Gynecomastia question. Would it be OK to sleep on my side?

Question

I'm a week and a half post OP and i was wondering whether it would be ok to sleep on my side? I wear my compression vest day in and out and have no pain whatsoever (only when I fully stretch my hands out over my head.) Is this fine or am I jeopardizing my recovery?

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 pressureIt decreases the amount of bruisingIt assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I personally would have no problem with you sleeping on your side after gynecomastia treatment. Nevertheless, this is a question that should be addressed only to your own surgeon.

Andrew M. Lofman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question.  I tell my patients that they are allowed to sleep on their side after this surgery.  I do think that you should ask your plastic surgeon their opinion, although I do not feel that you will jeopardize the results.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

What did your surgeon say? I would be okay with you sleeping on your side however maybe your surgeon wouldn't be. Wearing your compression garment as recommended will help you recover faster.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I would definitely ask your surgeon. If it was just treated with liposuction and you are wearing a garment, it is probably ok, but definitely check first with your surgeon.

William A. Terranova, MD (retired) · Answer

I would tell my patients that it is probably perfectly OK to sleep on their side at this point.  With the caveat that if it causes a lot of discomfort then it should be avoided until it is not so uncomfortable.  But every surgeon has their own "routine" for post-op care, so I would check with yours.

Gynecomastia question. Would it be OK to sleep on my side?

Answers (6)

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