Smoking And Gynecomastia Surgery. Is this why have I have swelling? (photo)

If you had liposuction and gland excision, it is possible you just have swelling that will take time to go away. Swelling from lipo is not completely gone as early as 6 weeks, even without smoking. Smoking does add the risk of slower healing or wound healing problems. Nicotine causes blood vessels to temporarily constrict (or tighten, shrink), and this means less blood flow which is not good when you are trying to heal a surgical site. I would recommend seeing your surgeon to make sure there is nothing else going on like a seroma (collection of fluid under skin). Mild compression and avoiding salty food may help the swelling go away faster too.

Thanks for sharing your concern, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious when recovery isn’t going the way you expected. Let’s break this down and give you some clarity.
Can Smoking Affect Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery?
Yes, it absolutely can. Smoking whether it's cigarettes, vaping, or marijuana can impair healing after surgery in several ways:
• Reduced blood flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, decreasing oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues.
• Delayed healing: Poor circulation slows down the recovery process and can cause prolonged swelling or even tissue necrosis in severe cases.
• Increased inflammation: Smoking may worsen post-op inflammation, leading to swelling that lingers longer than normal.
• Reduced immune function: Your body may struggle to deal with internal bruising or fluid buildup properly.
At 1.5 Months Post-Op – Is Swelling Still Normal?
Some mild swelling and firmness (especially under the nipple area) can persist for up to 3–6 months after gynecomastia surgery. However, if your swelling hasn't improved at all, feels hard, hot, or painful, or if one side appears larger than the other, it may not be part of the typical healing process, it could indicate fluid buildup (seroma), fibrosis, or scar tissue, and should be evaluated by your surgeon.
What You Should Do Now
1. Stop smoking immediately. Even stopping now can help reduce further complications and aid recovery.
2. Contact your surgeon. Don’t wait. Let them know about your ongoing swelling and history of smoking. They may want to:
o Examine for fluid buildup or scar tissue
o Possibly drain a seroma if needed
o Recommend massage or ultrasound therapy
o Reassess your compression garment usage
3. Wear your compression vest consistently, if you're still within the wearing window. It helps control swelling and shape the chest.
4. Don’t self-diagnose. Only a hands-on evaluation can confirm if it’s just swelling, fibrosis, or something else.
Your surgeon will work with you on the best way to help heal and recover.