Exercise and Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

A phased rehabilitation protocol focused on promoting circulation, minimizing swelling, and protecting surgical results is recommended after gynecomastia surgery. The timeline varies by individual healing and the surgical technique used, but follows a general structure.

Immediate Post-Operative Period (Days 1–3)

• Primary focus: Rest, incision care, and compression garment use to reduce swelling and support chest contour.
  • Activity: Short, gentle walks around the house for 5–10 minutes, starting the day after surgery if tolerated.
  • Avoid: Raising arms overhead, lifting objects over 2 kg, or abrupt chest movements.

Week 1–2: Early Mobilization Phase

• Goal: Promote circulation without stressing chest tissues.
  • Safe activities: Light walking or slow stationary cycling. Gradually increase duration up to 30 minutes daily.
  • Avoid: Any upper-body or chest-targeted movements, including push-ups, pull-ups, swimming, or weight training.
  • Continue wearing a compression garment 24 hours a day (removed only for showers).
  • Stop exercise immediately if swelling, pain, or seroma development occurs.

Week 3–4: Gentle Cardio and Stretching

• Gradual reintroduction: Increase walking pace or introduce low-resistance cycling and elliptical workouts.
  • Stretching: Begin with minimal shoulder and arm mobility exercises under surgeon guidance.
  • Restrictions: Avoid bench presses, chest flies, or arm lifting beyond 90° from the torso.
  • Surgeon clearance recommended before progressing to moderate activity.

Week 4–6: Moderate-Intensity Activity

• Most patients are cleared for light gym activities and lower-body strength training (e.g., leg press, treadmill incline walking).
  • Continue wearing a compression vest during exercise to stabilize the chest and minimize fluid accumulation.
  • Avoid targeting pectoral muscles or heavy upper-body routines until 6 weeks postoperatively.

Week 6–8: Return to Full Activity

• Resuming gym workouts: Chest exercises like push-ups, bench presses, or dumbbell flys may be reintroduced gradually post-surgeon approval.
  • Begin with 30–40% of pre-surgery load and lower repetitions to prevent skin strain and hematoma formation.
  • Monitor for warning signs: Pain, swelling, drainage, tightness, or burning sensation in the chest. Stop and consult your surgeon if these occur.

Safety Guidelines and Long-Term Maintenance

• Compression garments: Wear consistently for 4–6 weeks, including light workout sessions.
  • Avoid heat exposure (sauna, steam) for at least 6 weeks to prevent inflammation.
  • Hydration and a protein-rich diet support recovery and muscle tone.
  • Avoid anabolic steroids or testosterone supplements, as they can trigger recurrence of gynecomastia.

Expected Timeline Summary

Key Red Flag Symptoms

• Chest pain or tightness increases with movement.
  • Redness, warmth, or swelling worsens after exercise.
  • Fluid or blood discharge from incisions.
  • Numbness or burning sensations around the nipples or chest.
  • Asymmetry or firmness under the skin, suggesting hematoma or seroma formation.

This recovery plan allows safe return to athletic activity while preventing complications such as seroma, contour deformity, and hypertrophic scarring, optimizing both healing and final aesthetic outcomes.