Aftercare

Gynaecomastia Surgery: Aftercare Instructions

Medically reviewed by Dr. Khalid Almutairi, Consultant Plastic Surgeon — last reviewed 2026-08-28

Recovery after gynaecomastia surgery depends on whether treatment involved liposuction, gland excision, skin removal, or a combination of techniques.

Your personalised postoperative instructions always take priority over general guidance.

What to expect

During the first days and weeks after surgery, it is normal to experience:

• Chest swelling.
• Bruising.
• Tightness.
• Mild to moderate discomfort.
• Temporary numbness or altered nipple sensation.
• Firm areas beneath the skin.
• Mild temporary asymmetry.

Judging the result

Swelling can make the chest look uneven during early recovery. The final result should not be judged immediately after surgery.

Compression garment

A compression vest or garment is commonly recommended following gynaecomastia surgery. Wear it according to your surgeon's instructions. Compression may help:

• Reduce swelling.
• Support the skin.
• Minimise fluid accumulation.
• Improve comfort.
• Encourage the tissues to adapt to the new chest contour.

Garment fit

The garment should be supportive but should not cause excessive pain, skin discolouration, or difficulty breathing.

Dressings and incisions

Keep dressings clean and dry. Do not remove surgical tape, adhesive dressings, or skin glue unless instructed.

A small amount of blood staining on the dressing can occur during the early postoperative period.

Do not apply creams, oils, antiseptics, or scar products to an open incision unless specifically prescribed.

Drains

Some patients require temporary surgical drains, particularly when larger amounts of tissue or skin have been removed. If drains are present:

• Keep them securely supported.
• Avoid pulling or twisting the tubing.
• Record drainage amounts if requested.
• Empty them as instructed.

Drain removal

Drain removal is determined by the amount and character of drainage.

Showering

Showering may be allowed once your surgeon confirms that your wounds and dressings permit it.

Avoid bathing, swimming, hot tubs, and sea water until all incisions are completely healed.

Activity

Gentle walking is encouraged soon after surgery. During early recovery avoid:

• Heavy lifting.
• Push-ups.
• Bench press.
• Chest exercises.
• Pull-ups.
• Strenuous upper-body training.
• Running and high-impact exercise.
• Activities that create significant chest stretching.

Returning to exercise

Exercise should be resumed gradually after clearance.

Arm movement

Normal gentle arm movement is usually encouraged, but avoid excessive stretching or repeated overhead activity during the early healing period.

If skin removal has been performed, movement restrictions may be more significant.

Sleeping

Sleeping on your back is generally recommended during the initial recovery period.

Slight elevation of the upper body may reduce swelling and improve comfort.

Avoid sleeping directly on the chest until it is comfortable and you have been cleared to do so.

Swelling and firmness

Swelling may remain noticeable for several weeks.

Areas of firmness or lumpiness can occur as the tissues heal and should usually soften progressively.

In some cases, postoperative massage may be recommended, but this should only be started if specifically advised.

Nipple sensation

Temporary numbness, tingling, hypersensitivity, or reduced sensation around the nipple and areola can occur.

Sensation may continue to change for several months. Some sensory changes can occasionally be permanent.

Scar care

Scar treatment should begin only after the wounds have fully healed. Depending on the incision and healing pattern, your surgeon may recommend:

• Silicone gel.
• Silicone sheets.
• Scar massage.
• Sun protection.
• Other scar-management treatment.

Scar maturation

Scars typically continue to mature for many months.

Returning to work

Return to work depends on the type of procedure and the physical demands of your occupation.

Desk-based work is generally resumed earlier than work involving lifting, manual labour, or strenuous upper-body activity.

When can I drive?

Do not drive while taking sedating pain medication. Before returning to driving, you should be able to:

• Move your arms comfortably.
• Turn the steering wheel quickly.
• Perform an emergency manoeuvre.
• Wear a seatbelt without significant pain.

Contact the surgical team urgently if you develop

Rapid one-sided swelling may represent a haematoma and requires urgent assessment. Seek assessment without delay for:

• Rapid enlargement or swelling of one side of the chest.
• Significant bleeding.
• Severe or progressively worsening pain.
• Increasing redness or warmth.
• Pus or foul-smelling drainage.
• Persistent fever.
• Wound opening.
• Significant darkening or unusual colour change of the nipple or skin.
• Increasing shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Significant calf pain or leg swelling.
• Sudden deterioration in your general condition.

Final results

The chest continues to change as swelling resolves and the skin settles.

Although improvement may be visible early, the final chest contour usually becomes clearer over the following months.

Minor differences between the two sides are normal, and perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.

Maintaining a stable body weight and avoiding medications, hormones, anabolic steroids, or other substances associated with gynaecomastia may help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Follow-up

Attend all scheduled postoperative appointments. Follow-up allows assessment of:

• Wound healing.
• Swelling.
• Nipple circulation.
• Scar maturation.
• Chest symmetry.
• Skin contraction.
• Residual glandular tissue.
• Overall contour.

Between appointments

Any concern that develops between scheduled visits should be reported rather than waiting for the next appointment.