what to know about Gynecomastia surgery

If you’re considering gynecomastia surgery, it’s important to understand the entire journey – from getting ready for the operation to recovering afterward. 

In this overview, we’ll take you through the entire process, highlighting the important steps before and after surgery. By giving you insight into what to expect and how to navigate your transformation, we aim to help you feel more confident about your decision.

Read over the timeline below to get a better understanding of what our top Boston gynecomastia surgeon will walk you through – before, during, and after surgery.

Types of Gynecomastia

Although each gynecomastia surgery case is unique, there’s a general timeline you can anticipate. This timeline is pretty consistent across various types of gynecomastia surgeries you might undergo, including:

Gynecomastia surgery also varies according to several factors – for instance, your gynecomastia stage and the anesthetic used can be two of the biggest variables to consider. As you go through your pre-op appointments, you will get a better overall sense of what to expect for your surgery.

Pre-Op

A thorough preparation is essential before undergoing gynecomastia surgery. This phase involves consultations with our board-certified surgeon specializing in the treatment of Gynecomastia in Boston to discuss expectations, medical history, surgical options, recovery course and cost.

Your surgeon will conduct a physical examination and may recommend additional tests to ensure you are a suitable candidate for surgery. Pre-operative instructions will cover aspects such as medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, and dietary considerations to optimize your surgical outcome.

Before the big day, you will also have chest measured for the compression garments, your pre-op photos taken and ensure that you’re properly prepared for surgery. 

Gynecomastia Surgery Day

On the day of your surgery, you’ll arrive at the surgical facility prepared for the procedure. Pre-operative protocols may include fasting before surgery and abstaining from certain medications, as instructed by your surgeon. You’ll be greeted by the surgical team who will guide you through the final pre-operative checks and preparations.

Anesthesia plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and safe surgical experience. our gynecomastia surgeries are performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to remain conscious, safe and comfortable throughout the procedure. Your surgeon will administer the tumescent anesthetic under your skin in the surgical area and monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety and comfort.

The surgical approach for gynecomastia varies depending on the extent of tissue enlargement and the desired outcome. Common techniques include liposuction, excision of glandular tissue, or a combination of both. You may have drains placed in the chest to avoid blood or fluid collection after surgery. Your surgeon will carefully perform the planned procedure, sculpting the chest to achieve a more masculine contour while minimizing scarring.

After the completion of the surgery, you’ll be transferred to a recovery area where you’ll gradually begin to eat, walk and use the bath room under the supervision of our trained medical staff. Pain management protocols will be initiated to ensure your comfort during the initial recovery period. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are typical after gynecomastia surgery.

Post- Op

In the immediate postoperative period, rest and gentle movement are crucial for a smooth recovery. You will sleep on your back with your head and back elevated. You will be instructed on how to manage your drains until your follow up visit with Dr Ishoo at which time they are likely removed. You’ll be advised to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your newly contoured chest. Generally, pain medications are not necessary, and none are prescribed by your surgeon. Careful movement and over-the-counter Tylenol, will help manage any discomfort as you begin your recovery journey.

During the first week following surgery, you’ll gradually transition back to your normal activities, avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting as instructed. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will allow for an assessment of your progress. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside, revealing the initial results of your gynecomastia surgery.

Most patients notice a noticeable decrease in bruising and swelling by the third or fourth week after surgery, as their chest contour continues to improve. Following your surgeon’s guidance, light exercise and physical activities may be gradually reintroduced. It’s essential to maintain regular communication with your doctor to address any concerns and ensure a successful recovery.

As you progress into the months following surgery, the final results of gynecomastia surgery will become more apparent. The chest contour will continue to improve, and any residual swelling or firmness will gradually diminish. Soon enough, you will be able to fully appreciate your new and improved chest.

Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery in Boston

Although the above gives a general overview of a post-gynecomastia-surgery timeline, it doesn’t account for everything that might happen after your surgery. Here is some more helpful information.

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.

Additional Things to Know During Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery in Boston

As you recover from surgery at the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists, you may notice or experience the following:

Following gynecomastia surgery, it’s common to experience mild swelling and tenderness in the treated area. This natural physiological response to trauma is nothing to be alarmed about. Swelling can persist for up to three months post-surgery and may even be asymmetrical, with one breast appearing more swollen than the other. While this may seem concerning, it’s typically part of the healing process and should gradually improve over time.

Ideally, the scars from your gynecomastia surgery will gradually fade within about a year after the procedure. Your doctor will closely monitor the progression of your scars during follow-up appointments to assess their healing and determine if any additional scar treatment is necessary. With proper care and monitoring, most patients achieve excellent scar outcomes over time, allowing them to enjoy the full benefits of their surgery with minimal visible reminders.

After gynecomastia surgery, changes in nipple sensitivity are common. Initially, you may experience hypersensitivity or temporary loss of sensation, which typically resolves over a few months. Sharp shooting pains in the nipples may occur occasionally, signaling nerve healing, and usually diminish over time.

Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery FAQs

We get a lot of questions around what recovering from gynecomastia surgery is like. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

While you may start feeling better within a few weeks after gynecomastia surgery, full recovery typically takes several months. However, you can usually resume your normal daily activities within 4-6 weeks post-surgery. Note that you might need to wait a little while longer to engage in extensive exercise.

You should wear your compression garment continuously, except during showers, for at least 4 weeks post-surgery. For optimal results, continue wearing it half-day for an additional 2 weeks. This garment aids in reducing swelling and supports proper healing. Dr.Ishoo will guide you as to when the compression garment will be switched and how often and when to wear it.

With the use of a compression garment, you should notice a gradual decrease in swelling during the 4-6 weeks following gynecomastia surgery.

Following gynecomastia surgery, it’s crucial to sleep on your back for at least three days to promote optimal healing and minimize discomfort in the treated area. Sleeping at a 45-degree angle can further support the healing process and alleviate any potential discomfort. This position helps reduce pressure on the surgical site and ensures proper blood circulation.

The timeline for resuming exercise after gynecomastia surgery varies depending on the intensity of the activity. Lower-body exercises can typically be resumed around two weeks post-surgery, while upper-body and high-intensity activities may need to wait until around two months.

Once fully healed, you can start chest exercises like flys, bench presses, and push-ups to sculpt your chest. Cardio activities such as running, swimming can also help tone your physique overall once you are fully healed from the surgery.

After gynecomastia surgery, it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and direct sun exposure. Additionally, refrain from scratching or picking at incisions and be sure to wear the compression garment as directed by your surgeon.


The Boston Gynecomastia Specialists is the premier Greater Boston Gynecomastia Center of excellence. We prioritize delivering exceptional care from your initial consultation to your recovery and beyond. We deeply value the trust you place in us and are committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care. Our team, led by Dr. Edwin Ishoo, a board-certified surgeon specializing in gynecomastia treatment, is devoted to achieving optimal surgical results for each individual. Recognizing that every person is unique, we personalize our approach to meet your specific needs. Whether you have questions or are ready to schedule your personalized in-person consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists today. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Boston Gynecomastia Specialists
1260 Cambridge st
Cambridge, MA 02139
(888) 380-322