Recovery after Male Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Top Tips for Better Recovery after Male Breast Reduction

To ensure optimal results, it is recommended that you follow the tips mentioned below:

1. Sleep well and rest

Sleeping well is necessary for your body to be able to heal itself after the surgery. Being sleep-deprived can tire your body and since most healing occurs during sleep, this state can be quite detrimental to your recovery period.
Apart from sleeping well, it is important to sleep in a particular way to prevent putting pressure on your incisions. It is recommended to sleep on your back, at a forty-five-degree angle, during the first two weeks. It is important to ensure the wound has healed properly before you decide to sleep on your side or stomach.

2. Stay well hydrated

This may seem a simple tip but it is extremely important. Not drinking enough water can not only put you at risk of complications during the healing period but also dry your skin.

3. Manage your post-op symptoms appropriately, according to your surgeon’s instructions

You will likely experience pain, bruising, and discomfort after male breast reduction surgery. However, depending on your body’s reaction to the anaesthesia used during your surgery, you may experience nausea. You should inform your surgeon as it should be treated immediately with medication.

4. Wear the recommended garments according to instructions

For the first few days after the surgery, you will be wearing a binder with gauze pads underneath, to cover the incisions and prevent them from being irritated. All these garments should be worn exactly as recommended to ensure the best results.

Male breast reduction surgery involves the removal of breast tissue and glandular tissue as well. After the surgery, there may be fluid accumulation in the chest cavity or swelling. To prevent fluid buildup, you must wear compression garments at least four weeks post-op. Just make sure they are not too loose or too tight.

5. Take your prescribed medications according to instructions

Pain and infection are two of the most common complications of any surgical procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe you certain painkillers and antibiotics. It is crucial that you take them on time as recommended and not consume alcohol, especially with antibiotics, as this can complicate the healing process.

6. Manage bruising and swelling

Bruising is a common side effect of male breast reduction surgery and it usually lasts for the first two weeks to three weeks. If it persists longer or becomes severe, you should inform your surgeon who may then prescribe you oral medications or topical creams to resolve the bruising.

7. Do not drive after surgery

After the surgery, you may feel dizzy or groggy due to the residual effects of general anaesthesia. It is best to arrange for someone to drive you home.

8. Do not perform strenuous exercise early in your recovery

Strenuous exercises or any exercise that puts pressure on your incisions should be avoided during the recovery period. These activities can result in wound reopening.

The first two weeks should be spent resting and no exercise (even light exercise) should be performed during this time. After this, you may begin to do light exercises only, making sure not to put pressure on the incisions. Weight lighting or high-intensity workouts may be started gently after six weeks – Seek your surgeon’s approval.

9. Follow Shower and bath restrictions

To ensure a smooth recovery, avoid showering the first day after surgery. It is recommended that you take a sponge bath for the first two days while avoiding incisions. After that, you can shower but you should still make sure to keep the incisions as dry as possible. After you shower, dry lightly with a soft and gentle towel, preventing any pressure on the incisions.

Baths during the recovery period aren’t recommended as they can lead to infections, which in turn can result in a whole variety of complications.

10. Practice good wound care

It is crucial to keep your wound dry and covered till your surgeon removes the gauze packs.

11. Tell your surgeon if you are taking certain medications

If you are taking certain medications like aspirin or other blood thinners, you need to speak to your surgeon before the surgery. This is because you will be asked to either stop taking them or to lower your dose as they put you at risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.

12. Be careful if using icepacks

Ice packs are often used to alleviate postoperative pain. It isn’t recommended for you to use ice packs directly on your skin. Instead, you should wrap it in a towel before applying. This is to prevent a cold burn from occurring as your skin might be numb after the procedure and you may not realize that you have burnt yourself.

13. Limit your time in the sun

Sun exposure can result in darker, highly visible scars which is why it is highly recommended that you avoid it as much as possible. However, if you cannot avoid it, you should apply sunscreen to your healed scar before going out into the sun. Click Should you be Tanning your Cosmetic Surgery Scars?

14. Return to work at the appropriate time

Depending on your occupation, you should only go back to work after two weeks post-surgery. This rule generally applies to anyone who isn’t performing strenuous activities or being exposed to the sun for long periods in their occupation. However, if your job is physically demanding, you may need to wait for at least six weeks.

15. Wear comfortable breathable clothes

This is a general tip as it lets your incisions breathe and doesn’t compress them in any way. Comfortable loose clothing should ease your ability to move your arms.

16. Attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon

You should always follow up with your surgeon to ensure that your incision is healing properly and you can begin to return to doing your daily life activities.