Male chest enlargement by soft solid pectoral implants is done by placing them under the pectoralis major muscle. The implant is placed so that it stays above the lower muscle border, creating a larger pectoralis muscle bulge.
These are the typical postoperative instructions to follow after having had pectoral implant surgery.
1. Pectoral implants in men, similarly to breast implants in women, are associated with a moderate amount of pain in the first few days after surgery. Usually narcotic pain medications are needed and you should them as prescribed. In a few days, you may switch to Tylenol or Ibuprofen or alternate between doses with the narcotic medication.
2. There will be a circumferential chest wrap placed right after surgery. This is in place for comfort only and does not play a role in maintaining the position of the implants. You may take it on and off based on your comfort. Most patients feel more comfortable wearing fairly continuously for the first week after surgery.
3. The sutures in the armpit incisions are dissolveable and do not need to be removed. You may apply antibiotic ointment to the armpit incisions twice a day for the first week after surgery.
4. Bruising may develop on the chest a few days after surgery which is perfectly normal.
5. You may shower and get your chest and armpits wet. There is no harm in cleaning them with soap and water.
6. Your armpits will feel stiff and sore after surgery and your arms more so on raising them. A faster recovery will occur if you begin raising your arms up to the level of your shoulders in the first day or two after surgery. Thereafter, practice raising your arms above your head. These arm range of motion exercises will help the injured pectoralis muscle feel less stiff sooner.
7. You may wear any type of shirt or garment, including one that has to pull over your head to get it on or off.
8. There are no restrictions on normal daily activities after the surgery. You may do light exercise anytime afterwards that you feel comfortable. But no strenuous exercise of the chest muscles for three weeks after surgery.
9. You may drive within several days after the procedure, provided you are off pain medication and can react normally to driving conditions.
10. If any redness, tenderness, or drainage develops on the chest or from the armpit incisions after the first week of surgery, call Dr. Eppley and have your pharmacy number ready.