Gynecomastia in San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)

While you’ll notice an immediate difference, the changes appear natural once healed. The small incisions are hidden around the areola, and most patients find they can confidently wear fitted shirts within 2-3 months. Many of our patients tell us friends and family just notice they look “more fit” or ask if they’ve been working out.

Most patients describe the discomfort as soreness similar to an intense chest workout, rather than sharp pain. You’ll have prescription pain medication for the first few days, but many patients switch to over-the-counter pain relievers after 3-4 days. The compression vest you’ll wear might feel tight but helps minimize discomfort.

The procedure takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue and fat through small incisions around your areola. If needed, we also reshape the area to match your chest’s natural contours. You’ll go home the same day.

Most desk job workers return to work in 5-7 days. Physical jobs may require 2-3 weeks off. You can drive once you’re off pain medication (usually 3-4 days). Light exercise like walking is encouraged after a week, but avoid heavy lifting or chest workouts for 6 weeks. Most patients feel “back to normal” by 3-4 weeks.

The removed breast tissue won’t grow back, but significant weight gain can affect your results since remaining fat cells can expand. Maintaining a stable weight helps ensure long-lasting results. We’ll discuss lifestyle strategies during your recovery to help maintain your results.

During your consultation, we’ll examine your chest, discuss your concerns and goals, take measurements, and explain your treatment options. This is also when we’ll review costs, financing options, and recovery details. Many patients find it helpful to bring a list of questions or photos showing their desired outcome.

While complications are rare, it’s important to understand the potential risks. These include temporary numbness around the nipples, minor asymmetry, seroma (fluid collection), and typical surgery risks like infection. We’ll discuss your specific risk factors and how we minimize them during your consultation.

If you have firm glandular tissue (feels like a rubbery disc under the nipple) rather than just soft fat, this typically won’t go away with diet and exercise alone. During your consultation, we can determine whether your case is primarily glandular tissue, fat, or a combination, and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Most patients can swim and go shirtless comfortably after 6-8 weeks. The incisions need to be fully healed to prevent infection, and you’ll want most of the swelling gone. Some patients prefer to wait 3-4 months until all residual swelling is gone and scars have started to fade. We’ll give you specific guidance based on how you’re healing and recommend scar care products to help speed up the fading process.

Yes, addressing asymmetry is a common part of gynecomastia surgery. Many men naturally have one side larger than the other. During surgery, we carefully measure and adjust both sides to create balanced, natural-looking results. We’ll show you how we plan to achieve symmetry during your consultation and take detailed measurements to ensure even results.

For the best outcome, stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery (and maintain this during recovery), maintain a stable weight, avoid supplements and medications that can increase bleeding (we’ll provide a list), and arrange for someone to help you for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Many patients find it helpful to prepare their recovery space with easy-to-reach items, button-up shirts, and healthy snacks.