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Gynecomastia Patient Information - ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS: Do not smoke for 48 hours after your breast reduction surgery to prevent coughing and bleeding. Do not drink alcohol for 5 days after gynecomastia surgery, or while you are taking the pain medication. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could cause bleeding, and mixing pain medication and alcohol is dangerous. You may drive a car with power steering after one week, if you are no longer taking pain medication. Do not raise your arms above your shoulders for 2 weeks, and DO NOT CARRY ANY HEAVY WEIGHTS, BAGS OR PACKAGES for 4 weeks. For these purposes, anything weighing more than 10 pounds is considered a heavy weight. MASSAGE: Some breast reduction patients experience post-operative scarring within the breast tissue or "hard spots." Some patients may feel an edge around the areola. Massage may aid in the resolution of these conditions. If you have areas in your chest that are more swollen and hard than others, approximately 10 days after gynecomastia surgery, you may begin to massage them if it feels comfortable to you. You can massage gently with your hands and/or with a rolling pin, you can use a massage oil, moisturizing lotion or cream, or you may visit a massage therapist. We can provide you with the name of a massage therapist experienced with post-surgery patients. HERBAL REMEDIES: Some gynecomastia patients report that arnica contributes to a reduction in bruising or swelling, resulting in reduced discomfort and edema, and improved healing. Ask us if you wish assistance in locating a source of arnica. Take arnica orally according to manufacturer's instructions on the packaging. POST-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENTS: It is important to see Dr. Zevon as scheduled after male breast reduction surgery. If you have drains, they will be removed during the first few days after your surgery. If you have sutures around the areola, they will be removed approximately 7 days after gynecomastia surgery. Remaining sutures below the skin will stay in for 2-3 weeks. Check your post-operative instructions for your first appointment. If you don't have an appointment, call (212) 496-6600, tell the receptionist the date you had male breast reduction surgery and she will schedule your post-operative appointment. At each post-operative appointment, Dr. Zevon will advise you how soon the next one should be scheduled. Continue reading gynecomastia surgery patient information Pre-operative Instructions |
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