Week 2 Post-Op

Welcome to Week Two

You're now two weeks post-surgery, and the transformation should be becoming increasingly apparent. Swelling is subsiding, any bruising has likely faded, and you're feeling much more like yourself. This is an exciting phase where you can start to see the results of your surgery emerging.

What's Normal Right Now

At two weeks post-op, most patients experience:

Physical Progress

• Significantly reduced swelling - about 60-70% of swelling should have resolved
• Minimal or no bruising - any remaining bruising is likely very faint
• Improved chest definition - you can now appreciate your new contour more clearly
• Better range of motion - arm movements feel much more natural
• No pain - most patients are completely off pain medication by now
• More energy - stamina is returning to normal levels

What May Still Be Present

• Some residual swelling, especially at the end of the day
• Mild tightness or firmness in the chest area
• Numbness or tingling in the nipple-areola complex (can persist for months)
• Minor asymmetry as tissues continue to settle
• Visible incision lines (these will fade significantly over the coming months)

Compression Vest - Still Essential

Your compression vest remains a critical part of your recovery:

Continued Importance

• Keep wearing it 24/7 for at least 3-4 weeks total (follow your surgeon's specific guidance)
• After 3-4 weeks, your surgeon may allow you to transition to wearing it only during the day and night-time rest
• Some patients wear it for 6 weeks for optimal results
• The longer you wear it consistently, the better your skin will retract and conform to your new contour

Expanding Your Activities

At two weeks, you can gradually increase your activity level:

What You Can Now Do

• Low-impact cardio - brisk walking, stationary cycling, or gentle elliptical work
• Light lower body exercises - bodyweight squats, lunges (no weights yet)
• Most daily activities - normal household tasks, light DIY (avoiding overhead work)
• Driving - for longer journeys if comfortable
• Return to physical work - if your surgeon clears you (may need to wait another week or two)

Important Guidelines

• Start slowly - don't rush back to your pre-surgery activity level
• Listen to your body - if something causes discomfort, stop and rest
• Wear your compression vest during all activities
• Stay hydrated - especially important as you increase activity
• Avoid high-impact movements - no jumping, running, or jarring activities yet

Still Avoid

• Upper body weight training - no chest exercises, shoulder presses, or push-ups for at least 6 weeks
• Heavy lifting - nothing over 10kg yet
• Overhead movements - reaching high shelves, painting ceilings, etc.
• Contact sports - rugby, football, boxing - wait until 6 weeks minimum
• Swimming - pools, sea, hot tubs - wait until incisions are fully healed and surgeon gives clearance

Progressive Resistance - Weeks 3-6

As you move into weeks 3-6, you can gradually reintroduce more challenging activities:

Week 3-4

• Increase walking pace and duration
• Begin light resistance exercises for lower body (with weights if cleared)
• Gentle yoga or stretching (avoiding deep chest stretches)
• May transition to part-time compression vest wear (day/evening only) if surgeon approves

Week 5-6

• Light upper body exercises may be permitted (start with very light weights)
• Increased cardio intensity (jogging, faster cycling)
• Most normal activities can resume
• Compression vest may be discontinued (follow surgeon's guidance)

Scar Care

Your incisions should be well-healed by now, and you can begin scar management:

Scar Management Tips

• Keep scars out of direct sunlight - UV exposure can cause darkening; use SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Massage gently (if cleared by surgeon) - this helps break down scar tissue and improve appearance
• Consider silicone gel or sheets - these can help flatten and fade scars when used consistently
• Stay hydrated and moisturized - healthy skin heals better
• Be patient - scars continue to fade and flatten for 12-18 months

Appreciating Your Results

By week two, you should be seeing real improvement:

• Your chest is flatter and more masculine in contour
• You can wear fitted t-shirts or shirts with confidence
• The psychological burden of gynaecomastia is lifting
• You're feeling more confident in social situations

Managing Expectations

• You're not at final results yet - tissues will continue to settle for 3-6 months
• Some swelling fluctuation is normal - especially if you've been more active
• Slight asymmetry may persist temporarily as healing progresses at different rates
• Numbness is common - sensation typically returns gradually over 3-12 months

Lifestyle Considerations

As you resume more normal activities:

Diet and Nutrition

• Continue eating a balanced, protein-rich diet to support healing
• Stay well-hydrated
• Limit alcohol - it can increase swelling
• Avoid excessive sodium which can cause fluid retention

Maintaining Results

• Maintain a stable weight - significant weight gain can affect your results
• Regular exercise - builds chest muscle and maintains tone
• Avoid anabolic steroids - these can cause gynaecomastia to recur
• Check medications - some drugs can contribute to breast tissue growth; discuss with your doctor

Follow-Up Care

Your surgeon may schedule a follow-up appointment around this time:

• They'll assess your healing progress
• Check for any complications (rare at this stage)
• Provide guidance on resuming full activities
• Answer any questions about your recovery
• Discuss scar management strategies