Truman Customer Story Column
While You're Still Young, Even by a Year
There are two main reasons people put off gynecomastia surgery: worry about aftereffects, and cost.
The person I would like to introduce today came carrying both of these. On the post-surgery questionnaire, rather than writing only the good things, they answered honestly — and so I think there is all the more value in sharing it.
Aftereffects and cost were the worries
First, regarding aftereffects, this patient wrote the following after surgery.
"I followed the guidance exactly as instructed, and whether it was luck, I had none of the bruising or side effects I had worried about."
They called it luck, but in my clinical experience, it is not luck alone. After gynecomastia surgery, wounds form beneath the skin at the sites of liposuction and where the mammary gland tissue was removed. For these internal wounds to heal well, post-surgery care such as wearing a compression garment and maintaining proper sleeping posture matters, and when patients follow the guidance as given, bruising and swelling are often reduced. Of course, the degree differs from person to person, and not everyone passes through the same course.
As for the worry about cost, insurance eased it. Gynecomastia is a surgery for which health insurance benefits can apply depending on the conditions (Simon grade 2 or above, and so on). For those putting off surgery over a similar worry, it is worth first checking whether you qualify for coverage.
Grasping even what I hadn't known, easily and quickly
For the first impression, they left the answer that everyone was kind and the system was well organized. In particular, they noted that they were able to grasp even the parts they themselves had not known, easily and quickly.
Making it so that guidance proceeds in order, even when a patient does not know what to ask — this is the very part we are trying to build into a system.
Recovery took longer than expected
I will share this part honestly. This patient wrote that recovery took longer than expected, and that it made them think, "so it was a fairly major surgery."
They are right. Gynecomastia surgery is not one where only the incision on the surface heals. For the wounds that form across a wide area beneath the skin to stabilize takes about two weeks, and subtle discomfort can last even longer. I guide patients on this without exaggerating or minimizing it. After that sentence, this patient added that, seeing the changed result, they were satisfied. Because it is the conclusion of someone who passed honestly through the time of recovery, it carries a different weight.
"Have it done while you're still young, even by a year"
As what they most wanted to do after surgery, they answered, "After dieting, I'd like to take my shirt off at the beach soon," and to those facing the same concern, they said this.
"If gynecomastia is causing you stress, I recommend having it done while you're still young, even by a year."
That said, this is this person's own experience, and whether surgery is necessary is something you may decide after confirming your own condition through an examination.
Having gynecomastia does not mean surgery is unconditionally required. But for those whose stress or self-consciousness is affecting daily life, rather than letting the worry drag on, checking your condition comes first.
