4 weeks post-op, why am I gaining weight after Gynecomastia with Liposuction? (photo)

Question

Four weeks ago I had gynecomastia surgery where tissue was removed and I had liposuction to the chest, flanks, stomach area. I've attached a photo of what was removed. Last week, at the three week mark, I began low impact cardio. Since beginning cardio, it appears I am gaining weight. I still love my appearance and feel great, but is the cardio increasing the swelling and making me gain weight? I'm closely watching my diet.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

BRUISING AND SWELLING: Bruising and swelling are normal and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However, it may take 6-9 weeks to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly you will heal.NUMBNESS: It is normal to experience numbness around the areola and chest. As your body heals, you may notice random bursts of pain in your chest. This is usually a sign that the numbness is subsiding.LUMPINESS: As you heal, the area may feel “lumpy” and irregular. This, too, decreases with time, and massaging these areas will help soften the scar tissue.ACTIVITIES: If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause pain. Wait at least 4 weeks to begin aerobic exercise.As with all operations, pain and discomfort varies greatly from patient to patient. Generally, one should expect that pain medication will be required for the first several days. Continuing discomfort can last varying amounts of time. The best thing to do if you experience questions or concerns during the healing process is to visit your surgeon for a follow-up to make sure that all is progressing as it should.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Exercise, even light cardio, can cause swelling so my guess is that this is what you are experiencing. Not weight gain. It will resolve with time as you heal. I typically advise my patients to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks. Best of luck.

Helena Guarda, MD · Answer

Exercising following liposuction can cause increase in swelling which may appear as weight gain in those areas.  Compression and massage typically help. The swelling does resolve as the healing continues. I recommend following up with your surgeon to make sure everything is healing well and there is no fluid.

Best of luck

George H. Pope, MD · Answer

I tell my gynecomastia patients to expect swelling with increased cardio activity for at least the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.  Liposuction is traumatic to tiny lymphatic vessels in the tissue, and they are "leaky" for a number of weeks after surgery.  It will eventually get better.

Glad to hear you're happy with your result!

George Pope, MD

4 weeks post-op, why am I gaining weight after Gynecomastia with Liposuction? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Postop swelling

Answer: Postop swelling

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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4 weeks post-op, why am I gaining weight after Gynecomastia with Liposuction? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Postop swelling

Answer: Postop swelling

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.