Male Breast Surgery Discharge
AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS: GYNECOMASTIA
SHOWER: I recommend leaving your bandages and ace wrap in place for the first 3 days or until your follow up visit. If you feel like you need to clean up try sitting in the bath and use a washcloth on your upper body.When you shower after those 3 days, you can carefully remove the thick outer tape and gauze.
ICE: Please DO NOT use ice.Your skin is healing and compromised. Using heat or ice on the area can cause tissue damage which can prolong the healing process. Please protect that sensitive skin.
LAY LOW: An adult must stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.The effects of anesthesia can persist for that long and you are at an increased risk of falling. Stay safe. Heal well.
ACTIVITY: REST for the first 72 hours after surgery.Walk around, move frequently, but nothing strenuous for the first 3 days.The less energy you use the more your body can focus on healing.
COMPRESSION: You are wrapped up tight at the end of your surgery. If you are feeling nauseated or like you can’t take a deep breath or you can’t seem to get comfortable, try loosening the velcro on the white abdominal binder that is around you.We want it to be snug, but it doesn’t have to be so tight you are miserable.
– Once you have been in for your first post-op visit it is time to start experimenting with compression. Most people like to have some kind of compression for a month or two after surgery. It helps them feel ‘more secure’.You can use the vest we order for you, a compression tank top or anything that feels good. Suggested second stage compression: Amazon Compression Tank
SLEEP: Sleep however you are comfortable. Bed, recliner, lots of pillows, no pillows… Your body is excellent at knowing what is best during recovery from the injury of your surgery. Listen to it. Practice standing up straight.Work towards pulling your shoulders back and practice good posture.
DIET: You may not be hungry, this is normal. Eat small portions when you feel like eating. Remember in the first three days after surgery (at least) your body will retain fluid. Limit high salt foods, keep your rings off and do not obsess about what the scale says. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS. Staying hydrated will help with healing and it will help your bowels. If you’re concerned about constipation try a little milk of magnesia, fresh grapes or maybe a suppository. Other forms of medications can make bloating and nausea worse.
MEDICATIONS: Take it easy on the narcotic pain medications for the first 12 hours after surgery.Try rotating Ibuprofen or Tylenol with the pain medication. Adjust to lower doses of the narcotics over the first 3 days to maximize your progress.A little pain is normal and to be expected after surgery.
BLOOD CLOTS: The best way to prevent a blood clot is to move frequently, even while laying down. Signs of a blood clot include pain, heat, asymmetric swelling, and redness, usually in one of your legs/calves.
NAUSEA: Nausea is often a sign of low blood pressure, which is a normal response to both pain medication and the initial recovery phase after surgery. Laying down, elevating your legs on a couple of pillows and a cold compress can help ease the nausea.This sensation may come on suddenly, which is why we recommend LAYING LOW for the first 3 days.
DO NOT DRIVE: No driving for the first week after surgery. No driving for as long as you are taking pain medication.
NO SMOKING: This should go without saying.Any nicotine you were exposed to for a month before your surgery will hurt how well you heal. Smoking directly interferes with your result.