Is Swelling Normal 4 Weeks Post-Gynecomastia Treatment?

GynecomastiaMore and more men are getting plastic surgery. One procedure that has gained popularity in recent years is gynecomastia treatment or surgery to address enlarged male breasts. By effectively removing excess fat and glandular tissue, Male breast reduction in NYC provides men with a flatter, firmer and more masculine shape to the chest.

“Man boobs” or gynecomastia is one of the most distressing aesthetic concerns affecting many men. Male breast reduction provides an immediate improvement in chest contour and appearance, but each person’s healing process is unique. One patient expressed his concerns on the RealSelf platform, saying he can still feel some “hard, glandular like” tissue 4 weeks after his gynecomastia treatment. He had the procedure to address excess tissue in the left chest and wanted to know if this post-treatment swelling is normal. He wrote: “I wear my compression garment daily and nightly. Only take it off for short periods of time. If I squeeze down, I can still feel some “hard, glandular like” tissue”.

One expert surgeon explained that there is a range of how much extra breast and fat tissue there is as well as the quality of the overlying skin which will determine the appropriate course of action. After assessing the patient’s concern from the post-op pictures, the surgeon points out that he was probably a moderate grade gynecomastia patient, with no excessive skin laxity. In such patients, liposuction is an effective option for reducing the volume and shaping the contour of the chest. The surgeon advises “to allow some more time to pass” because some of the residual volume was due to swelling which would subside gradually. But if the patient still feels that the treatment area appears too big after enough time has passed, he recommends visiting his surgeon to discuss the reason for this.

The expert says he uses ultrasound (VASER) for the emulsification of the fat/breast tissue and radiofrequency (BodyTite) to tighten the skin. This is done under local anesthesia which is a safe, comfortable and effective way to do the operation.

The surgeon explains that the prolonged swelling in the case of this patient could be either not enough fat/breast tissue was removed, the subareolar (under the nipple) gland was not removed, or a combination of both, says the expert. He explains that, while other surgeons may stage the glandular excision at a second operation, he routinely addresses the gland by direct observation at the time of surgery and removes the amount of tissue that will provide the best possible contour.

When the procedure is done correctly for the right candidate, the results are almost immediate and the recurrence of the tissue is quite rare. In rare cases, when subsequent enlargement occurs, repeat reduction procedures may be required.

Another expert says that significant swelling is normal even at the 4 week stage and so wearing a compression garment is important. Compression should be used over the chest for four weeks to treat post-operative swelling and decrease the chances for blood and fluid collection.

Reliable plastic surgeons will perform a thorough evaluation to determine your candidature for the gynecomastia surgery. When it comes to recovery, you should have realistic expectations. You are likely to have swelling and bruising for at least two weeks following procedure. Drains will be needed for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. You will also need to wear a compression vest 24/7 for the first three weeks and then for 12 hours each day for the next two months to reduce post-op swelling and minimize risks for blood and fluid collection. Patients are advised to refrain from heavy lifting or straining for two weeks. Daily activities can be resumed gradually in the days after the surgery without going beyond your tolerance level. Most patients get back to work 2-3 days after surgery.

Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for the success of gynecomastia surgery. So, if you are considering male breast reduction in NYC, choose a reliable surgeon who is an expert in performing the procedure. In an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practices, you can expect end-to-end care and support all through the treatment.

Reliable plastic surgeons educate potential patients about the risks and benefits of the treatment as well as the results they can expect.