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Before Gynecomastia Surgery

Before Gynecomastia Surgery

As you prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery in Los Angeles, we want the process to be as smooth as possible and to help avoid unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have compiled the following checklist to discuss what to do before gynecomastia surgery and what to avoid, as well as suggested items to purchase. If you have additional questions, please call our office for further clarification.

Important things to do, avoid, and know

  • Tanning – Avoid sun tanning starting 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  • Smoking – Quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery as nicotine can impair and delay healing.
  • Alcohol –  Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 1 week  prior to surgery.
  • Blood thinners – Stop taking all aspirin-containing products, Ibuprofen, medications which contain blood thinners, Fish Oil and Vitamin E 10 days prior to surgery.
  • Medications – Let Dr. Cruise know of all medications and supplements you are taking on a regular basis. You should start taking 1 multivitamin per day approximately 2 weeks before gynecomastia surgery.
  • Illness – If you get sick or have an active infection, please contact our office prior your gynecomastia surgery.
  • Labs – Make sure all requested labs, mammogram, EKG and medical clearances are delivered to Dr. Cruise’s office on time.
  • Caretaker – For general anesthesia- make sure a responsible adult is confirmed to drive you to and from surgery and that someone is available to stay with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure. If you don’t have anyone available, please call our office to discuss other options.
  • Prescriptions – Fill all prescriptions prior to surgery. Go over instructions and ask questions if clarification is needed.
  • Schedule time off work – The type of work you do will be a determining factor as to how much time to take off work. Patients with a sedentary job/desk job may go back to work within 4 days or so. If you have a physical job, which requires a lot of heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take 2 weeks off. Some people are able to modify their job duties at work, and go back sooner. If you have more questions about how much time to take off, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to discuss. We are often times able to provide a letter to your work documenting the suggested time off work or the amount of time you need to refrain from strenuous activities. This letter will not state that you had a cosmetic procedure and will only show Dr. Cruise’s name and contact information. We value your privacy with these matters.

Items to purchase before gynecomastia surgery

LA Gynecomastia provides complete pre/post-operative kits for patients:
  • 1 Chucks –  to protect your bed or furniture from possible drainage
  • 4 Small ABD pads – to be placed over incisions when oozing is present
  • 1 Pack of 4×4 gauze – to be placed over incisions when there is just minimal oozing present
  • 6 Alcohol swabs – use to clean incisions
  • 1 Ice pack – decreases swelling
  • 4 Packets Cortisone cream – applied if itching occurs around incisions
  • 6 Packets Neosporin – applied to incisions after cleaning them  to help prevent infection or irritation
  • 1 Gynecomastia binder – for compression after surgery to decrease swelling, provide support and help maximize your results. Speak with our staff about the binder.
  • 1 Roll surgical tape – applied over the incisions for up to 12 weeks
  • Arnica Montana herbal pill kit – helps minimize bruising and swelling and speed up the healing process.
  • Icy Hot patch -helps with back or neck pain should it occur
  • Mastisol liquid adhesive– helps prevent tension on the scar
  • ScarLess® – ScarLess® is a prescription strength cream with vitamin E, silicone, and Hydrocortisone to help minimize redness and elevation of the scar. Begin using at 10 weeks after surgery. (available for purchase at our office only)

Optional items to purchase

Gynecomastia Vest
  • Multivitamin – Begin taking 2 weeks before and continue for 6 weeks after surgery. Do not take vitamin E separately from multivitamin.
  • Prune juice -Relieves constipation after surgery should there be an issue.
  • Vitamin C – 500 mg take once daily starting 2 weeks before surgery continuing for 2 weeks after surgery. Helps prevent illness and aids in tissue repair and speedier healing of incisions.
  • Gatorade – You will need to drink lots of fluids for the first 48 hours after surgery.
  • Vitamin K cream – Decreases bruising and aids in overall skin healing.
  • Arnica cream – Used after surgery to help resolve bruising and swelling more quickly.
  • Garments – During your preoperative appointment we will measure you and give you information for the sizes of the vest and under armour shirt that you will need to get.

Day of gynecomastia surgery – general anesthesia

  • Eating – Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to surgery. You may brush and rinse your teeth and take medications with a sip of water.
  • Shower – You may shower and shampoo your hair the night before or morning of your surgery.
  • Lotions – Do not wear deodorant or lotions especially on the chest and torso.
  • Jewelry – Do not bring any jewelry or valuables with you the day of surgery.
  • Clothing – Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably a button up top or hoodie with a zipper. Wear flat, comfortable shoes and warm socks.
  • Contact lenses and other items  – Remove contact lenses, dentures, and nipple rings before surgery.
  • Transportation – Please arrange to have someone drive you to and from surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home. If you don’t have anyone available, please call our office for other options.
  • Medication-Take 2 Celebrex pills 1-2 hours before surgery with a sip of water. Bring the Zofran pill. It can be used on the way home should you experience nausea
  • Pack your bag-Items to bring to surgery should include:
  • All surgery center paperwork (filled out)
  • Reading glasses
  • Your identification (drivers license/state issued I.D..)
  • Warm cotton socks
  • All medications
  • Saltine crackers in case of nausea during your ride home
  • Arrival – Arrive 1-1.5 hours before surgery as instructed during your pre-op appointment and/or by the surgery center staff.

Day of gynecomastia surgery – local anesthesia

  • Eating – Don’t eat or drinking anything starting 2 hours before procedure.
  • Bathing – Shower as normal the night before or morning of your surgery.
  •  Lotions – Do not apply any lotions, moisturizers or deodorant on your body.
  • Jewelry – Do not bring jewelry or valuables with you on the day of surgery.
  • Clothing – Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If possible, wear a button up shirt or hoodie with a zipper. Wear comfortable shoes, and warm socks.
  • Contact lenses and other items  – Remove contact lenses, dentures and nipple rings.
  • Transportation – Someone must drive you home and stay with you the first night.
  • Medications – Take 1 Xanax,  2 antibiotics and 2 Celebrex two hours before surgery. Bring all medications with you. *DO NOT DRIVE IF YOU TAKE XANAX BEFORE COMING TO OUR OFFICE*
  • Arrival – An arrival time will be given to you 1 week prior to your surgery.
  • Payment – If you still have a balance due for your surgery, please bring payment with you.

Surgery Day Explained – Local Anesthesia

To learn about the after surgery instructions and what to expect during the healing process, visit: After Surgery and Healing Process.