Working Out After Gynecomastia Surgery

WHEN CAN I EXERCISE AFTER GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

While previous post-surgery requirements dictated six weeks of downtime, newer surgical methods and advanced techniques are getting you back on your feet faster. Studies have found that returning to a regular workout routine, as opposed to just lounging around, can positively impact healing. Just remember, be gentle with your body. The return to exercise and your daily workout routine should be a slow, gradual process to keep the risk of complications low and maximize your surgery’s success. Gynecomastia surgeons each have their own recommended back-to-exercise timetable, but the following is generally accepted safe protocol.

5 Tips to Guide you in getting back to EXERCISE

• Follow your physician’s instructions regarding compression or protective garments. Wearing them for the suggested period promotes comfort and healing.
• For a month following gynecomastia surgery, avoid workouts that exercise the area of your operation. Be patient; you’ll get back to your regular workout routine quickly.
• Don’t push yourself. If your body is in pain, listen to it.
• If you notice an abnormal amount of discomfort, aching, unusual pain, or redness, call your surgeon immediately.
• Keep a log of questions along your workout journey to ask the surgeon at your next visit. The best ideas for post-operative care and recovery are delivered by your doctor, not a friend or workout partner.

Below is a rough guideline for working out after your gynecomastia surgery. Your doctor’s instructions take precedence over these guidelines.

First Week after Male Reduction Surgery

In the first week of recovery, you should relax and avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, as hematoma formation is a risk during this period. These are some suggestions for the first week:

• Browse the internet.
• Watch your favorite shows.
• Read a good book.
• Take light walks.
• Shower, starting two days after gynecomastia surgery.
• Wear your garment, day and night.

Second Week after Male Reduction Surgery

The previous week may have been a little boring, but don’t rush back into a workout routine. Start gradually, with cardiovascular activities like speed walking or walking on a treadmill. It’s too soon to run, but establishing a good stretching routine is beneficial for next week’s workouts. Light hand weights can be introduced toward the end of the week, but be gentle. You should avoid exercising the surgical area to prevent scarring and promote optimal healing.

Third Week after Male Reduction Surgery

It’s finally time to start lifting again! But start with light weights and keep your garment on while you pump iron. Each day, increase your reps and eventually switch to machines once you feel comfortable. Remember to steer clear of the chest region while exercising. You’re still healing, and it’s important not to irritate the surgical site.

Fourth Week after Male Reduction Surgery

When the week is over, your body will be almost back to normal at the surgical site, so it’s time to gradually increase your exercise regimen. At this point, it’s safe to increase weights for body parts aside from the chest and increase your cardiovascular training.

One Month Post-Surgery

Finally, it’s time to pick up where you left off! Full body training is once again part of your routine. However, your body is still healing, so gradually increase the weight and level of training over the weeks to follow. At about six weeks post-op, you’ll be close to where you were before gynecomastia surgery. During the recovery process, listen carefully to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s best not to push yourself. Discomfort, swelling, redness, or infection at the operative site is a good reason to contact your surgeon before things get worse. Above all, be patient with yourself as your body heals, and you regain your confidence and pre-operative training level!

References

The benefits of a good gynecomastia surgery postop routine
American society of Plastic Surgery: Plastic surgey.org