07 April, 2025 by
Dr. Sachin Rajpal
Gynecomastia Surgery Before & After Tips – Patient Guide for Best Results in Delhi

Introduction
Male breast enlargement or gynecomastia can be painful, embarrassing, and emotionally devastating. To those who want to eradicate it, male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery is an effective procedure. Planning and Postop care prior to and following the surgery before and after it must, however, be followed in order to achieve the optimal outcome.
As a plastic surgeon, patient education on gynecomastia surgery before and after ensures recovery and successful results. The below step-by-step guide includes helpful tips to help patients navigate the process.
Preparation for Gynecomastia Surgery: Tips
Choose an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with gynecomastia surgery experience is necessary. Choose a surgeon with:-
- Provable experience with male breast reduction surgeries.
- Celebrity patient testimonials and before-and-after photos.
- Personalized consultation and treatment plan.
Get a Detailed Consultation
At consultation:
- Discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and desire.
- Perform a physical exam to assess the severity of gynecomastia.
- Your surgeon may recommend additional tests to rule out hormonal imbalance or any underlying medical condition.
Stay Healthy
Healthy lifestyle before surgery will help in healing and long-term result:-
- Take a well-balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and water.
- Stay away from alcohol and sodium-intake foods that cause swelling.
- Keep good exercise to be stable weight.
Giving up Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are harmful and can impair healing as well as develop complications. Avoid smoking and alcohol intake at least two weeks, or better still, one month before surgery.
Refrain from Certain Medication and Supplements
Certain medications and supplements also carry the risk of causing bleeding and must be discontinued two weeks before surgery, including:-
- Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.).
- Thinning blood medications (consult your doctor as alternatives exist).
- Herbal supplements like ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and fish oil.
Plan Post-Surgery Care
The patients need a home ride and assistance with activity during the day for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Resting and relaxing are essential in the initial phase of recovery.
Establish a Recovery Space
Establish a nice recovery space at home with:-
- Additional pillows to sleep higher (less swelling).
- Frequent access to pain medication, water, and access to post-op materials.
- Loose-fitting garments that do not necessitate lifting arms over the head.
Post-Gynecomastia Surgery: Instructions & Recovery Suggestions
Adhere Strictly to Post-Surgical Guidelines
Individualized post-operative guidelines are provided for each patient. These should be adhered to strictly for ease of recuperation and best results.
Pain and Discomfort Management
Some tenderness or dull to moderate pain, which can possibly be alleviated with:
- Medicated prescription-strength pain medication or over-the-counter pain medication (from the surgeon).
- Cold compressing to regulate bruising and swelling.
- Moderation of extreme movements with the tendency to hyper extend repairing tissues.
Compression Garment
One wears a compression garment for four to six weeks to:-
- Reduce swelling and fluid buildup.
- Tighten healing tissues and maintain surgical result.
- Facilitate skin retraction over the breast tissue.
Rest and Restrict Physically Strenuous Activities
One needs to rest sufficiently but also have some minimal exercise to prevent blood clots.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise for a minimum of three to four weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting, weight training, and overdo cardio exercises for four to six weeks.
- Resume normal activities as directed by the surgeon.
Monitor for Complication Signs
Although rare, the patient should report to his surgeon at once under any of the following circumstances:-
- Unusual bleeding or swelling.
- Indication of infection (bad smelling discharge, redness, pus, or fever).
- Unmanageable pain.
- Severe numbness or pain in the chest.
Proper Hydration & Nutrition
Nourishment accelerates healing and inflammation reduction. Prioritize:-
- Drinking lots of water to remain hydrated.
- Eat vegetables, fruits, and lean protein to provide nutrients to healing tissues.
- Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and salt to minimize bloating.
Sleep Elevation
To reduce swelling and improve circulation:-
- Sleep with the upper body and head raised during the first one to two weeks.
- Side sleeping or stomach sleeping is not performed until clearance from the surgeon.
Endure the healing process
Improvement is noticed in a few weeks, with optimum effects seen after three to six months. Some asymmetry and swelling should be apparent when healing begins.
- Temporary numbness or change in sensation in the chest.
- Final definition and tightening over a period of time.
Long-Term Tips to Ensure Longevity of Results
- Firm weight: Refrain from gaining extra weight, as it can adversely affect the procedure’s success.
- Exercise on a regular basis: Following the healing process, utilize chest-developing exercises in order to provide a flat, defined look.
- Avoid use of anabolic steroid and hormone supplements: They induce repeated instances of gynecomastia.
- Follow-up: Repeated follow-ups with your plastic surgeon ensure long-term satisfaction and success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I return to work after the operation?
Most patients can return to non-correcting work within seven days. Physical labor work will take longer.
For how long does postoperative swelling last?
Swelling is most common for the first two weeks but will reduce in the subsequent three to six months.
Will the outcome of gynecomastia surgery be permanent?
Yes, gynecomastia surgery is permanent if patients have stable weight and do not have hormonal imbalance.
Is scarring from gynecomastia surgery noticeable?
Scars are well planned so that scarring is kept at an all-time low, and scars fade away with time as long as they are taken care of.
When can I work out after gynecomastia surgery?
The patient can walk within a few days but should avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks.
Conclusion
Surgical correction of gynecomastia is a life-changing operation that can potentially restore comfort and self-esteem in men with breast tissue enlargement. Adequate preoperative preparation for the operation and ideal postoperative convalescence are essential to achieve the best result. Adherence to these before-and-after care guidelines allows patients to experience an uneventful course, few complications, and long-term success.
As a plastic surgeon, effective communication with your patients enhances the optimal healing, satisfaction, and quality of life after gynecomastia surgery.