Boston Gynecomastia Pre & Post Surgery Timeline

While surgeons often opt for anti-nausea anesthesia, nausea can still occur due to medications like painkillers and antibiotics. In these cases, your surgeon may prescribe anti-nausea meds to help.

During your gynecomastia surgery recovery, maintaining proper hydration is key. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially during the initial weeks post-surgery. Keeping yourself well-hydrated supports your body’s healing process and overall recovery.

For the first two weeks post-surgery, it’s crucial to refrain from strenuous activities, including lifting, exercise, and sexual activity. However, it’s beneficial to engage in light activities such as short walks in the evening. These gentle movements help promote proper blood circulation, which aids in your recovery process.

In the initial 2-3 days following surgery, it’s advisable to refrain from showering altogether. After this period, you can resume showering, but remember to remove your compression vest beforehand.

It’s important to refrain from driving for at least three days following your surgery. Additionally, if you’re still taking pain medication beyond this period, it’s advisable to continue avoiding driving until you’ve stopped taking the medication altogether.

After gynecomastia surgery, the incisions made by your surgeon will typically be sutured. In many cases, surgeons use sutures that are designed to dissolve on their own over time, eliminating the need for removal. Additionally, surgical tape is often applied over the incisions to provide further support and protection during the initial stages of healing.

Aspirin is known to act as a blood thinner, which can interfere with the healing process following gynecomastia surgery. Therefore, it’s advised to avoid using aspirin for at least a week post-surgery. Instead, you can safely use alternatives such as Tylenol or prescription pain medications as directed by your surgeon.

Returning to work after gynecomastia surgery depends on the nature of your job. For office or remote work, you may resume within three days post-surgery. However, if your job involves physical activity, it may require a bit more time. Depending on the intensity, it could take up to two weeks before returning to work.

Returning to exercise after gynecomastia surgery requires a gradual approach. Lower-body exercises can resume in about two weeks, while upper-body exercises may need to wait 6-8 weeks. After three months, all exercises, including high-impact ones, are typically permitted. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it. If you feel chest discomfort during exercise, take it as a sign to slow down.

Always follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medication intake after gynecomastia surgery. If you experience any adverse effects, contact your surgeon for guidance. Additionally, be vigilant about checking for any contraindications before starting new medications.

To promote optimal healing, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight on your incisions for at least three months post-surgery. While it’s possible to expose the wounds to sunlight after six weeks, it’s not recommended. If unavoidable, apply sunscreen with at least SPF15 to the incisions to protect them from potential damage.

Post-surgery bruising is a common occurrence and is typically a natural part of the healing process. While it may be concerning, especially in the early stages of recovery, rest assured that bruising usually resolves on its own over time as your body heals. However, if you notice any unusual or prolonged bruising, it’s important to consult with your surgeon for further evaluation and guidance to ensure a smooth recovery.