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How Long Does It Take to Recover from Gynecomastia Surgery?

Thomas Loeb | April 5, 2019 | Posted in Body
Book about Gynecomastia on a hospital table.

Gynecomastia is a medical term that refers to the enlargement of male breast tissue. It can be caused by hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying medical issues. In some cases, gynecomastia will resolve naturally by itself. But unfortunately, when it doesn’t, boys and men can suffer from serious self-esteem and self-confidence issues. Gynecomastia surgery is a type of male plastic surgery intended to reduce the amount of breast tissue. It can restore a man’s self-image and confidence. Like any other surgery, it requires a recovery period.

How long will the recovery be?

There are many factors that can affect a man’s recovery time. Every patient will heal a little differently, and so a person’s overall health can support or delay the healing process. The length of the recovery also depends on the specific type of male plastic surgery. Male breast reduction is achievable through breast liposuction or tissue excision.

Men who undergo breast reduction via liposuction will have a shorter recovery time than those who undergo tissue excision. With liposuction, men are generally advised to avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for about two to three weeks. However, many patients resume light activities and return to work after a few days. Men who have the tissue excision surgery might not feel ready to resume light activities until a week has passed.

Of course, these are only general guidelines. Men should defer to the discharge instructions provided by their own cosmetic surgeons. They may also receive individualized guidance at their follow-up appointments.

How to support your recovery from gynecomastia surgery

You can begin working toward a shorter recovery time even before you have the surgery. If you’re a smoker, your plastic surgeon will ask you to quit. Smoking inhibits the healing process and increases the risk of complications, which might put you in the hospital and lengthen the recovery time. Additionally, you can follow a healthy meal plan to give your body the nutrients it will need for healing.

After having male plastic surgery, it is of paramount importance to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. Don’t hesitate to call the office if you’re unsure about anything or if you notice any side effects. It’s a good idea to keep your blood flowing by walking carefully around the house, but avoid strenuous exercise. Be sure to follow the instructions regarding wearing the compression garment, applying ice packs to minimize swelling, and caring for the incision site. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, finish the full course of medicine to prevent an infection, which would delay the healing process.

Having gynecomastia surgery in NYC

The decision to have any surgery is a serious one. Even straightforward procedures carry a risk of complications, so it’s important to thoroughly research surgeons’ backgrounds, credentials, and track records. When you research New York City surgeon Dr. Thomas Loeb, you’ll find that he has an excellent track record of satisfied patients and impeccable credentials. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Loeb is committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Loeb to discuss having male plastic surgery in NYC. During your appointment at our Manhattan office, you’ll get all the information you need to prepare for a safe and healthy recovery.

Additional resources on male plastic surgery:

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