Recovery after Gynaecomastia Surgery
Recovery from Gynaecomastia Surgery can vary from person to person, but there are general milestones and guidelines you can expect during the healing process. It’s important to note that you should follow Dr Dona’s specific post-operative instructions. Here are some common recovery milestones after Gynaecomastia Surgery:
Immediate postoperative period
Immediately following the procedure, you should be taken to a recovery area where your condition should be closely monitored until you awaken and stabilise. Most patients can return home on the same day as the procedure but be prepared to experience some pain, discomfort, swelling and bruising to the chest area. This is typically managed with prescribed pain relief medications and prophylactic antibiotics to protect you against infections and promote the healing process.
To assist with recovery and optimise results, a special surgical garment will be provided for you to wear for the first four to six weeks. This garment not only offers vital support to the treated area but also plays a key role in reducing swelling and assisting in achieving a more masculine chest shape, contributing to a successful and comfortable healing process.
Regaining normalcy (two to four weeks)
Just like all surgical procedures, you will observe gradual improvements in your condition every week. Many patients can resume light, non-strenuous activities within a week or two post-surgery. As time progresses, the initial swelling and bruising should begin to subside, although some mild discomfort may persist. It’s imperative to maintain adherence to wearing the compression garment as directed by Dr Dona for optimal healing.
As the days unfold and you approach the resumption of normalcy, you can typically return to your regular daily activities, including work, after a few weeks. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid engaging in strenuous exercises or activities that may strain your chest muscles during this stage. Fortunately, you should observe a visible improvement in the appearance of your chest as the swelling continues to decrease, marking a significant step towards your final outcome.
Lifestyle resumption (four to six weeks and beyond)
During this period, many patients can gradually resume light exercise and physical activities into their daily routines, carefully following the guidance provided by Dr Dona. As time progresses, the contour of your chest should continue to improve, and any remaining swelling should persistently diminish, contributing to a more refined appearance.
Around the three to six-month mark, the final results of your Gynaecomastia surgery become increasingly apparent. During this period, most of the swelling should have subsided, allowing your chest to settle, assuming a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Over time, the scars should slowly fade and become less obvious. While how they look in the end can differ from person to person, they usually develop into fine white lines.
It is essential to consult with Dr Dona before returning to more strenuous exercises or activities. This cautious approach plays a pivotal role in preserving the success and longevity of your surgical outcome.
Your post-operative plan will be detailed and involve multiple in-clinic post-operative care visits with our nursing team that will continue for several weeks. We integrate light-based therapy into your post-operative wound healing journey. In addition, light therapy will promote healing cells, used to mature your surgical scars much faster, thus, providing the optimal quality scar formation.
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