Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlarged breast tissue in males. While gynecomastia doesn’t pose a threat to men’s physical health, it can be uncomfortable and negatively impact confidence and body image.
You’ll feel well-prepared for your male breast reduction surgery after your thorough consultation with Dr. Meredith Vandegrift. Here are a few tips to help you in the meantime.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
The first step in preparing for gynecomastia surgery is scheduling a consultation with a qualified surgeon who is:
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Has in-depth knowledge of gynecomastia and its underlying causes
- Has performed numerous male breast reduction surgeries
- Able to show you before-and-after pictures
Finally, choosing a doctor who listens to you and makes you feel comfortable can go a long way to ensuring your optimal results.
Selecting the Right Procedure
As gynecomastia has many causes, not all treatments are the same. While liposuction may be all that’s required to remove excess fat tissues, some individuals require a different approach.
During your consultation, your surgeon will perform a physical exam to determine your gynecomastia causes. If your gynecomastia is caused by too much glandular tissue or you have excess skin, it will need to be removed by surgical excision.
Sleeping After Surgery
Rest is often overlooked by gynecomastia patients. Your sleep and rest after surgery can impact not only your discomfort and recovery but your results as well.
Here are some sleeping recommendations for male breast reduction patients:
- Sleep with your head and torso elevated
- Avoid stomach and side sleeping for 4-6 weeks to avoid putting pressure on the incisions
- If you struggle to get enough sleep, consider contacting your physician for sleep medication
Trust the Recovery Process
Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from gynecomastia surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. During your recovery, you may need assistance with typical household activities and chores.
Most patients plan on taking 3-5 days off work or other commitments. Expect to spend most of the initial recovery time resting.
Wear compression garments as directed by your surgeon to minimize swelling and support the new chest contour. Typically, most patients wear compression garments for 3-5 weeks.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Once cleared for physical activities, you should engage in a more active lifestyle that may help sustain your results. Along with increased physical activity, most doctors recommend a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to ensure your results last.
Your doctor may suggest:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables and avoiding artificial sugars and processed foods
- Reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption
- Adding cardiovascular and weightlifting exercises 3-6 times a week
- Avoiding steroids and hormonal supplements
Meredith Vandegrift, MD—Your Long Island Male Breast Reduction Expert
Choosing the right provider is the first step to ensuring a healthy recovery from male breast reduction. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is committed to quality patient care as your partner through every step of your male breast reduction journey. Get ready to partner with Long Island’s best gynecomastia surgery provider! Contact us today or call (631) 935-0303 to learn more!