Do’s and Don’ts Before Male Breast Reduction Surgery
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Posted on January 21, 2022 under Gynecomastia
Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure in which male breast tissue is reduced in size and reshaped to achieve a more masculine appearance. If you believe you are a candidate for male breast reduction, consider these do’s and don’ts before the procedure and what will be involved when deciding if surgery is right for you.
Preparing for surgery: Do’s
As you prepare for surgery, there are some steps you can take to ensure that your procedure and recovery flow smoothly. Improper preparation or failure to take care of yourself in the days prior to the procedure could result in complications both during and after surgery. Take these action steps to ensure that you have the best experience:
1. Refrain from alcohol use
Alcohol has blood-thinning properties that can greatly complicate your surgical procedure. Your blood has clotting abilities to prevent excess bleeding, and it needs to perform this vital function for you during the procedure. It is best to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for at least a week prior to your procedure.
2. Get lab work done
Your doctor may order a complete set of lab work prior to your procedure to see if there may be any complications that arise due to active infections, irregularities in heart function, and others. Complete this lab work as requested so your doctor can provide the best care for you during and after your surgery.
3. Disclose any medications you are taking
Providing your doctor with a list of medications and supplements you are taking will allow all to care for you to determine if there will be drug interaction dangers during your care. Some prescription drugs don’t interact well with anesthesia and pain medications, and it is essential that your doctor know this before prescribing you anything for pain management and healing.
4. Completely shave chest and arms
Unlike for surgical procedures involving women’s chests, gynecomastia treatment may require removing hair throughout the treatment area.
Gynecomastia Surgery Preparation: Don’ts
Here are a few things that you should avoid prior to surgery in order to ensure that all goes as planned.
1. Don’t: Eat or drink in the hours leading up to surgery
Your doctor will give you a window of time prior to surgery when it is absolutely necessary to fast, or abstain from any food and drink. This is to ensure that you don’t incur complications from the anesthesia, which does not combine well with the contents of your stomach. Follow these instructions to the letter, and your recovery will most likely be nausea-free.
2. Don’t: Apply any deodorants, lotions, or perfumes
Any additional substance on the skin could lead to infection after surgery, especially if you apply it in the areas in which incisions are to occur. Take a shower or bath with antibacterial soap, and wear loose, clean clothing when heading to our office.
3. Don’t: Take aspirin or prescription blood-thinners
Any type of blood-thinning substance is downright dangerous as you head into surgery. Aspirin, acetaminophen, and prescription blood thinners should be avoided for at least two weeks prior to your procedure to encourage healthy clotting of the blood.
4. Don’t: Smoke
Smoking is a toxic habit; consider quitting to improve your health almost immediately. Smoking of any kind should not be done prior to surgery, as this can complicate your respiratory health. You’ll need strong, healthy lung function as you recover from surgery.
Male Breast Reduction at Cosmetic Surgery Associates
Cosmetic Surgery Associates is your best choice for all your cosmetic surgery needs. There’s no need to stress about your upcoming gynecomastia treatment, as our doctors will provide you with detailed, personalized instructions so you know exactly what to do and what not to do leading up to it. Contact us today to make your appointment, and we look forward to serving you!
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers
