Traveling to San Francisco for Gynecomastia Surgery

Selecting the most qualified and experienced gynecomastia surgeon for your surgical procedure is key to getting the results you want. If you’re not located near your plastic surgeon of choice, it can be disheartening to feel like you’re limited to your area for male breast reduction. That’s not the case! You can still get exceptional care from Dr. Miguel Delgado, one of the most award-winning and respected gynecomastia surgeons in the United States. Here’s a guide to traveling to the San Francisco area for gynecomastia surgery and what patients can expect from start to finish.

Why Travel for Male Breast Reduction?

It can seem like a hassle to travel for male breast reduction when you can find plastic surgeons in your area who perform it. But not all gynecomastia surgeons are skilled or qualified enough to produce the results you want. When it comes to creating a more masculine chest appearance, technical skill is just as important as an eye for aesthetics. Gynecomastia procedures in particular require unique experience and knowledge in removing fatty tissue, glandular tissue, and even excess skin in one or both breasts to create the ideal chest contour. Not all gynecomastia is the same, either – true gynecomastia and false gynecomastia require different approaches and a significant amount of study on the different grades of gynecomastia surgery. Seeing a gynecomastia specialist is often the best way to get the results you want, regardless of distance.

The Male Breast Reduction Process for Out-of-Town Patients

Traveling for male breast reduction looks slightly different for out-of-town patients. Here is what to expect from Dr. Delgado and our team here in San Francisco.

Virtual Consultation

Thanks to continual developments in technology, virtual consultations are becoming more and more commonplace. These types of consultations allow you to meet with a chosen surgeon regardless of their location and get a good feel for what they can offer you with gynecomastia surgery. It’s also a great way to learn more about gynecomastia from a medical professional who can help you explore possible causes of male breast enlargement like hormone imbalance, weight gain, anabolic steroids, and more. Even if you don’t commit to surgery, you can still get an expert opinion from one of the country’s leading gynecomastia experts.

A virtual consultation with Dr. Delgado involves attaching some photos of your chest so that he can assess your current look and develop a treatment plan. Like any in-person initial consultation, you’ll also discuss your goals, medical conditions and history, and possible treatment options or your surgical plan for gynecomastia surgery. You’ll also get an estimate for your male breast reduction cost. Dr. Delgado uses specialized imaging technology to be able to show you what results are possible from your plastic surgery procedure so you can make the most informed decision about your next steps. He’ll discuss his surgical techniques to remove male breast tissue or excess fat, whether using liposuction, surgical excision, or both. Once you and Dr. Delgado have decided on your surgery, you’ll proceed to scheduling.

Scheduling Your Gynecomastia Surgery in San Francisco

After your one-on-one consultation, you’ll get in touch with Chelsie, our patient care coordinator, who will help you schedule your surgery date. Our office works with a significant number of out-of-town patients and can pay special attention to your travel needs. We can recommend the best days and times to fit your out-of-town nature, as well as help you understand what to expect before and after surgery. You’ll be given instructions to complete ahead of your surgery date like stop smoking or cease certain medications. Once you schedule your surgery, you’ll proceed to prepare for your gynecomastia procedure.

Completing Blood Work

Before you schedule any travel plans, Dr. Delgado will order blood work. You can complete this at any nearby lab and our team will give you instructions on sending your results. This is an essential step as it ensures you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery and won’t experience any additional risks with bleeding or general anesthesia. Once Dr. Delgado can assess these results, you’ll proceed with scheduling your travel plans.

Scheduling Your Travel Plans

It can seem overwhelming to travel to a completely new city with all the extra steps of going through surgery, but our team is here to help. We regularly work with out-of-town patients and can recommend the best ways to get here. Most patients remain in San Francisco for 5-7 days after surgery. This is because you will need time for recovery and returning for post-operative appointments with our team – flying home sooner than this is not recommended due to the increased risk of swelling and bleeding. One essential step in booking your travel arrangements is ensuring you have a responsible adult with you, such as a trusted friend or family member. They will need to stay with you throughout the first 1-2 days. If it’s not possible to bring someone along, our team can arrange for a professional caregiver to stay with you.

Pre-Operative Appointment, Surgery, and Post-Operative Appointment

Within a few days of surgery, you’ll meet with our team for a physical exam and review your pre-operative instructions and what to expect. You’ll receive a detailed booklet on how to prepare for recovery and take care of yourself afterward. It’s essential to ask any questions at this point! You’ll receive directions to our surgical center and book any transportation arrangements needed.

The day of surgery, you’ll arrive at our surgical center and our team will help you prepare for general anesthesia. Once your surgery is complete, you’ll return to your hotel with your caregiver and begin recovery. You’ll follow up with our team within a few days of surgery to ensure you’re safe to travel before you embark.

Final Results and Beyond

Our team is always available to follow up after your plastic surgery procedure. We recommend keeping in touch with Dr. Delgado so he can monitor your recovery and address any issues or concerns. Many patients do this by emailing photos or calling our San Francisco office. By maintaining a good relationship with your surgeon and being proactive about any concerns, you can enjoy great results from traveling to San Francisco for your procedure.

Our Top Recommendations in the San Francisco Bay Area

Our team is always happy to recommend accommodations. Most notably, we are partnered with the Novato Oaks Inn, located only 4.5 miles from our Novato location, and Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center near the hospital where surgery is performed. You can enjoy a corporate rate there as a patient of Dr. Delgado. It also includes a free shuttle service to our office.

There are also a variety of attractions available in the San Francisco Bay Area including the Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and the Presidio of San Francisco. We can also provide recommendations for dining, shopping, and more.

Schedule a Virtual Consultation

If you’re ready to take the next step in your gynecomastia journey, we can help. Dr. Delgado is a top board-certified plastic surgeon here in the San Francisco area and is available by virtual consultation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the restrictions after gynecomastia surgery?

After gynecomastia surgery, you will need to limit physical activity and heavy exercise for a few weeks to support the healing process. To reduce swelling, you should wear your compression garment according to directions. Make sure to get light exercise by walking around to keep blood flowing and avoid complications.

Can I travel after gynecomastia surgery?

You should plan to remain here in San Francisco for 5-7 days after your male breast reduction surgery. This will give your body time to heal and reduce swelling before you undergo the stress of travel. Keep in mind that you should have a caregiver with you for the first 1-2 days after surgery.

Is it safe to travel for plastic surgery?

While most plastic surgeons do not recommend traveling abroad for surgical treatment, there are benefits to traveling to your chosen gynecomastia surgeon within the United States. Keep in mind that there are risks to any surgery and complications can be made all the riskier by being unable to follow up with a surgeon to whom you traveled a long distance. For this reason, selecting the most qualified and experienced gynecomastia surgeon who will take great care to reduce risks and complications is key.

Can you drive home after gynecomastia surgery?

After male breast reduction surgery, you will be unable to drive yourself back to your hotel. You will need to have a trusted adult or professional caregiver on hand. Our team can arrange for transportation or a shuttle back to your hotel if needed.