What to Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia Surgery Results
Anticipating gynecomastia surgery may cause anxiety for many men. Not knowing what to surgery results to expect can cause further stress. The expert gynecomastia surgeon’s goal is to achieve a natural looking male chest with masculine contours. If the surgeon removes too much breast tissue, the result could be what is known as a “crater deformity,” and if not enough tissues is removed, more surgery may be needed. It is important to select an expert gynecomastia surgeon so you can get it right the first time!
Compression Vest and Drains
After surgery, you will be placed in a compression vest and have drains in place that remove excess fluid and keep swelling under control. The drains are generally removed within 2 to 3 days at the first post-operative visit. Sutures are taken out after 1 week. The vest is to be worn 24/7 for 5 or 6 weeks and only removed when showering. Showering is allowed a couple of days after the drains are removed, and the drain incisions have completely closed. When removing the vest, men need to realize that they are not seeing the final result. There will be swelling and bruising, and the incision at the bottom of the areola will be evident. However, bruising will completely subside in about a week to 10 days; swelling may last several weeks.
Incisions Well Hidden
As the incision around the areola heals, it will be almost undetectable due to the change of skin texture. The small incision from the drain at the side of the chest may leave a scar. Sensitive to men’s comments about this, Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. now places the drain incision high up in the armpit and toward the back, most men cannot find it after it heals.
It is not unusual for the swelling to take several weeks to completely resolve. Some swelling is normal as it increases blood supply to the injured area bringing nutrients that aid in healing. However, any unusual swelling needs to be monitored for a possible hematoma (abnormal bleeding outside blood vessels.)
Going Shirtless Becomes a Reality
As the swelling subsides, the final contour of the chest will become evident, and the ability to go shirtless will become a reality!
Unfortunately, for some men, once all the swelling has diminished they may have what is referred to as “puffy nipples.” The cause for puffy nipples is when the surgeon has not removed enough breast tissue that is behind the areola, and the tissue pushes the nipple outward. This condition can be fixed but requires additional surgery. Choose your surgeon carefully!
Call Today!
Gynecomastia patients are encouraged to call now (415) 898-4161 for a confidential consultation with Dr. Delgado.
MIGUEL DELGADO, M.D.
Dr. Delgado, MD is a world-recognized plastic surgeon and specialist in the treatment of male breast enlargement, also called gynecomastia. He has developed new techniques and owns and operates gynecomastia.org, which has become the largest gynecomastia forum in the world. Dr. Delgado holds the two most coveted credentials; the certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery.