Can you do light cardio exercise post gynecomastia surgery?

Thank you for your question. I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon. Every surgeon has their own specific post op protocol for their patients and your surgeon is the best resource when questions arise. They are most familiar with your medical history, details of your surgery, and how you are healing.  Congratulations on your recent surgery.

It is extremely important that for the first three weeks minimum you are not getting your heart rate up. If you are able to do a slow pace walk without an incline, that is okay. Compression for 24/7 and no rigorous activity is very important to avoid complications. As far as lifting, you really want to avoid anything over 25 pounds for those three weeks as well. Avoiding any strain to the area all together is going to ensure your body is able to heal properly.

I agree with your surgeon to avoid the gym for about a month after gynecomastia surgery. You don't want to irritate the surgical area in a way that may lead to bleeding, opening of incisions, infection or excess swelling which all will delay healing.
I highly recommend light exercise starting 2 weeks after surgery, however recommend you stick to walking on a level surface. Cycling and walking on a treadmill will increase your heart rate and you want to avoid that. By 3 weeks you can start with some inclined walking.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Thank you for your question about post-operative exercise after male breast reduction for gynecomastia.  I would advise you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative rules.  Ask your plastic surgeon what you can and cannot do.  Every plastic surgeon has their own way of performing gynecomastia.  They also have their own particular set of post-operative rules for you to follow after male breast reduction.  These post-operative rules have been created over the years by your plastic surgeon.  Theses set of rules have worked for your plastic surgeon’s patients and with the way he or she performs male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia.  Please stick to what your plastic surgeon suggests. I hope this answers your questions regarding post-operative activity after male breast surgery.  If you have any other questions regarding male breast reduction, gynecomastia, and activity after gynecomastia surgery, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon who knows you best. For my patients, I do not want them to exercise other than walking, for 4 to 6 weeks after their surgery. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and congratulations on your gynecomastia surgery!  Though each surgeon has their own respective recovery protocol, in general it would be okay to do light activity 2 weeks after surgery.  Talk to your surgeon and discuss your options as they know your procedure and post-operative course better than anyone.  Hope this helps.

After gynecomastia surgery, it’s essential to follow your plastic surgeon’s recommendations closely. Light cardio exercise like walking or gentle cycling may be permissible, but always consult with your plastic surgeon first to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation and stage of recovery.

You really need to ask your surgeon. He has seen you in person and therefore has the best understanding of your healing. Raising your heart rate increases swelling which can slow your recovery. That is the reason for the exercise restriction. Best of luck.

In my practice I tell my patients to take it easy for about a week. After that time they can start into exercise gradually but stay away from their chest workout for about two weeks. Surgeons vary in this recommendation. If a problem is going to happen it generally happens after a few days (hematoma) or after two weeks (seroma).

I suggest that you stick to your doctor's recommendations and always seek for his permission before you attempt to perform your usual exercise routine.  Take note that he is in the best position to give you advice as he knows your medical history, risk factors (if there is any), etc.

Nonetheless, many patients can gradually start their light cardio 2-3 weeks after their male breast reduction provided that they have no healing problems and the exercise does not cause them discomfort, fainting, etc.

Good luck and best wishes.