Post-Surgery Recommendations from Dr Michael Kernohan
Have you ever wondered what it takes to recover smoothly after gynaecomastia surgery?
Gynaecomastia is a procedure that reduces excess breast tissue in men. While the surgery itself is a significant step, the recovery phase is equally important. Proper recovery ensures that the results of the surgery are optimised and that you return to your daily activities as quickly as possible.
Whether you’re about to have the procedure or are in the midst of recovery, in this blog, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan will help you understand what to expect and how to take care of yourself during recovery after gynaecomastia.
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An Overview of Immediate Post-Surgery Care
Hospital Stay
Monitoring: After your surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where medical staff will monitor your vital signs and overall condition. You may feel groggy from the anaesthesia and experience some discomfort.
Discharge: Most patients are allowed to go home the same day. However, an overnight stay might be required depending on your individual case and how you respond to the procedure and anaesthesia.
Initial Recovery Steps
Rest: Rest is crucial in the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Your body needs time to start the healing process. Arrange a comfortable spot at home where you can rest and recover without disturbances.
Pain Management: Pain and discomfort are normal after surgery. Dr Kernohan will prescribe pain medications to help manage this. Take these medications exactly as directed to stay ahead of the pain.
Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the chest area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth and apply it for 15-20 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day during the initial days of recovery.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Hydration helps with overall recovery and can reduce the risk of complications.
Avoid Straining: Avoid any activities that require straining or heavy lifting. Straining can put pressure on your surgical site and impede the healing process.
Medications
Antibiotics: If Dr Kernohan prescribes antibiotics, take them exactly as directed to prevent infection.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be used, but only if Dr Kernohan approves them. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Wound Care
Dressings: Keep your surgical dressings clean and dry. Follow Dr Kernohan’s instructions on when and how to change them.
Showering: You may need to avoid showering for the first few days. When you do shower, follow Dr Kernohan’s instructions to keep the incision site dry and protected.
Monitoring for Complications
Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the incision sites. Fever is also a sign to watch for. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Dr Kernohan immediately.
Swelling and Bruising: Some swelling and bruising are normal, but if you experience severe or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice from Dr Kernohan’s rooms.
At-Home Recovery Tips
Rest and Relaxation
Create a Comfortable Space: Set up a comfortable recovery area at home. Make sure you have a supportive chair or bed with plenty of pillows to keep your upper body elevated. This position helps reduce swelling and improves breathing.
Limit Visitors: While support is important, try to limit the number of visitors during the initial recovery phase to ensure you get adequate rest.
Activity Restrictions
Avoid Strenuous Activities: For the first few weeks, avoid activities that strain your chest muscles, such as heavy lifting, intense exercise, or any movements that could impact your healing.
Light Walking: Light walking around your home is encouraged to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots. Gradually increase your activity level based on Dr Kernohan’s advice.
Follow Instructions: Stick to the activity guidelines provided by Dr Kernohan. He will give you a timeline for when you can resume various activities, including returning to work and exercise.
Diet and Nutrition
Balanced Diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the healing process. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for overall recovery and helps maintain healthy skin and tissues.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Refrain from consuming alcohol and smoking, as these can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
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Tips for Managing Swelling and Bruising during Gynaecomastia Recovery
Compression Garments
Importance: Wearing a compression garment is essential in managing swelling and supporting the healing process after gynaecomastia surgery.
Usage: Wear your compression garment as instructed by Dr Kernohan. Typically, this means wearing it continuously, except when showering.
Fit: Ensure the garment fits snugly but not too tight. It should provide support without causing discomfort or restricting circulation.
Cold Compresses
Application: Use cold compresses to help reduce swelling and minimise bruising. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the chest area.
Duration: Apply the cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially during the first week post-surgery.
Frequency: Regular application, particularly in the first 48 hours, can significantly reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
Elevation
Sleeping Position: Keep your upper body elevated while resting and sleeping. Use extra pillows to prop yourself up in a semi-reclined position.
Daytime Resting: Maintain an elevated position even during the day when you’re resting. This helps in reducing swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the chest area.
Gentle Activity
Light Walking: Engage in light walking around your home to promote blood circulation. This helps reduce swelling and prevents blood clots.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: Steer clear of heavy lifting, intense exercise, or any activities that put strain on your chest muscles until Dr Kernohan gives the go-ahead.
Avoid Heat
Hot Showers and Baths: Avoid hot showers, baths, and other sources of heat like heating pads on your chest. Heat can increase swelling and bruising.
Saunas and Steam Rooms: Stay away from saunas and steam rooms until Dr Kernohan give his approval, as the heat can exacerbate swelling.
Monitoring and Adjusting
Watch for Changes: Keep an eye on your swelling and bruising. It’s normal for these to peak around 48-72 hours post-surgery and then gradually improve.
Consult Dr Kernohan: If you notice any unusual or severe swelling, bruising, or pain, contact Dr Kernohan immediately. He can provide guidance or adjust your care plan if necessary.
Recommendations for Caring for Incisions
Cleaning and Dressing
Keep Incisions Clean: Follow Dr Kernohan’s instructions for cleaning your incisions. Typically, you should gently wash the area with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing the incisions.
Changing Dressings: Change your dressings as directed by Dr Kernohan. Ensure your hands are clean before touching the incision area or dressings.
Sterile Environment: Use sterile gauze or bandages to cover your incisions. This helps prevent infection and keeps the area clean.
Showering
Timing: Dr Kernohan will advise when it is safe to shower, usually within a few days post-surgery.
Technique: When showering, let water run gently over the incision sites. Avoid direct water pressure on the incisions.
Drying: Pat the incision areas dry with a clean towel. Do not rub the incisions, as this can cause irritation.
Avoiding Irritation
Loose Clothing: Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritating the incisions. Tight or rough fabrics can cause friction and delay healing.
Avoid Creams and Ointments: Unless prescribed by Dr Kernohan, avoid applying creams, lotions, or ointments to the incision sites. These can introduce bacteria or interfere with healing.
Monitoring for Infection
Signs to Watch: Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the incision sites. Fever is also a common sign of infection.
Action: If you notice any signs of infection, contact Dr Kernohan immediately for advice and possible treatment.
Protecting Incisions
Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep your incisions out of direct sunlight to prevent scarring. Once healed, use sunscreen on the scar area if it will be exposed to the sun.
No Submersion: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths until Dr Kernohan confirms that your incisions are fully healed. Submerging the incisions in water can increase the risk of infection.
Stitch Care
Follow-Up: Attend all follow-up appointments to have your stitches checked and removed when and if necessary. Dr Kernohan will provide specific instructions based on the type of stitches used.
Self-Dissolving Stitches: If your stitches are self-dissolving, they will fall out on their own. Do not pull at them; let them come out naturally.
FAQs about Recovery after Gynaecomastia Surgery
How long does the recovery process take?
Recovery time varies from person to person, but generally, you can return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery, including final results, can take up to several months to a year. Factors such as age, overall health, adherence to post-operative care, and the extent of the surgery can influence recovery time.
When can I return to work?
Depending on the nature of your job, you may be able to return to work within a week. If your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activities, you might need to take more time off, as advised by Dr Kernohan. Desk jobs or light duties can typically be resumed sooner, but always follow Dr Kernohan’s specific recommendations.
Is it normal to feel numbness around the incision area?
Yes, it is normal to experience some numbness around the incision sites. This usually improves over time as the nerves heal. The numbness can last several weeks to a few months, depending on your body’s healing process. If numbness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult Dr Kernohan.
Can I drive after surgery?
You should avoid driving for at least a week after surgery or until you are no longer taking prescription pain medications that could impair your ability to drive. Ensure you feel comfortable with the range of motion and can react quickly before getting behind the wheel. Always follow Dr Kernohan’s advice regarding when it’s safe to drive.
What kind of support garments should I wear?
Dr Kernohan will recommend wearing a compression garment specifically designed for post-surgical support. Follow his advice on when and how long to wear it. These garments help reduce swelling, support healing tissues, and improve comfort during recovery. You’ll need to wear the garment for several weeks as instructed by Dr Kernohan.
Further Reading about Gynaecomastia with Dr Michael Kernohan
Dr Michael Kernohan MBBS, MSc, BDS, MRCS, FDSRCS, FRCS(Plast), FRACS (Plast
Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly experienced Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, fully qualified in both Australia and the UK. He has had extensive training, holding qualifications in both dentistry and medicine. His training path has taken him around the world acquiring skills from some of the world’s best surgeons.