Gynecomastia Recovery Time

Gynecomastia is a common condition that occurs in men of all ages. It is typically characterized by the enlargement or over-development of male breasts, and usually results from hormonal changes, excessive weight gain, drugs, or family history. The disorder is characterized by excessive localized fat or glandular tissue; it may present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts).

The most common side effects for the patient are emotional rather than physical; it is typical for the patient to experience a severe loss of self-confidence. The patient may feel so embarrassed that he even tries to hide his condition by avoiding activities that expose the chest, including intimate relations. Gynecomastia surgery is a viable option to correct this condition; the surgery reduces the size of the breast and enhances the chest contours. The gynecomastia plastic surgery is also referred to as reduction mammoplasty.

Recovery

Once the gynecomastia surgery is completed, the plastic surgeon wraps the chest in dressings and bandages to help support to new chest contours and reduce swelling. In some cases, temporary drains are placed under the skin to collect excess blood and fluid that accumulates as a result of the incisions. By the time the patient is allowed to leave the clinic, he and his caretaker will have received specific instructions about how to care for the operated area, how frequently to apply medication to the area or take painkillers and antibiotics orally, and the timeframe with which the follow-up appointments should be scheduled.

Despite the compression garment that the patient is required to wear following the surgery, he may still experience moderate to severe swelling and bruising. These symptoms can extend from the chest to the abdomen, and the bruise colors may vary greatly from purple, black, red, or even blue. Bruising diminishes after typically three or four days following the operation and continue to do so during the following week.

The skin coloration returns to normal within several weeks, but it is crucial that the patient does not obtain any sun exposure during this recovery time. Sun exposure to the affected area increases the possibility of permanent skin discoloration. Some experts recommend avoiding exposure to sun or tanning beds for roughly six weeks. Another major reason to avoid sun exposure is that it can cause prolonged swelling or scarring. The patient is advised to utilize a 30-SPF sunscreen for at least the first few months following the procedure.

The patient will typically experience swelling, and it can either be diffused or localized. If the swelling is localized or minimal, no treatment is required. If, however, the swelling is diffused, it can be treated with cold compresses for the first two days and warm compresses thereafter.

The surgeon will advise the patient on the length of time that the compression dressing should be used according to the severity of the surgery and the amount of bleeding and swelling that occurred. Sutures are typically removed within five days following the procedure. The compression dressing is most effective in the first week after the surgery, when the skin is most sensitive. However, a new compression dressing may be applied for an additional five days if the patient’s chest is still swollen during this timeframe.

The first 72 hours following the operation are the most critical, and the patient must rest at home during this time. He should avoid excessive physical activity. The patient can be seated and can move his wrists and elbows, but the movements of the shoulders should be extremely limited for the first days. Lateral movements of the arms are allowed, but vertical movements are completely prohibited during the first days following the procedure.

The patient is typically allowed to walk moderate distances and jog after two weeks, but extraneous exercise can only be started after three weeks have passed during the recovery period. Exercise can be progressively intensified after an additional two weeks. Any exercises involving the chest muscles or strenuous activity in the abdomen and back, including weightlifting, cannot occur until after four to five weeks.

It’s important to note that the patient may experience a temporary decrease in sensation of the operated area. However, most male patients find the temporary loss of sensation insignificant and the sensation returns after a year for most patients.

In patients where significant amounts of glandular tissue were removed, it is not uncommon to experience the phenomenon of spontaneous shrinking of the areola. In fact, the areola may decrease 10-50% of its original size following the procedure.

In some cases, the surgeon may advise the patient to massage the breast after one week in order to break down the accumulated scar tissue; the massage should be extremely gentle using the palm of the hand or the thumb and fingers. If the massage is painful, the patient is not advised to continue.

Each patient has a different experience when it comes to pain, and it may range from moderate to severe. If the patient experiences a lot of discomfort, the surgeon may prescribe oral medication in the form of painkillers. The patient should avoid any medications that were not prescribed by the plastic surgeon. Unbeknownst to the patient, some medications (like aspirin) may delay the healing process. Alcohol consumption should be decreased for the first week following surgery. Steroid usage should be stopped for approximately two weeks after the operation.

Some patients may experience depression or creasing of the nipple-areola complex after the surgery, but this is extremely uncommon. These complications will usually subside within three to six months, and it is most common in patients with diminished elasticity, like elderly patients.

It’s important to understand that the healing process is different for each individual, and the surgeon may change specifications of the recovery period based on the individual case. The patient is advised to follow all instructions given by the plastic surgeon and to attend all follow-up consultations with the plastic surgeon as originally scheduled. The first follow-up appointment should take place within five to seven days following the surgery. The surgeon will then monitor the healing process and remove the sutures and drains.

The results of the gynecomastia surgery are, in most cases, permanent. However, if the patient still has the condition that causes gynecomastia, it may appear again. For this reason, it is recommended that the patient avoids taking certain medications, especially steroids, and other activities that may result in significant weight gain. Regular diet and exercise is also important to maintain long-term results.
Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

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    Procedures

    Procedures

    PARS Plastic Surgery is located in Houston, Tx, and offers a wide range of different procedures. Whatever your personal goals or priorities might be, we have what it takes to provide you with professional, quality care.

    From a complete “mommy makeover” to non-surgical procedures, we are committed to helping you achieve results that completely change the way you approach life.

    Face

    Face

    We offer a number of different facial procedures. Facelifts can radically improve the look of your visage by boosting youthfulness and eliminating wrinkles. Botox is a convenient option that is quick and easy - with no surgery required. Lip augmentation is another popular service for adults of all ages.

    In addition, PARS Plastic Surgery can handle complex procedures such as rhinoplasties and eyelid surgeries.

    Body

    Body

    Improving your body-image has never been easier with a range of advanced cosmetic procedures. We offer tummy tuck procedures that can transform your confidence and your appearance. Our tummy tuck surgery is safe, reliable, and completely transformative. Liposuction is another excellent option for those who are pursuing better health with a lower weight.

    A butt augmentation procedure can also boost confidence levels, and we also offer a body lift procedure to keep everything looking tight and attractive.

    Breast

    Breast

    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that your breasts are an important priority for your self-esteem and your overall feeling of well-being. Our breast augmentation procedures are safe, easy, and extremely realistic. We can also provide a breast lift to give you a new lease on life.

    Additionally, we understand that a breast reduction surgery may be necessary to alleviate back pain and help you achieve your ideal body-image.

    Inverted nipples can easily be corrected at our clinic, and we also offer breast lift services so you can feel a new sense of confidence.

    Buttocks

    Buttocks

    We also specialize in a range of procedures centered around the buttocks. Our butt augmentation surgery can help you achieve excellent results. Whether you’re trying to turn heads or achieve a sense of self-assuredness for your own satisfaction, we can help you reach your personal body goals. Some of our most popular services include the Brazilian buttlift.

    Fat grafting is another popular service these days that we can provide you with. We’ll help you shape your body in ways that help you achieve joy when you look in the mirror. No job is too demanding for our professional clinic. A buttock lift is another excellent option that can help you feel more youthful and attractive. Extending down through the leg, we can also provide you with a thigh lift treatment that can give your legs a newfound sense of tightness and slimming.

    Men

    Men

    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that modern men are interested in a range of cosmetic procedures. We can help you deal with issues related to Gynecomastia by eliminating the fatty breast tissue you might have. We are also one of the most knowledgeable clinics when it comes to hair implants. If you’re dealing with hair loss, we can provide you with implants that can transform your image and re-establish your self-confidence.

    We also offer a range of facial products that can keep you looking younger for longer. At PARS Plastic surgery, we always stay up to date with the latest anti-aging technologies, treatments, and products. We can offer expert advice on how you can maintain your youthful visage. Finally, we can offer our male clients a range of botox treatments to help maintain and augment their appearance.

    Is Dr. Rojan Amjadi, M.D. qualified?

    Dr. Amjadi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He graduated with honors from the University of Texas, where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Amjadi then trained in plastic surgery at the Texas Medical Center at the University of Texas. In addition to these qualifications, Dr. Rojan is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American College of Surgeons, and many other organizations that represent plastic surgeons across the nation. Dr. Amjadi has been practicing since 1999. He is trained in the most modern, sophisticated surgical techniques in use today.

    Is the clinic properly sterilized?

    We adhere to very strict safety, sterilization, and infection control protocols at the PARS clinic. Our dedicated and diligent staff members will protect you at all times.

    Can anyone get cosmetic surgery?

    In order to maintain high safety standards, we ask that you complete a thorough medical exam before we begin your procedures. With this approach, we can make sure that you will be as safe as possible. We speak with you about your expectations and goals before assessing your medical history and determining the safest, most effective plan.

    What’s the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery?

    The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to reshape the body to improve self-esteem and create a more ideal self-image. On the other hand, the purpose of reconstructive surgery is to address disfigurement, defects, and other abnormalities. These issues may arise after accidents, surgeries to remove tumors, and things of that nature. Another big difference between these two types of surgery is the fact that cosmetic surgery is rarely covered by health insurance, while reconstructive surgery is usually covered.

    What can I expect when I recover from my cosmetic surgery?

    Your recovery experience depends on a number of factors. First of all, the type of procedure you choose may impact your recovery. Some procedures are less extensive and invasive than others, and you will likely experience an easier recovery period as a result. In addition, different patients recover in different ways. Some may require more or less pain medication than others. Your surgeon can prescribe the correct pain medications to help you overcome any discomfort. The good news is that virtually all facial cosmetic procedures involve easy recovery periods.

    How does Botox work?

    Botox injections are designed to reduce or remove visible signs of aging. The most common targets are hyper-functional lines - commonly known as “wrinkles.” These lines result from the contraction of underlying facial musculature, and Botox is effective because it temporarily weakens these muscles and prevents them from contracting. Botox does this without affecting the sensory feeling in these muscles. Botox may take up to 7 days to take full effect, although some patients notice considerable results in as little as 24 hours.

    How do I choose the right size for my breast implants?

    Choosing the right size for your new breast implants is an important decision. The choice is obviously based heavily on your own personal desires and tastes. On the other hand, you also need to take into account a number of additional factors. You might need to consider things like whether you have breastfed heavily in the past, and how this has affected your breasts. Remember, you can also receive cosmetic surgery to make breasts smaller. You can even receive surgery to change the general shape of the breasts without necessarily changing their size.

    How long do I need to take off work?

    You may need to take some time off work after undergoing your cosmetic procedure. Your surgeon will speak with you and let you know how long you need to fully recuperate. In general, most patients should rest for at least a week after receiving cosmetic surgery (less invasive procedures like Botox shouldn’t require any time off work).

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