Aftercare Instructions
Written by Dr. Babak Dadvand
Gynecomastia surgery can help reduce the appearance of male breasts and increase your confidence level. Dr. Dadvand is well aware of the issues that this condition can cause in men of all ages, which is the reason why he dedicates a large portion of his practice to gynecomastia patients in LA. If you want to learn more about Dr. Dadvand and gynecomastia surgery in Los Angeles, contact his practice and book a consultation today.
What to Expect from Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Most men having gynecomastia surgery have been thinking about this procedure for years. However, the surgery day comes and goes quickly. Now, it is time to focus on the recovery or aftercare phase.
The Day of Your Gynecomastia Surgery
- Get as much rest as possible. Prop yourself up at about a 30-degree angle. Make sure to get up several times the first day even if it is just to use the restroom. This will help with circulation in your legs and reduce the risk of DVT.
- You can take the prescribed pain medication when you get home. Make sure you eat something before you take it (crackers, soup, with ginger ale, or Sprite). Taking pain medications on an empty stomach can make you nauseated. Also, carbonated beverages can help to settle your stomach.
- After anesthesia, you can feel very tired. This will subside with time and taking a nap helps.
- Sometimes after anesthesia, you can feel shaky and your body shivers even if you are not cold. This is a side effect of anesthesia and it will go away with time. Taking a few big, deep breaths helps.
- In the evening after your surgery, you will start taking the rest of your antibiotics. You received intravenous antibiotics during your surgery so this is why you start in the evening.
- The first day after your gynecomastia surgery, you may feel tightness in your chest and it may seem a little difficult to breathe. It helps to take a few big deep breaths and hold them for about 5 seconds. This expands your lungs, allowing you to breathe more easily. Do this five to ten times an hour in the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Use your compression garment the first night.
- At your next-day follow-up appointment, Dr. Dadvand will explain what to do with your garment and how to wear it for the following week (he will also explain how to shower and take care of the area, etc.).
- It helps to prop your arms up on some pillows the night of your surgery to take the pressure of the sides of your chest.
- Relax!
Temporary Side-Effects and Gynecomastia Recovery Potential Risks
Gynecomastia surgery is conducted on an outpatient basis, so you will return home after the surgery. Some of the potential risks and temporary side-effects include:
- Mild pain and discomfort
- Small chance of infection
- Asymmetric breasts
- Bleeding at the incision site
Dr. Dadvand, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and gynecomastia specialist in Los Angeles, tailors his procedures and their aftercare to each patient’s unique needs. If you want to find out more about working with Dr. Dadvand, get in touch with his office and book a consultation today!
FAQs
How long is recovery from gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia is an ambulatory surgery, so you will return home and begin your recovery there. The initial discomfort will only last a few days, so you can go back to school or work shortly after the operation. However, full recovery may take about three weeks, so you need to avoid intense physical activity until then.
What are the side effects of gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia is a relatively safe operation, but there are some potential risks that are inherent in all surgical procedures. Some of these include a small chance of infection, bleeding at the incision site, and some pain early in the recovery process.
Does gynecomastia surgery leave scars?
Similarly to other surgeries, gynecomastia surgical procedures require an incision that will leave a visible scar. Dr. Dadvand understands the implications of severe scarring, so he tries to conceal the incision line in the body’s natural folds in order to minimize the appearance of scars.
Do you have to be put to sleep for gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery in Los Angeles is conducted under general anesthesia or IV sedation, so patients are unconscious throughout the entire procedure. In order to minimize risks, previous to the surgery, Dr. Dadvand will order a full medical examination in order to ensure that the sedation or anesthesia does not produce a negative reaction.
When can I shower after gynecomastia surgery?
Patients need to shower daily starting 24 to 48 hours after their operation. This will help keep the incision clean and keep the chances of infection to a minimum. Dr. Dadvand will provide exact aftercare guidelines for each patient depending on your individual requirements, so make sure you follow these to improve your chances of a fast recovery.
