Like any cosmetic procedure, your body needs time to heal and rest before you resume normal activities. Wearing a gynaecomastia compression vest is crucial to male breast reduction surgery recovery, so you must follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
What is a Compression Vest?
A compression vest is also known as a surgical garment or compression garment. It’s a piece of clothing that uses high-tech materials to facilitate healing and enhance results. For example, breast augmentation patients will wear a compression bra for several weeks to keep implants in position.
A compression garment is usually made from either strong spandex, nylon, cotton-knit fabric or lycra. It will have a three-dimensional stretch to provide support after your procedure while directing fluid to be reabsorbed by the body. Compression garments can come in different sizes, shapes, and forms of clothing, depending on the procedure and recovery.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery: Procedure and What to Expect After
Male breast reduction surgery is by far the most suitable treatment for enlarged male breasts or gynaecomastia. The surgery helps remove excess fat and tissue to restore a flatter, more masculine chest contour. Genetics, medication and other factors can cause male breasts to appear enlarged and can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Gynaecomastia can occur at any age, so male breast reduction can be performed on anyone, including teenagers and adult men. The condition affects about 50 to 65% of boys and men worldwide. Gynaecomastia can occur due to a hormonal imbalance. Your doctor would likely suggest changing your lifestyle or altering medications to see if the condition can be improved without surgery.
Weight loss can help reduce the appearance of enlarged breasts. However, most of the time, excess glandular tissue can cause even lean men to have enlarged breasts. That’s why most men opt to have the surgery. Gynaecomastia is the only treatment known to produce long-lasting, if not permanent results, for the condition. The recovery period takes 4 to 6 weeks. After recovery, you can start to resume your normal workout routine but take it easy. You will need to bring your weights down and check with your doctor when you can resume upper body workouts based on your individual recovery.
Since the procedure is invasive, you need to wear a gynaecomastia compression vest, and you will probably leave the hospital wearing one. There may be swelling following the surgery, making it difficult to engage in some strenuous activities. You can, however, resume light activities a few weeks after the surgery. Depending on the extent of the surgery, full recovery can take up to 6 months.
Why Do You Need to Wear a Compression Vest After Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Recovery from gynaecomastia surgery is usually smooth, with only minimal bruising and mild discomfort. You can return to work and light activity in a few days. Part of the recovery process involves wearing a compression garment for the first several weeks.
But why a compression garment? The primary role of the compression vest is to help your skin contract and heal properly. The vest binds the chest tissue, reduces swelling and the light pressure helps decrease post-operation pain. Compression garments come in all types and sizes. Your plastic surgeon will advise on the best product for your specific situation.
Wearing a compression vest after male breast reduction surgery offers several benefits, including:
- Reduce swelling and fluid build-up – the vest will reduce fluid accumulation after the procedure, which helps reduce swelling.
- Increase circulation – the added pressure from the compression vest helps to increase circulation throughout the tissue.
- Reduce complications – a compression vest for men will reduce swelling and bruising, which lowers the chance of infection and post-surgical complications.
- Quicker results – as the vest reduces swelling more quickly, you should be able to see the result much quicker as it reduces the fluid build-up.
A proper-fitting men’s compression vest should feel snug but shouldn’t be unbearably tight. Although it can feel a little odd and bulky to wear at first, many patients find that wearing a compression vest optimises their recovery and reduces swelling more quickly. As the garment looks like a vest, it should be easy to hide under your regular clothing. Your surgeon will advise how long you have to wear the vest. During the first few weeks, wear the compression vest 24 hours a day, even when sleeping. You can only remove the compression vest when showering or when you want to clean it.
How Long Do You Need to Wear a Compression Vest?
After your procedure, your surgeon will give you a list of post-operative instructions. One of those will be to wear your compression garment for 4-6 weeks. At the time of your surgery, your surgeon will give you a more precise timeline and tell you when you can work out after male breast reduction surgery. It’s vital that you follow your surgeon’s recommendations. Generally, they will ask you to wear the compression vest 24 hours a day. You should only remove it when you shower. Although this sounds like a long time to wear the garment, it’s crucial for your recovery time and results.
It’s a good idea to have two compression vests so that you can have one off and one on. You will be wearing this garment for a long time during those 4-6 weeks. This is the only time that you will need to wear a compression garment. So, it’s worth it for a short while to achieve the best results possible.
Harley Clinic: Male Breast Reduction Surgery UK
Wearing a compression vest after male breast reduction surgery is just one part of the recovery journey. While it’s important to physically and mentally prepare for the surgery itself, it’s essential that you know what to expect during your recovery and day-to-day life after your surgery.
To begin your male breast reduction journey, book a consultation today through 0203 582 4947 or by sending an email to [email protected].
