Male Breast Reduction

What to expect after surgery (Post-Op)

After your procedure, your doctor will apply dressings or bandages. An elastic bandage or compression garment may also be used to reduce swelling and promote correct chest contours as you heal from your surgery. A small thin tube may also be placed to act as a drain for excess fluids around the incision site - this is particularly common if the male breast reduction is corrected with liposuction. The doctor may prescribe medications for any pain or discomfort after the surgery. It is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions. This helps to ensure proper healing, to reduce possibility of infection, and to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Recovery

Following a Male Breast reduction, you may experience swelling, bruising, burning sensations and tenderness. Numbness or a lack of sensation following Male Breast Reduction surgery can last up to one year. These are normal side effects of Male Breast reduction surgery. To help reduce swelling, you'll be asked to wear a compression wrapping around the chest for the first couple weeks. Stitches or sutures are removed one to two weeks following Male Breast reduction surgery.

You will be encouraged to begin walking on the day of your Male Breast Reduction surgery. You can expect to be able to return to work within a few days. Your doctor will advise you to avoid strenuous activity for one to two weeks and to avoid vigorous or heavy exercise, sports or any situation that could result in a blow to the chest for at least four to six weeks.

There will be scarring around the nipple of the breast or around the incision site(s), but this will fade over time. It is important not to expose any scarred areas to the sun for a minimum of six months. Sunlight can affect the skin's pigmentation permanently, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock.