Author Topic: Duration of swelling?  (Read 18031 times)

Offline Dider11

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After surgery, typically how long does one's chest stay swollen for?

Offline George Pope, M.D.

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    • Orlando Plastic Surgery Center
That really varies from patient to patient.  In general, though, the majority of swelling happens pretty quickly after surgery, usually peaking within the first 36 hours.  That's why it is so important to wear a compression vest immediately after surgery, and the length of time you wear the vest will be determined by your plastic surgeon.  (There are a number of opinions on how long the vest should be worn, BTW).

The swelling gradually goes down over time, and in my opinion, massage during this period helps your chest wall stay smooth as the swelling goes down.  Most of the swelling is gone within 2 months.  I always tell my patients to refrain from heavy physical activity for the first 6 weeks after surgery.  If you get overheated due to heavy exertion over the first 6 weeks postop, you're going to swell more.

Dr. Pope, M.D.
George H Pope, MD, FACS
Certified - American Board of Plastic Surgery
Orlando Plastic Surgery Center
www.georgepopemd.com
Phone: 407-857-6261

Offline Dr. Cruise

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Majority of the swelling typically subsides within 2-3 weeks. However, you will usually feel residual swelling and numbness for another 3-6 months. If you touch your chest and it feels numb, it means that the swelling is still there.
Dr. Cruise
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
2081 San Joaquin Hills Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-644-4808
Before and After Pictures
Types of Gynecomastia

Offline DrCALOCA

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    • www.gynecomastiamexico.com
Swelling typically peaks tree days to a week after surgery and the goes down gradually if a patient is resting. Final results are usually evident at three months. Complete rest is very imporant to allow the area to heal. Some patients think that because the area is painless, tat they can resume their normal activities (such as working out or carrying heavy objects). It is important to know that even though there is no pain, the patient should continue resting for two to three weeks.
Dr.Dr.Jaime Caloca Jr.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
(619) 734-2290 -www.drcaloca.com

Offline Dr. Elliot Jacobs

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Swelling is extremely variable -- it depends upon the amount of surgery that was performed, it depends upon the patient's innate healing ability and it depends upon the patient's adherence to the surgeon's post op instructions.  One thing is sure -- the longer and tighter you can wear the compression garments, the shorter the time of swelling will be.

Also, if you resume strenuous exercise prematurely, you will prolong the swelling and your convalescence will also be longer.

Dr Jacobs
Dr. Jacobs 
Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Fellow: American College of Surgeons
Practice sub-specialty in Gynecomastia Surgery
4800 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
561  367 9101
Email:  dr.j@elliotjacobsmd.com
Website:  http://www.gynecomastiasurgery.com
Website:  http://www.gynecomastianewyork.c

DrBermant

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After surgery, typically how long does one's chest stay swollen for?

Swelling after gynecomastia surgery depends on the problem to be treated, what was done, skill of the surgeon, how a patient heals, after surgery care, and other factors.  Swelling shown on my website are typical for my patients.  Not all doctors will share such early after surgery images, but sometimes you can find patients posting them here in this forum.

Optimal surgery starts out with less injury and swelling.  Peak swelling should be in the operating room. Protecting tissues and giving them a chance to heal after gynecomastia surgery are essential to how long tissues remain swollen. After Gynecomastia Surgery Chest Compression is a major factor early in helping swelling resolve.  A First Stage Male Chest Compression Garments is safer to get on and off right after surgery.  Second Stage Gynecomastia Garments help with how scars heal.  Scars that evolve under pressure do much better than scars without pressure.  Scar Care or activities started too soon can injure tissues cause new swelling and slow resolution of remaining swelling.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Male Breast Reduction
« Last Edit: May 19, 2009, 10:02:31 AM by DrBermant »


 

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