If you’re a man with excess breast tissue, you’re not alone. Gynecomastia is more common than you think. At least 30% of men will be affected by this hormonal condition in their life. But for those who suffer from self-confidence issues, that’s rarely a comfort to hear.
While it sometimes resolves on its own, many men struggle with gynecomastia for years. Fortunately, you do not need to live with this condition. At our practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster uses a unique technique to produce a masculine physique with less noticeable surgical scars.
If you are ready to stop avoiding the things you’ve put off because of gynecomastia, male breast reduction surgery could help you move forward with confidence. There are a few things our practice recommends before the procedure to make sure you get the best results.
How Do I Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Your male breast reduction procedure’s success and safety are greatly influenced by your open and honest communication with Dr. Schuster. During your consultation, we will inquire about various aspects of your health, including your lifestyle preferences and daily routine.
Prior to undergoing gynecomastia surgery, you may be required to:
- Seek lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Consider taking specific medications or making adjustments to your current medication regimen.
- Refrain from using aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they have the potential to exacerbate bleeding.
3 Tips to Follow Before Getting Gynecomastia Surgery
1. Build Up Your Health for a Speedy Recovery
Before any surgery, it is a good idea to build up your immune system and cardiovascular health. Eating a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, incorporating cardio exercise into your routine, and quitting smoking and heavy drinking are always beneficial for the recovery process.
2. Choose the Right Surgeon for Male Breast Reduction
While many plastic surgeons perform male breast reduction surgery, some use specialized techniques that produce more natural-looking results.
At our practice, Dr. Schuster prefers the advanced lateral pull-through technique that allows the procedure to be performed through a small half-inch incision. This precise method eliminates the areolar scar seen in other male breast reduction surgeries. The result is a masculine, contoured chest with minimal scarring.
3. Plan for the Recovery Period
Recovery from male breast reduction surgery usually involves mild discomfort. Dr. Schuster generally recommends patients take a week off after male breast reduction. If you don’t have a physically demanding job, you might be able to return to work sooner. Usually, you can resume cardio exercise after two weeks and weights after three.
You’ll also be asked to wear a compression garment under your clothing for three weeks to reduce swelling. During this period, you might need assistance with household tasks like laundry or vacuuming.
How Do I Prepare My Body for a Male Breast Reduction?
It’s important to be as healthy as possible before male breast reduction surgery. Preparing your body before surgery can help ensure your recovery goes smoothly and that you avoid any complications, which helps to shorten your overall healing time.
In addition to building up your health and avoiding smoking and drinking, getting plenty of rest and staying well-hydrated for up to a few hours before surgery can help maximize your recovery process.
After surgery, staying hydrated is also important for recovery and avoiding complications. Water plays a crucial role in maintaining body temperature, supporting cell growth, and eliminating waste. Additionally, it plays a vital role in the healing process and post-surgical recovery. Water aids in the elimination of toxins from anesthesia in your body.
What Can I Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Following male breast reduction surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort for a period of 2–3 weeks. You might experience sensations of pulling or stretching in your chest area, as well as temporary fatigue or a decrease in energy levels for a few weeks. With the help of pain management medications and aftercare recommendations from Dr. Schuster, you should start experiencing improvements in your condition and regain strength as each day passes.
How Painful Is Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
The procedure for male breast reduction is typically done on an outpatient basis, allowing for a more convenient and efficient experience. It is performed under a twilight, or light general type of anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. The procedure is made pleasant by the application of ample numbing medicine, ensuring minimal discomfort throughout the day and night following your surgery. The next day, you may feel a mild soreness comparable to that of completing a challenging workout.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Breast Reduction for a Man?
The recovery period for male breast reduction is typically quite short. it is very important to avoid exercise, straining and exertion for the fit=rst two weeks after surgery. Any activity that increases your pulse or blood pressure puts you at increased risk of bleeding after surgery and getting a hematoma. Cardio exercise may be resumed two weeks after surgery and light weights three weeks after surgery. Big changes in the way your chest looks can be seen immediately. It takes about three to four months to see the final result and sometimes longer for all of the feeling to return.
Schedule Your Baltimore Area Male Breast Reduction
Research has revealed the profound negative effects of gynecomastia on various psychosocial aspects, including well-being, social functioning, mental health, and self-esteem. Considering this, male breast reduction surgery may help men feel more at ease and confident in their bodies.
Dr. Ronald H. Schuster is a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with three decades of plastic surgery experience, ready to help you address your concerns about gynecomastia. Recognized as “Top Doctor” by Baltimore Magazine, he also holds the position of Chief of Plastic Surgery at Baltimore’s Northwest Hospital Center and is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Life is too short to skip trips to the beach. If you are ready to move forward and enjoy the activities you’ve been putting off, schedule a consultation for male breast reduction with Dr. Schuster at our Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland practice by calling 410-902-9800. We look forward to helping you feel more empowered in your skin today.
