Gynecomastia Correction Pre & Post Operative Instructions

Follow these Gynecomastia Correction Pre and Post Operative Instructions for optimal results from your surgical procedure.

Please Read First

The information on this page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for gynecomastia correction surgery. For complete instructions—including specific timelines, medication details, and aftercare protocols—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below. These serve as your primary reference for a safe and successful recovery.

General Anesthesia Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions Video

Gynecomastia Post-Op Instruction Videos

Incision Care Instructions

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: No food or drink (including water, mints, or gum) for 8 hours prior to surgery.

Transportation: A responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you overnight. Rideshare services are not permitted.

Medications: Discontinue aspirin, NSAIDs, anticoagulants, and herbal supplements (e.g., vitamin E, fish oil, garlic) as directed (typically 2–3 weeks prior).

Lifestyle Adjustments: Cease smoking (including e-cigarettes) at least 4 weeks before surgery and limit alcohol for at least 2 weeks.

Day of Surgery:

Shower the night before or morning of surgery.
Do not apply lotions, perfumes, or skincare products.
Remove all jewelry and leave valuables at home.
Wear loose, front-opening clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head.

Suggested Supplies:

Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Compression vest or garment
Gauze or light absorbent pads (in case of drainage)

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Management: Use Tylenol as directed. Narcotic pain medication and anti-nausea medication (Zofran) may be prescribed.

Antibiotics: Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve. Optional: Sinnech (Arnica Montana) may be taken to reduce swelling and bruising

Mobility: Begin gentle walking the day after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Driving: Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients can resume driving safely after 1–2 weeks once they are off narcotics, have good arm mobility, and feel safe controlling the car. Avoid long drives or manual-shift driving for about 3 weeks.

Compression Garment: Wear continuously for 4–6 weeks, removing only for showers or washing the garment.

Showering: Allowed the day after surgery unless otherwise instructed.

Swimming & Baths: Avoid submerging in water (tubs, pools, hot tubs) until incisions are fully healed—typically 2 weeks. Wait one month for hot tubs.

Return to Work: Most patients take 2–5 days off and may return with a modified or light schedule.

Recovery Expectations

Drainage: Mild blood-tinged drainage is common in the first 24–72 hours.

Bruising & Swelling: Both are expected and usually resolve within 2–3 weeks.

Itching: Antihistamines like Benadryl can help.

Sensory Changes: Temporary numbness or sensitivity around the nipples and chest is normal.

Healing Timeline:

1–2 Weeks: Swelling starts to subside
2–3 Weeks: Bruising fades
3–6 Months: Final results visible

Follow-Up and Support

Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or persistent pain unrelieved by medication.

Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ongoing Communication:

For non-urgent questions, please email [email protected].
For urgent matters, contact the office directly from 9am – 5pm at (808) 585-8855.
For urgent matters that occur after hours, please use the physician exchange at (808) 524-2575.

Appointments: Follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Download Complete Instructions

For full details on compression use, drain care, activity restrictions, and healing timelines, please download the document below:

Download Gynecomastia Correction Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)

Download Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Surgery with General Anesthesia (PDF)