Male Breast Reduction Surgery Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE GYNECOMASTIA OR MALE BREAST REDUCTIONS SURGERY
1: You should fill your prescriptions before your Gynecomastia or male breast reduction surgery, including Extra Strength Tylenol. You may switch over to these when you no longer need the prescription pain medications.
2: Preparation for male breast reduction surgery is rather simple. Shower or bathe the night before. Do not use deodorant. Do not wear jewelry or contact lenses the morning of surgery. Remove any metal piercings such as earrings before coming to the office. Ask Dr. Diehl when you can replace your piercings. Wear dark, comfortable clothing (gym attire is appropriate) and flat, comfortable shoes. Shirts that button or zip in front is preferable to shirts you have to pull over your head.
3: Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum or candy) after midnight the night before surgery. You may brush your teeth and rinse with water and/or mouthwash.
4: Do not shave areas to be operated one week prior to your Gynecomastia surgery.
5: You may not drive home after your surgery. You cannot leave the office unescorted after your surgery. Do not plan to travel by public transportation (bus, train or taxi). Bring a pillow and a blanket for your comfort during your ride home.
6: You must have a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with you the night of your Gynecomastia surgery.
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER GYNECOMASTIA OR MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
1: Remembering that your male breast reduction surgery was done after you not eating or drinking since the night before, eat a light snack after your surgery. It is much more important to drink fluids (water, Gatorade, V-8, apple juice) if you are having trouble eating solids. Jell-O, chicken broth and toast are good starters.
2: If you have not urinated within six hours of your Gynecomastia surgery call Dr. Diehl.
3: Male breast reduction surgery is not very painful; mild soreness will be experienced. Prescription pain medications frequently cause nausea as a side effect. If so, cut back on them and try Extra Strength Tylenol alone, every 6 hours or call Dr. Diehl so that he can change your prescription pain medication to an alternate. Remember, people react differently to the various pain medications.
3: You must get up and walk around the house the night of your Gynecomastia surgery and several times a day to keep up the circulation in your legs.
4: Male breast reduction surgery can give your some temporary numbness, swelling and bruising in the surgical area which is a normal part of the recovery process. It is important that you do not apply heat or ice to the area.
5: Take your medications as prescribed.
6: For the next 24 hours: Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not make important decisions or sign any legal documents. Do not operate any mechanical or electrical equipment.
7: Your result from Gynecomastia surgery is best if you wear a garment. If you are instructed to wear an elastic garment, be sure it is not too tight and that it does not dig in or crease in the treated area as the surgery can give you some numbness for a short while.
8: You may shower 24 hours after your male breast reduction surgery. Do not sit in a tub to bathe - you do not want to soak the surgical sites. Apply band-aids to the sites and change them daily.
9: Dr. Diehl usually sees his Gynecomastia patients for a follow up in a few days after surgery.
10: If you have any questions call Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, located in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, Long Island at 631-476-7300.
To schedule a free consultation please call 631-476-7300
