For More Information Call
0115 966 2000
Breast Surgery for Males -
Surgical Recovery
Length of surgery
Operation takes 45-150 minutes depending upon technique and size of breast.
Nights in hospital
As a day case or one night.
Dressings
You will wake up with dressings on the wounds and elastoplast support tape on the chest (say if allergic to elastoplast). These dressings will stay on for three days. They are to be kept dry during that period. You will then return to have lighter dressings applied to the wounds if required at all.
Drains
The use of a small surgical drain into the breast is common to remove any unwanted blood/fluid. Usually have drains for 24 hours. Occasionally will be kept in for 48 hours.
Time off work
Allow 3 days to 2 weeks depending on size of surgery. People vary in recovery if you have a highly active job you may require longer.
Time to exercise
Walking a distance at 1-3 days, swimming by 10-14 days (if fully healed). Strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.
Recovery and Final outcome
You should expect bruising and some swelling. This will last 1-2 weeks. Some leaking from the wounds is common for the first few days as they heal. You will have a good flat shape immediately but it will continue to improve (especially in larger operations) over 4-6 weeks by which time the skin and nipple will be much softer.
Driving
Although you may feel able to drive by 1-2 days you need to be completely free of pain and restriction to be covered by your insurance. This may be in your second week.
Follow up
Wound check and dressing change a day 3 and 7. Then see Mr. McCulley at 3. NB There are no charges for any follow up appointment relating to your surgery.
