What is Recovery Like After Gynecomastia Surgery?

Almost half of all men will experience enlarged male breasts during their lives. Gynecomastia or male breast enlargement can cause embarrassment and limit your activities. Many young men have temporary gynecomastia during puberty, but you can develop it at any time. Gynecomastia surgery removes excess fat and breast tissue to flatten and smooth the chest. 

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is an enlargement of male breasts caused by excess fat, overdevelopment of breast tissue, or both. Causes of gynecomastia include hormones, genetics, medications or recreational drugs, and obesity. Puberty-related gynecomastia may go away on its own, but it can also last into adulthood.

How Does Gynecomastia Surgery Work?

If you have a lot of breast tissue, your surgeon will make an incision around your areola to remove it. Fat is usually removed first with a liposuction cannula. Your surgeon may need to do either one or both. You will be under general anesthesia to prevent you from feeling any discomfort. The team at Longwood Plastic Surgery has considerable experience with gynecomastia surgery and respects the emotional toll the condition can take. 

What is Recovery Like After Gynecomastia Surgery?

You will need about two to four weeks to recover from your gynecomastia surgery. Most people can return to work within a week, depending on the type of job and the activity level required. You will have a compression bandage or garment to wear around your chest to support the area and control swelling. Discomfort and bruising will feel worst during the first few days. Follow all of your surgeon’s instructions on how to take care of yourself during recovery. 

What Results Will I See With Gynecomastia Surgery?

You will usually notice your results right away, but your chest will still have swelling that prevents you from immediately appreciating them. As the swelling fades over the following weeks, your results will develop until they reach your final, masculine-looking goal. Benefits of gynecomastia surgery include:

• Feeling more comfortable going out in public
• No more feeling like people are looking at your chest
• Better-fitting clothes
• More self-esteem
• Freedom to pursue activities you hesitated to do before

Relief from the burden of gynecomastia can set you free to pursue activities you have avoided because you wanted to hide your enlarged breasts. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

If you have enlarged male breasts that cause discomfort or emotional distress, you may be a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery. Candidates should be in generally good health and have reasonable expectations about their results. 

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning about gynecomastia surgery? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction