surgery, the doctor prescribes him some medication and guide on dos and don'ts. This may include:

1. Medication: This may have the combination of oral medications, gel or cream to apply on the stitches. This oral medication prescribed for the healing of incisions and internal chest area from where fat deposit was extracted. During the initial few days of pain may occur which can be managed by taking a pain-relieving tablet prescribed by the doctor.  
2. Avoid Strenuous Activities: Strenuous activities like gym, running, weight lifting affect the outcome of surgery. Therefore, such activities  are restricted for a while to make the recovery speedy and pain free.
3. Compression Garments: The surgeon will likely provide the patient with a compression garment to wear. This helps in reducing the swelling and support towards the healing process. The concerned surgeon's recommendations regarding type of fabric and how long to wear the garment is advised.
4. Managing Discomfort: It is normal to experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling after surgery. Applying ice packs to  the treated area can help reduce swelling. Just make sure to follow the surgeon's advice on using cold packs.
5. Keep Incisions Clean and Dry: If any incisionson is there, it's important to keep them clean and dry to prevent infection. The surgeon will instruct on how to take care of the incisions properly.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can interfere with the healing process. It's best to avoid these during the recovery.
7. Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced and nutritious diet to support the healing process and boost the individuals' immune system.
8. Avoid Blood Thinners: Avoid medications or supplements that can thin your blood, as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Always consult the surgeon before stopping or starting any medications.
9. Follow-up Appointments: Attend each and every one of your surgeon's scheduled follow-up appointments. They will keep track of your recovery and address any worries you might have.
10. Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the surgical area from direct sunlight to prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Healing Period After Gynecomastia Surgery

The total recuperation time following gynecomastia surgery can change based on a patient's unique circumstances and the complexity of the procedure. In general, patients should be able to gradually resume their normal activities one to two weeks after surgery. The body may need a few weeks, or perhaps a few months, to recover completely and for the ultimate effects to show.

Patients may feel some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the initial post-operative period, but symptoms usually go away within a few weeks. Compliant wearing of compression clothing and following the doctor's recommendations might lessen these side effects and hasten healing.

During the first month after surgery

In order to avoid complications and promote good healing of the surgical site, patients are typically recommended to refrain from heavy lifting and rigorous activity. Most patients return to work and light activities after a couple of weeks, as time goes on.

3-6 months after surgery

Although patients frequently see a noticeable improvement in their appearance, the complete effects might take up to three to six months to materialize. With proper treatment, scars will continue to diminish over time and become less obvious.

During the healing process, it's crucial for patients to show up to all follow-up meetings with their surgeon. Gynecomastia surgery can recover more quickly and with the best results if the patient adheres to the surgeon's post-operative care guidelines and maintains a healthy lifestyle.

An individual with questions or worries throughout the recovery needs to contact the concerned plastic surgeon. Additionally, seek immediate medical help if one is experiencing any symptoms of infection, heavy bleeding, or other issues.

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