Gynecomastia Surgery Compression Garment. How Tight Should it Be?

Question

Hi! I had gynecomastia surgeryliposuction on my chest 3 weeks ago. And i was wondering how tight should the compression garment be and how long should i wear the compression garment? I felt that the garment i had was not giving be so much compression(became loose), so now i am using two compression vests' to get more tightness. Does extra tight compression give better final results and is it safe?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Our patients are required to wear a compression garment for the a few weeks following their #Gynecomastia surgery. The #compression garment helps to reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly you will heal.We recommend it not be removed, at all, until the second or third day after the surgery. After that, we suggest they feel free to temporarily remove the #garment for showering or laundering only. We encourage our patients to maintain circumferential pressure for 4-6 weeks, but they may switch to an exercise compression garment when advised.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

The vest should be snug but not to tight to cause discomfort. Each surgeon has their own instructions for the length of time to wear the vest. For my patients, I want them to wear it for 6 weeks, and then they can resume all normal activities. Good luck.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Firm compression is helpful in decreasing post operative swelling.  However, overly tight compression may cause skin necrosis.  Be careful and communicate with your surgeon.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICS
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Compression garment after a gynecomastia should be snug, not too tight to help minimize swelling, and help shape the chest (keep the skin adhering to the chest wall) without being too tight so that you can't breath properly.  I ask my patients to wear it for 2 weeks continuously

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I generally recommend patients wear a support garment for 6 weeks - night and day for the first three weeks, and then during the day for another three weeks. This garment will help reduce swelling and conform the skin to your new shape. It should be snug, but not so snug that you have trouble breathing. If your compression garment isn't as snug, you should ask your surgeon for a replacement.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In an effort to facilitate wound healing following breast
reduction surgery, compression garments are frequently
utilized. Compression garments should fit snugly, but should not fit tightly,
because this can potentially damage the underlying skin. Compression following
surgery helps minimize swelling, decreases hematoma formation, decreases
post-operative pain and controls skin contraction.

In
most cases compression garments are worn for four to six weeks. It’s important
to remember that post-operative care needs to be individualized for each
patient. In some cases, compression may be required for longer than
anticipated, while in others it can be discontinued early.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

The garment should be pretty snug but not "tight". it should not be painful. Some guys will also wear the tighter Nike or Under Armour shirts after a couple of weeks with the garment.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I recommend my patients wear their garments for a minimum of 3 weeks if not a lot of redundant skin following liposuction male breast reduction to a maximum of 6 weeks. To be effective the garment needs to fit snug but not too tight as to cause pressure problems (inspect your skin if discomfort and when skin is exposed), or prevent you from sleeping. As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits - A Spanx type garment would work rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor;'s office.

	Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Reduction) by liposuction requires compression garments for three main reasons:

	
		it restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure
	
		It decreases the amount of bruising
	
		It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Recovery after Man Boob Reduction (aka Chest Contouring Surgery) is typically fairly light. Patients have about a week of bruising and another week of swelling. The surgery itself leads to a masculine and flat chest surface that won't show through sweaters or shirts which is usually the main complaint I hear from patients with gynecomastia.
The use of a compression garment is definitely a surgeon-to-surgeon dependent practice and each of us tend to have our own preference. It should be snug but not painful or uncomfortable. If there is too much compression, this can compress small blood vessels and lead to tissue damage and potentially  poor healing.
The garment should be snug, but not tight. Too much pressure can reduce blood flow in the tiny blood vessels in the skin which may lead to poor healing.
Typically, there will be an initial period of continuous abdominal compression garment around the clock for the 2 weeks then just at night for the second and third weeks.  It may be helpful to have some form of compression for the first 2-3 months to reduce overall chances of swelling and expedite your healing.  
The reason for the compression is to aid in allowing the new flat chest skin to sculpt and fit to your torso without excess swelling, fluid accumulation and to offer some support as your repaired chest wall become well adjusted. Keeping swelling to a minimum helps expedite your recovery and enhance your healing. 
Thanks,
Dr. Karan Chopra
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Johns Hopkins Trained 
Body & Face Expert

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

Compression garments post Gynecomastia Surgery are worn for about 6 weeks. By this time the edema settles and also the skin starts to shrink. Sometimes you may need to wear it for a little longer than stipulated. Garments are readily available to suit your chest size.Firm pressure is needed on the operated site and the garment should be comfortable to wear and should be made of a soft and durable material. You may also ask your plastic surgeon to provide you with custom designed compression garments that fits snugly.

Gynecomastia Surgery Compression Garment. How Tight Should it Be?

Answers (14)

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