No need for compression vest

[JustDoIt]

I've had really minor gynecomastia since the age of 13. I am now 21 and visited a plastic surgeon regarding my puffy nipples. He told me that I only required glandular excision without liposuction. I agreed with him on this as the glandular tissue was small and pretty much confined within the area below my areola and I do not really have much fat around my chest. However, he told me that I did'nt have to put on a compression vest post-op. I am a little worried and skeptical because I always thought post-gynecomastia surgery always required the use of a compression vest. Is this a cause for concern?   

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Every surgeon has his own techniques and approach to treating gynecomastia.  However, if you read further on this forum, you will note that virtually every participating surgeon recommends at least several weeks of post op compression after surgery, no matter what the "size" of the gyne.

A word to the wise.....

Dr Jacobs

[Litlriki]

I would agree with Dr. Jacobs, and I would add a brief anecdote.  During our most recent surgical mission to Ecuador in January, I treated a young soldier with a unilateral breast mass, which was presumed to be gynecomastia based on history and exam.  In this instance, I did not have liposuction equipment, and he was quite thin and lean, so I just excised the tissue.  I didn't have a vest for him to wear, but I did wrap him with Ace wraps after surgery and encouraged him to continue that for at least a week.  He was fine at the time we left his town 3 or 4 days later.  Nonetheless, when given the opportunity, I would prefer to use liposuction in conjunction with excision for complete treatment (to get the best contour), and I would still use compression afterwards. 

Just because you can get away with something doesn't make it the best option.

Rick Silverman