What is the recovery time like after gynecomastia surgery?

Thank you for sharing your question and best wishes on your upcoming surgery.  For most patients lower body and cardio activities can resume at two weeks after surgery while upper body work at approximately 4-6 weeks. I would definitely discuss this with your surgeon as they know the full details of your anticipated procedure. 

Thanks for the question. After 6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed yes you can back to your life and do some activities. I wish you all the best.

Every doctor has their own post op protocol.  You should follow the rules of the doctor with whom you have consulted and scheduled surgery.  Generally, no strenuous activity for 3 weeks.

Everyone heals differently and this is something you need to discuss with your surgeon. For my patients, depending on how physical their work is, it may be possible to return to work in 3 to 5 days. I usually recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks before returning to any formal type exercise. Good luck.

Recovery after gynecomastia surgery can vary based on individual health, the extent of the procedure, and how well you follow post-op instructions. However, here's a general overview of what to expect:
1. Immediate Post-Surgery: After surgery, you'll likely experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. Drains may be placed to help remove excess fluids, which are typically removed within a few days.
2. First Week: You’ll need to wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and support the chest area as it heals. Rest is important during this period, but you can generally return to light activities, avoiding strenuous movements or lifting.
3. 2 to 3 Weeks: Most swelling and bruising should begin to subside. You may still experience some discomfort, but it should be manageable with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
4. 4 to 6 Weeks: By this point, many people return to more regular activities, but heavy lifting or intense physical exercise should be avoided. The chest area may still feel tender, and the full results are gradually becoming visible.
5. 3 to 6 Months: Final results can take several months to fully develop, as swelling continues to go down. Scar healing also progresses during this time, though they should fade significantly over the next year.
In general, you can expect a recovery time of about 2 to 4 weeks before resuming most normal activities, with the full results becoming apparent within 6 months. It’s essential to follow your surgeon's recommendation and attend follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Hi @Evyatar0231 - The recovery after Gynecomastia Surgery is fairly smooth. 
For men treated with CoolSculpting, there is virtually no downtime following the in-office procedure and you can make an immediate return to normal activities. Patients who have undergone surgical operation can expect some degree of bruising for a week and another week of swelling. 
Individuals usually return to work and normal activities within a week; however, strenuous exercise or taxing labor should be avoided until cleared by your plastic surgeon. 
Typically, we may recommend that you wear a pressure garment for three to six weeks to avoid sun exposure and allow the skin to adjust to its new contours. Some scarring in the incision areas may be initially visible, but these marks usually fade and improve as the healing process progresses. Ideally, this scarring should be protected from sun exposure for at least six months.
Dr. Karan Chopra
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Johns Hopkins Trained 
Body & Face Expert

Thank you for your question. You board certified plastic surgeon should provide you with a post op instruction sheet. Here is some pointers from ours in Montreal.Post-Op Following MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNECOMASTIA)


Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
Get plenty of rest; follow balanced diet.
Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fresh fruits to your diet, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Walk as soon as possible, as this helps reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking narcotic pain medications.
Do not drive until you have full range motion with your arms.
No lifting greater than 10 pounds for 2-3 weeks.
Return to work when you feel well enough. Stay away from any job or sport that risks a blow to the chest for at least 4 weeks.
Avoid sexual activities for 1-2 weeks and strenuous activity for 4 weeks.
Social activities can be resumed in 10-14 days.
No swimming for 4-6 weeks.
Physical therapy is not typically necessary for this procedure.
Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
Keep steri-strips in place.
Keep incisions clean, dry and inspect daily for signs of infection.
No tub soaking while suture or drains are in place.
Wear your pressure garment continuously for 4 weeks.
Minimal to moderate postoperative pain, depending on the extend of the procedure.
Temporary bruising, swelling, soreness, and/or burning sensations.
The worst of your swelling will resolve in a 2-3 weeks.
All swelling and bruising should be gone in 3-6 months.
Temporary loss of breast sensation or numbness may last up to a year.
In about 4-6 weeks, you will be back to all of your normal activities. 
Hope this helped.Have a great surgery

You will need to speak with your surgeon as we all have our own post op protocol. But, in general, you can probably expect to be able to return to lower body work at 2-3 weeks and upper body work at 4-6 weeks. Hope this helps. 

Thank you for your question, and I hope you receive some helpful information. The techniques and recovery for this operation differ among plastic surgeons, but generally a combination of direct fat excision, and UAL/PAL liposuction are used to remove the excess fatty tissue. Sometimes in severe cases, excess/extra skin is removed. Recovery can be variable depending on your surgeon's preference, and the type of operation you have had. Generally, the first 10-14 days are for overall rest and recovery and no arm/chest repetitive or heavy movements and/or weights for at least 4-6 weeks.Sincerely,Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Every plastic surgeon has their own protocol, and not every gynecomastia procedure is the same.  The amount of gland, fat, and skin to be addressed matters, influencing the kind of operation and kind of recovery, so best to discuss with your surgeon.  As a rule of thumb, most operative procedures require 4-6 weeks away from heavy lifting and circuit training, though often patients can resume light activity, aerobic exercise, and lower extremity work earlier.  Best of luck on your procedure.