What is the recovery time after male breast reduction?

What is the recovery time after male breast reduction?

Answers from doctors (6)


Breast reduction for men has several variations ranging from just liposuction on the small side to a large incision with skin and gland removal and nipple grafts on the large side. The recovery for each is different. Typical patients can expect activity restrictions for 2-3 weeks, possibly drains for a week, compression for 4-8 weeks, healing of the skin in 4 weeks.

Answered by William F. DeLuca Jr. MD FACS (View Profile)

Breast reduction for men has several variations ranging from just liposuction on the small side to a large incision with skin and gland removal and nipple grafts on the large side. The recovery for each is different. Typical patients can expect activity restrictions for 2-3 weeks, possibly drains for a week, compression for 4-8 weeks, healing of the skin in 4 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Zenn Plastic Surgery

Published on Nov 08, 2018

In my practice, patients spend one week at home doing very little. By the second week, they are back at work but still limited in activity (job dependent). Around 4 weeks, patients are back to doing everything they did before. It should be noted that you would need to wear a compression garment around your chest for the 4 weeks.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8731_1541437544.jpg
Answered by Zenn Plastic Surgery

In my practice, patients spend one week at home doing very little. By the second week, they are back at work but still limited in activity (job dependent). Around 4 weeks, patients are back to doing everything they did before. It should be noted that you would need to wear a compression garment around your chest for the 4 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Oct 22, 2018

It really depends on if it is done with liposuction or actual cutting of the breast tissue. I would allow for two weeks for the latter and several days for the former.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7662_14458730361.jpg
Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

It really depends on if it is done with liposuction or actual cutting of the breast tissue. I would allow for two weeks for the latter and several days for the former.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Harry Glassman, M.D.

Published on Oct 18, 2018

Following male breast reduction, there are typically drains to remove blood or fluid from the space that was previously occupied with breast tissue. The drainage usually subsides in 5 to 7 days, after which they are removed. Most patients can return to work or social activities in one week. Workouts and strenuous activities are limited for the three weeks. The postoperative period is typically minimally painful, if at all.

Answered by Harry Glassman, M.D. (View Profile)

Following male breast reduction, there are typically drains to remove blood or fluid from the space that was previously occupied with breast tissue. The drainage usually subsides in 5 to 7 days, after which they are removed. Most patients can return to work or social activities in one week. Workouts and strenuous activities are limited for the three weeks. The postoperative period is typically minimally painful, if at all.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph M. Perlman, M.D.

Published on Oct 18, 2018

2 weeks before resuming chest exercises

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7584_14310124551.jpg
Answered by Joseph M. Perlman, M.D.

2 weeks before resuming chest exercises

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Recovery will vary from patient to patient and procedure to procedure. Typically, correction of gynecomastia will require a 4-6 week recovery. Patients should avoid exercise for approximately 1 month. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 6 weeks post-op.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

Recovery will vary from patient to patient and procedure to procedure. Typically, correction of gynecomastia will require a 4-6 week recovery. Patients should avoid exercise for approximately 1 month. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 6 weeks post-op.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Male Breast Reduction

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR