The first few days
Most men go home the same day. Someone has to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. The chest feels tight, bruised and sore, and the painkillers you're given should cover it. Keep the vest on, sleep on your back, propped up, and walk around the house every few hours.
Week one and two
Bruising and swelling are at their worst and start to fade. Most men are back at a desk job somewhere between a few days and two weeks. Light walking is good from the first days. No lifting, pushing or reaching above your head yet.
Weeks two to four
The vest stays on day and night, usually for three to six weeks; your surgeon says how long. Lifting and stretching come back gradually from two to four weeks. Physical work usually needs longer off than a desk job.
Weeks four to eight: back to the gym
Most surgeons allow chest training and heavy upper-body work after four to six weeks, and a full routine from about six to eight weeks. Start light. Running and the bike usually come back sooner than the bench press; ask your surgeon.
Three months and beyond
You can start to judge the result at about six weeks. The last swelling, firmness and any numbness around the nipples settle over the following months, and the scars fade from pink to pale over a year or more.
Driving and flying
Drive once you can turn the wheel and wear a seatbelt without pain, and check with your insurer. Surgeons generally want you to stay nearby for five to seven days after the operation before you fly. On any trip of three hours or more, the HSE advises loose clothes, getting up to walk and calf exercises, because sitting still after surgery raises the risk of a clot.
Ring the clinic if
- one side becomes much more swollen, tight or painful than the other
- a wound opens, smells or leaks pus
- you have a temperature or feel unwell
- a calf is painful, swollen or warm, or you're short of breath (go to an emergency department for breathlessness)
Questions people ask
How long off work after gynecomastia surgery?
About one to two weeks for a desk job, longer for physical work.
How long do I wear the compression vest?
Day and night, usually for three to six weeks.
When can I go back to the gym?
Walking straight away; chest training after four to six weeks; a full routine from about six to eight weeks.
When will I see the final result?
You can start to judge it at about six weeks. The last swelling settles over the following months.
When can I fly?
Surgeons generally want you to stay nearby for five to seven days after the operation before you fly.