Gynecomastia

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Instructions

Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
Get plenty of rest.
Follow a balanced diet. Please continue to drink several glasses of water per day after surgery.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or Ibuprofen or any products containing NSAIDs (stop takin 2 week before procedure). You may take Tylenol with narcotic pain medication or in place of narcotic pain medication for mild pain
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
The pain medicine may cause constipation. Remember to stay hydrated and take a stool softener to prevent constipation.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for 48 hours before surgery and 48 hours after surgery.

You may shower after 72 hours following your surgery IF you do not have drains.
Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Avoid strenuous exercise and activities for 4-6 weeks or until released by Dr Parikh.
Expect to wear a compression vest for 24 hours per day for 4 weeks, and 12 hours per day for 2 additional weeks.

If drainage tube(s) have been placed, please see separate drain care handout with more detailed instructions.
Leave steri-strips in place for 2 weeks. We will help remove clear plastic dressings during your follow-up visits.
Your sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
Once incisions have fully healed (about 4 weeks) we recommend starting a silicone topical therapy to improve scar appearance. We recommend Silagen products (100% medical grade silicone gel or sheeting) and carry Silagen in our office.

Postoperative pain is minimal.
Your chest will be wrapped with ace wraps for compression immediately after surgery. You will also be wearing a compression garment.
There will be swelling and discoloration. As your initial swelling resolves in about 2 weeks, you’ll need to tighten your compression vest. Expect that over the 2-3 weeks after surgery you will need to adjust the straps on your vest to increase the compression.
There may be numbness around the operative areas. This is temporary and will go away within the next couple of months.

A temperature greater than 101 degrees.
A sudden increase in drainage, pain, or swelling at the incision site or the surrounding area.
If you have persistent vomiting, have a pharmacy number so a script can be called in.
Any questions regarding your care.

You may contact Dr. Parikh directly if you experience an urgent question or concern after hours.