What is Recovery Like After Gynecomastia Surgery?

If you look at your chest and hear the unfortunate term “man boobs” in the back of your head, you are probably one of the many men experiencing gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts. This condition can have many causes and can affect what you wear and the activities you participate in. Gynecomastia surgery removes unwanted fat and breast tissue to sculpt your chest to a masculine shape. 

What is Gynecomastia?

Affecting up to 50% of men at some point in their lives, gynecomastia is a medical condition often associated with puberty. Hormonal changes are one common cause of male breast development. Men experience also experience hormonal changes as they age and testosterone levels drop. Several types of medications and medical conditions are also known to contribute. Your excess breast mass can be made of mostly fat, mostly glandular tissue, or both, and you may have excess skin. 

How Does Gynecomastia Surgery Work?

Your Pacific Center surgeon will develop a treatment plan based on your anatomy and goals. They may use one of several different methods, including:

VASER® Liposuction

This advanced form of liposuction uses ultrasound energy vibrations to break up fat cells and separate them from other tissues for easier removal. In addition to decreasing breast mass due to fat, it helps tighten loose skin for a more sculpted chest. This procedure requires one or a few small incisions. 

Minimal Incision Gynecomastia Surgery

Glandular or breast tissue is different than fat and does not respond well to liposuction. If your enlarged male breasts contain a lot of breast tissue, your surgeon will use small, carefully hidden incisions to remove it. Our goal is always to create the most inconspicuous scars possible. 

What is Recovery Like After Gynecomastia Surgery?

After the procedure, your chest will feel sore and swollen, and you may have some bruising. You may need to wear a compression garment for the next several weeks to help your chest attain its new contours. After a few days of rest, medication, and ice packs, most people can return to low-activity jobs in three to five days. 

You will have several follow-up appointments so your surgeon can assess how well you are healing. They will give you instructions on when you can start adding more strenuous activities back into your routine. Most people are back to their usual workouts after four to six weeks, but your surgeon may instruct you to use caution with upper body lifts. 

Combining other procedures with gynecomastia does not extend the overall recovery time. If you have considered another surgical procedure, such as chin augmentation, combining them could let you avoid extra days away from work. Ask your surgeon about other areas you want to address. 

How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Last?

During your consultation, your surgeon will work to assess which factors may be contributing to your gynecomastia. If all of these factors have been addressed, your gynecomastia should not come back. Your body does not regrow breast tissue, so your results can last a lifetime. 

While breast tissue will not recur, the area can still store fat if your weight changes. A stable weight and healthy lifestyle will help keep your chest sculpted. Many men who have male breast reduction feel far more confident being physically active and going to the gym without worrying about anyone noticing their chests. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is safe, effective, and more common than you might think. Most healthy adult men are good candidates, although certain medical conditions must be ruled out. During the consultation, your surgeon will review the causes of your gynecomastia. In some cases, such as puberty, the enlarged male breasts may go away without treatment. 

In general, healthy men with enlarged breasts due to fat or breast tissue can benefit from male breast reduction. However, your surgeon may request tests to determine whether you have gynecomastia or a different condition before proceeding. 

Take the Next Step

As soon as you step into our Newport Beach office, our welcoming staff will carefully listen to your concerns and guide you through your treatment journey. To learn more about gynecomastia surgery and the innovative treatments offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 720-3888 or by filling out the consultation request form below.