Knowing how to prepare for gynecomastia surgery is one of the best ways to ensure a successful procedure. As the surgery date approaches, you want the process to be smooth while minimizing stress.
Here are some points to think about as you get ready to have your excess breast growth reduced. For additional questions about gynecomastia and how to prepare for Gynecomastia surgery, call our gynecomastia center at +1-310-694-4486 for further information.
What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Before we get to know how to prepare for Gynecomastia surgery, we should probably define the procedure we’re preparing for.
Male breast reduction surgery is otherwise referred to as male breast reduction surgery. It’s for men who grow excess breast tissue.
Believe it or not, this is a common condition that can affect up to half of all men at some point in their lives. Newborns, pubescent boys, and older men can all experience the condition for one reason or another.
The primary reason for gynecomastia developing is a hormone imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. The male-dominated ailment can also be caused by medications and underlying health conditions.
Gyno surgery helps to remove the excess skin, breast tissue, and fat when other medical means have failed to adequately treat the condition.
A form of cosmetic surgery, gynecomastia procedures are customized for each patient.
An experienced cosmetic surgeon will assess each patient to determine the proper course of action. The goal of any gynecomastia surgical plan is to achieve the desired look the patient expects. This could be achieved through liposuction, tissue excision, and surgical adjustment to the areola.
If asymmetry exists, the surgeon will take action to ensure both breasts are of comparable size.
What is the Purpose of Gyno Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is elective cosmetic surgery. The aim of the procedure is to reduce the size of the chest while simultaneously improving its appearance.
Overdeveloped breast tissue in men can cause psychological trauma. By improving the chest contours and creating a more masculine effect, surgery can have dramatic effects on a male’s self-esteem.
Gyno surgery can also make some physical activities more comfortable if the enlarged breast tissue causes rubbing, chafing, or unpleasant bouncing.
How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Before you can have surgery, you must be evaluated by a qualified Gynecomastia surgeon. Here is what your journey may look like as you move from the consideration stage to the date of your procedure.
Medical Evaluation
The first step to taking action on finally doing something about your overdeveloped breast tissue is to schedule a consultation with a gynecomastia surgeon.
During this one-on-one, private meeting, you will be evaluated medically. This will include a physical evaluation to ensure you are generally healthy with no underlying conditions.
To adequately prepare for this meeting, you can arrange to have your previous health records be sent from your doctor or specialist to your surgeon’s office. This can expedite the process, as your medical history can help to determine your candidacy for male breast growth surgery.
Lab Testing
As part of your assessment, you may be prescribed a blood draw and other lab tests. The tests could involve X-rays or other imaging technology. This helps to determine the state of your health and the presence of conditions that could pose risks for gynecomastia patients.
Stop Smoking
Smoking tobacco can wreak havoc on your body in a number of ways. It slows circulation and depletes your blood of oxygen. This can both make gynecomastia surgery dangerous and diminish healing afterward.
To avoid problems both during and after surgery, the gynecomastia surgeon will recommend that you quit smoking at least two months in advance. This can give your body enough time to heal after smoking your final cigarette, making surgery safer and ensuring safety during the healing process.
Stop Taking Certain Medications/Supplements
As another aspect of the assessment, the surgeon wants to know that you aren’t ingesting anything that could interfere with the drugs used during surgery. Examples include anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, Vitamin E, and some herbal supplements.
A Gynecomastia Diagnosis
Once your assessment is complete, the surgeon will know more about your condition and your candidacy for the procedure.
The surgeon will know the type of gynecomastia you suffer from.
This accurate gynecomastia diagnosis helps to determine if the fullness in your chest is due to an excess of breast tissue, too much fat, or a combination of both breast tissue and fat. The surgeon will also look at the areolar region to determine if loose skin needs to be removed.
The surgeon is then better prepared to provide you with a recommended treatment plan that could include tissue excision, liposuction, a combination of both, and areolar repositioning.
Choose the Right Gynecomastia Surgeon
One of the best ways to prepare for Gynecomastia surgery procedure is to choose the right surgeon for the job.
The best gyno surgeon will be a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with years of experience treating the condition of excessive breast growth.
When you schedule a consultation with the surgeon on how to prepare for Gynecomastia surgery, gauge how you feel in the doctor’s presence. Is there rapport between you? More importantly, are your questions about how to prepare for Gynecomastia surgery answered in a satisfactory way? By speaking with the surgeon in a face-to-face meeting, you can determine if the professional understands the underlying causes of gynecomastia, how to prepare for Gynecomastia surgery and the effects the condition has on your life.
The bottom line comes down to: do you trust the surgeon to give you a flatter, more masculine chest?
If after the consultation, you feel good about the gynecomastia surgeon performing your procedure, the next step is to schedule the surgery date and prepare for Gynecomastia surgery.
Don’t be afraid to schedule consultations with several doctors until you find the one you are most comfortable with and who can answer your questions on how to prepare for Gynecomastia surgery.
You should also ask to see Before and After photographs of actual gynecomastia patients to ensure the doctor has the artistry required to provide the expected (and realistic) results.
Get as Close to Your Ideal Weight as Possible
The best results from man boob surgery occur when the patient is close to his ideal weight.
Once the date of surgery is scheduled, this is the time to ramp up your diet and exercise regimen.
You can do this by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Limit the amount of sugar you consume and reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages.
For exercise, commit to thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three times weekly. Don’t forget to stretch and drink plenty of water to keep yourself injury-free.
You can get a combination of cardio and strength training workouts by searching YouTube, joining your local gym, and stocking your garage with weights, bands, or kettlebells.
You might find that getting in shape resolves your gynecomastia issue entirely, without the need for surgery.
At any rate, upping your diet and fitness routine will boost your overall health. The healthier you are, the better you’ll fare during surgery, and the faster you’ll heal afterward.
Create a Realistic Exercise Plan
This may not be your goal, but most men who seek out gynecomastia surgery covet a toned and fit chest. While you’re preparing for surgery, start thinking about how you’ll work your chest afterward.
Get help from fitness professionals if need be. Once you have been cleared for exercise, you can finally start crafting the chest you want, with masculine contours, and without excess skin, breast tissue, or flab.
Fill Any Prescription Medications You Might Need
Remember this tip about prescription meds and you’ll thank yourself later. Before you arrive at the gynecomastia surgical center, make sure you fill any prescriptions you might need during your recovery period. Doing so will take the stress off you during a time when being relaxed is critical for fast healing and stellar results.
Complete Home and Work-Related Tasks in Advance
The last thing you’ll want to do while healing from surgery is laundry. Plan to have all laundry, cleaning, and other chores done by the day of your male gyno procedure. That way, you can arrive home on the same day of surgery to a clean house.
Recovering in a clean house is good for your mental health and self-esteem. After surgery, you might find yourself feeling a tad depressed. This is a normal reaction to surgery and is temporary. However, sitting in a dirty house while having the post-surgical blues is a recipe for disaster.
Instead, clean up and, while you’re at it, decorate your home with things that may cheer you up whenever you feel down.
Lastly, cleaning your home ahead of time will ensure your walkways are clear of debris. Tripping over a cord or stray toy from the kids’ toy box can damage your surgical results if you manage to fall wrong. Pick up the clutter and try to Nerf your home as best you can so you can recover safely from surgery.
Follow Your Gynecomastia Surgeon’s Care Guidelines
There are certain things your gynecomastia surgeon will advise you to avoid as the day of surgery approaches.
This list of items could include:
- Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs for at least 10 days before surgery.
- Vitamin E and C supplements, as well as herbal remedies for at least 15 days prior to surgery.
- Sun tanning for at least two weeks prior to surgery.
- Blood thinners and other medications as advised by your gynecomastia surgeon.
- Alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery.
- Eating and drinking at least eight hours before surgery.
If you are a diabetic patient, your condition will be reviewed on the morning of surgery to determine if going through with the male breast reduction is safe.
You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes on the day of surgery. As an added tip, wear front-open tops and loose pants or shorts.
Get Someone to Drive You Home from the Surgical Center
Most gynecomastia patients go home the day of surgery. You should plan to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment.
If you live alone, plan to have someone stay with you for at least 24-hours following the male gyno surgery. The caretaker can help with household chores, after-care recovery, and keeping you company as you heal.
Clear Your Schedule
Do your best to reschedule all major appointments for some time after your gynecomastia procedure. This will give you time to heal and recover. How much time is needed will depend on the type of surgery and your body’s ability to heal.
You might find that a week away from work is sufficient, but two weeks might be better for labor-intensive jobs and those that require lots of time on your feet.
During the gynecomastia surgery recovery period, do your best to take it easy. Avoid exercise and physically taxing activities for at least a few weeks after your procedure. Your cosmetic surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to resume your regular activities.
Get Improved Chest Contours with Surgery
Find out if you’re a suitable candidate for male breast reduction surgery by filling the form below or calling us at +1-310-694-4486.
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Dr.Babak Moeinolmolki
LA Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Moein is board-certified by the American Board of General Surgery.