Are you considering gynecomastia surgery in San Antonio? According to an estimate, gynecomastia affects one in every four men between ages 50 and 69. This condition causes enlarged or overdeveloped glandular breast tissues. Men having gynecomastia are not able to wear certain clothes, and due to this, they feel embarrassed and lose their self-confidence. If you are suffering from gynecomastia, you may avoid taking part in social or sports activities such as going to the gym or beach.
If you have gynecomastia and feel ashamed of your body, fortunately, there are good options available to treat this condition. You no longer need to hide from the world and live with male boobs. There are different gynecomastia treatment options, including liposuction and surgery, but the choice of treatment depends on your specific condition.
Here are 5 top tips for gynecomastia surgery that helps you get optimal results from your surgical procedure and achieve your desired breast shape and contours.
When you consider having gynecomastia surgery, the first thing that comes to your mind is to select a plastic surgeon. Obviously, no one wants to achieve undesirable results from this surgical procedure, so choosing the right plastic surgeon holds paramount importance. You should search for someone who:
· Licensed, registered, and board-certified
· Understands the causes of gynecomastia
· Gives you a detailed consultation
· Answers your questions in detail
· Have extensive experience in performing gynecomastia surgery
The board certification and experience verifies that your plastic surgeon is trained and experienced to perform the surgery well. A board-certified plastic surgeon has in-depth knowledge of the gynecomastia causes, including hormonal imbalance, prescription medicines, or drugs, and will perform suitable examinations and tests.
After you have selected your plastic surgeon, the doctor helps you determine your condition and performs a thorough examination. They may order few tests to best address your individual needs. The doctor determines whether your breasts’ fullness is due to the following reasons:
· Excessive fatty tissue
· Enlarged or excess breast tissue
· Existence of both excessive fat and breast tissue
· Loose skin surrounding areola
In many cases, patients with massive weight loss and older men have the fullness of the chest due to loose skin around their areola area. An areolar correction surgery can efficiently address this condition. For those patients who have only excessive chest fat, also known as pseudogynecomastia, liposuction can help achieve a flat chest.
In cases where there is excess breast tissue and /or fatty tissue, a doctor recommends fat removal with surgical breast tissue excision. Moreover, males with massive weight loss may need chest lift in addition to skin removal and liposuction.
Before you take gynecomastia surgery, you need to change your diet, lifestyle, and exercise routine. In case your condition is due to intake of drugs, medicines, or body building supplements, you have to stop them before your surgery. Moreover, if your breast enlargement is a cause of excess body weight, then you should first lose weight by:
· Making changes in your diet and lifestyle
· Eating more raw vegetables and fruits
· Reducing intake of alcoholic beverages
· Doing regular exercises
· Doing resistance and cardiovascular workouts
These changes in your lifestyle may improve your condition, eliminating the need for gynecomastia surgery. However, if you still remain eligible for surgery, these improvements can help you achieve better health overall and aids in your speedy recovery.
After taking the gynecomastia surgery, you have to take some time off from your work and have a caretaker to help you with routine chores. You are likely to feel discomfort, tenderness, and tightness in your chest immediately following surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain management medicine, which will help to minimize pain and swelling. Make sure to rest and restrict your activities during this time.
You can resume your work depending on the type of work you do. Individuals who perform desk tasks can continue to work after four to five days following surgery, while those involved in a physical job need to take at least two weeks off from work. You have to avoid strenuous activities, straining your body, and lifting to prevent a negative impact on your results and healing.
Furthermore, you should have a caretaker who drives you home after surgery and stays with you to help for at least 24 hours. If you have the responsibility of taking care of children, then it is better to arrange someone who looks after them during your recovery. This gives you enough rest to heal quickly and healthily.
When it comes to gynecomastia recovery, it is crucial to develop realistic expectations. You feel satisfied by knowing the outcomes of surgery and knowing what you should expect from your procedure. Following the liposuction and excision surgery for gynecomastia, you can expect bruising and swelling in your chest for up to two weeks.
The doctor may also insert drains in your chest to remove excess collected blood or fluids for nearly 24 to 48hours. Plus, you may need to wear a compression garment 24/7 during the initial three weeks following your surgery. After this time, you have to wear it for 12 hours every day for another two months. This helps in reducing swelling and delivering better outcomes.
As for exercise, you are not allowed to do any strenuous activity during the initial week after surgery. In the second week, you can start with light cardio exercises and, in the third week, your doctor may allow heavier activities. However, you should avoid doing any heavy workout for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Irrespective of the type of gynecomastia surgery, your recovery and final results take time to appear.
You have to be patient and give enough time and rest to allow optimal results. At first, your chest contours may look irregular. Don't panic; this is a temporary condition that resolves over time. Also, you should aim for natural-looking results, and no male has an entirely flat breast, so focus on becoming your best version and not something unnatural.
Your plastic surgeon will give you sleeping instructions depending on your particular condition. Follow your plastic surgeon’s advice. Try sleeping in a reclined position with a gentle slope for which you can use a pillow or a wedge.
Avoid sleeping on your belly or side for at least a few weeks, as it can put pressure on your sutures and wounds. Also, use a small support pillow to give support to your lower back while sleeping. If you feel uncomfortable in the middle of the night, get up and move around, as it helps in relieving uncomfortable feelings and will help you sleep.
Gynecomastia surgery can be a life-changing decision, but you have to be cautious while making the decision. Following the tips mentioned above can help you develop realistic expectations and be confident about your decision. You get a real boost to your confidence and self-image after the procedure.
Interested in plastic surgery in San Antonio? Call or text Alamo Plastic Surgery to set up your consultation for gynecomastia surgery.
