FAQs about Gynecomastia
Where is the surgery performed?
In an outpatient surgical facility.
What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a mammogram and possibly a medical evaluation by your family physician.
Will I have drains?
There are usually no drains
Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes—each cigarette’s effect lasts 12 hours on the blood vessels of the body. Smoking causes the skin to heal poorly, and the complications associated with smoking are tremendous. Even second hand smoke during the weeks before and after surgery will adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must before and after any operation.
Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep so that you will be comfortable throughout the operation. Once asleep, I will place a local anesthetic under the skin so that you will feel no discomfort and the amount of medicine you receive during the operation will be minimized. By putting you to sleep your heart rate, blood pressure and amount of oxygen will be optimized.
How long will the surgery take?
My objective is to give you my best effort. That means not rushing through your surgery. I take my time and like to be meticulous. There are many things that must be done before the operation can even start. These include washing and preparing the area, making sure that your body is well cushioned and your legs are placed in special boots to compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at the end of surgery I need to wash you and apply a special well -padded dressing. Rest assured, being asleep for hours is generally very safe so the 5-6 hours you sleep will be just fine. I will also wait in recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is going well before I leave.
What can I expect?
Your chest and breast shape will be improved. A masculine appearance without protruding breast tissue is the object of the procedure. Is there pain? Generally, there is moderate discomfort. A prescription to help alleviate pain, should it arise, will be given before surgery. By the second week after surgery this discomfort is greatly diminished, and by the third week there should be no discomfort.
Where are the scars?
The scar will run along and around the lower areola and may extend onto the skin. How long will I wear a bandage? At the end of surgery I will wrap a soft, cottony bandage around your chest. This bandage is held in place with a an elastic vest type
When can I shower?
Showering can usually take place the day after; however, you can wash yourself prior to this. Baths and hot tubs are not permitted for 4 weeks after surgery in order to keep swelling down.
When can I resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 10 days. Bruising is variable and usually located along the chest. Due to gravity, the swelling and bruising may descend to lower positions. After 3 weeks you should be almost back to your old self except with a new and improved body. It is not a good idea to exercise or increase your heart rate for 3 weeks from the time of surgery, and vigorous lifting or exercise is not permitted for 6 weeks from surgery. This will help to diminish your swelling and improve the rate at which you heal.
What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you what medicines to stay away from and which vitamins to take before and after the surgery. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your presence for weeks. Using ice often, resting, maintaining a low salt diet and having a positive attitude all go a long way to assisting your recovery.
When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will re-visit the office within 4-8 days. There will be multiple visits (which are included in your care) to evaluate your progress and support your healing needs. Are there any additional fees to what was quoted? If the surgery takes a bit longer (as there is never a rush), a bit more may be owed for the operating room and anesthesia. However, if future surgery or procedures are necessary, there will be additional fees for anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon.
