PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER OF NC

Gynecomastia
AFTER CARE

RECOVERY PHASE

Now that you’re through your Gynecomastia surgery, it’s time to focus on your wellness during the recovery phase. To download these recovery notes, click here.

Activity

  • Start walking as soon as possible, this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the risk of developing blood clots.
  • Do not drive until you have full range of motion with your arms and are no longer taking prescribed pain medication.
  • No heavy lifting (10 lbs or a gallon of milk) for 3-4 weeks after your surgery.

Reasons to Call

  • If you have increased swelling or bruising or swelling on only one side.
  • If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
  • If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
  • If you have an oral temperature greater than 100.4 degrees.
  • If you have any yellow or greenish drainage from your incisions or notice a foul odor.
  • If you have bleeding from your incisions that cannot be controlled with light pressure.
  • Call the office at 336-765-8620 if you have any questions, problems or concerns. Someone is on call 24 hours a day to assist you.

 

What to Expect

  • Post-operative pain is expected, but should not be severe.
  • Temporary bruising, swelling, soreness, and burning sensations are expected. Your arms may also be sore.
  • Swelling may take a few weeks to dissipate.
  • The surgical area may be numb for a time.
  • Most sutures are dissolvable, some will have to be removed in our office.
  • You may resume your normal diet as you feel able.

 

Wound Care/Dressings

  • You will have suture strips on your incisions. Please leave those on until you see us.
  • Keep incisions clean and dry. 
  • Wear your compression garment continuously until instructed otherwise.
  • Your incisions may weep blood tinged fluid, especially if liposuction was also used. This is normal.

 

Medications

  • Take pain medications as prescribed, if needed. They should take the edge off, but may not make you completely pain free.  Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve or Advil as these may increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.  You may take Tylenol instead of your pain medication, but do not take them together.

 

Bathing

  • You may shower in two days unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon.  No tub soaking while sutures are in place.

If you have any concerns or questions, call us at 336-765-8620. We have a doctor on call 24 hours a day.