Post Operative Care: Gynecomastia

AFTER SURGERY

DRAINS: If the breast tissue has been excised, Dr. Zubowski will usually leave a drain in place for 3-days. The drain evacuates fluid that accumulates after surgery and enables you to heal faster. When the drain is first put in place, the bulb at the end of the tube will be compressed to create gentle suction. As the fluid collects in the bulb, the bulb will expand. Empty the suction bulb whenever it fills halfway, by opening the plug at the top and pouring out the contents. Do not attempt to remove the bulb from the tubing. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it, and put the plug back into the hole at the top in order to maintain the vacuum. If the bulb fills rapidly after emptying it, or you need to empty it more than 3 times a day, please call us.

DRESSINGS: If an ACE wrap or bandage has been wrapped around your chest it will usually be removed during your first postoperative visit.

SHOWERING AND BATHING: You may shower or bathe (even with the drain in place) 24 hours after surgery. If you have a bandage, call and ask the nursing staff or Dr. Zubowski for directions.

SUTURES: The sutures are usually removed in 7-10 days.

ACTIVITY: Gentle activities of daily living for the first 10 days. No aerobic exercise for at least 3 weeks. You may take gentle walks after 10 days.

SUN EXPOSURE: Your scars will be sensitive to the sun for the first year or more. Avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

LONGER TERM

ACTIVITIES/SPORTS: You will need to avoid straining or any aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks after surgery. This is to avoid bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Do not resume strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks. Dr. Zubowski will give you clearance to increase your activities according to the progress of the recovery period.

DRIVING: You may resume driving when you feel you are able, but wait at least two days after surgery. Keep in mind that you must have full use of your reflexes. If pain inhibits them, don’t drive.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY: You may enjoy sexual activity as your body allows with the following restriction: Please reread Activity/Sports above and apply the same concept to sex.

SUN EXPOSURE: If fresh scars are exposed to the sun, they will tend to become darker and take longer to fade. Sunscreen can help. Take extra care and precautions if the area operated on is slightly numb – you may not “feel” a sunburn developing.

WORK: Follow whatever plan you and Dr. Zubowski have agreed upon.

AS YOU HEAL

SWELLING AND BRUISING: The operative area will be swollen and will usually have an area of black and blue. All swelling will not disappear for about 6 months.

FIRMNESS UNDER SKIN: If you feel hardness under the skin, or chronic discomfort, long-term massage is very helpful.

“The facilities at the Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic Surgery are absolutely beautiful. It was very reassuring and impressive to see such a beautiful place. Everyone was so comforting, reassuring, and kind.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months

“Dr. Zubowski is an artist, he’s changed my life. Whatever he tells me, I value his opinion and I wouldn’t think to go anywhere else.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“Recommending Dr. Zubowski is a no brainer for me because he doesn’t treat just the issue you’re going to see him for, he treats your entire you. The entire person.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years

“Dr. Zubowski and his team CHANGED MY LIFE! I never thought in a million years I would be this confident with my body, but here I am, loving myself! I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“I am in my 76th year. Anything you see that does not look 76, is because Dr. Zubowski is a perfectionist. He takes his time and you feel so at ease. I felt very confident that whatever he would do would be perfect for me. To say I recommend Dr. Zubowski is an understatement.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski for over 15 years. Every procedure I have had, big and little, they have all been unfailingly caring and I’m very happy here.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“I’ve been coming to The Robert Zubowski Center for over 10 years. I drive more than 2 hours because they are worth it. I’m thrilled with my surgical results and the continuous skin care. I would never consider switching to another practice.”

– Beverly
Patient for 10+ years

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski’s for several years and very happy with the procedures I’ve had with him. Professional, honest and careful to impart information so expectations are realistic. The staff puts you at ease and care is top notch.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“They’re wonderful. You’re just in great hands. From reception, to beauty, to Dr. Zubowski, it’s amazing.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years

“I continue coming back to Dr. Zubowski because everything he’s done in the past was exactly how I wanted to feel at the end result. Dr. Zubowski is obviously a very talented surgeon, but he’s also very personable.”

– Monika
Patient for 25 years

“Dr. Zubowski said to me, ‘The skin on your face, the fat placement on your face is still very good, but your neck is not going to snap back because of your age and it lost elasticity,’ so right then and there, I said, ‘Okay, let’s do a facelift.’”

– Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Caroline Manzo
Read the Page Six article

“I highly recommend Dr. Zubowski if you want to see someone who is experienced, who is easy to talk to, and who does great work.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months