How To Prepare For Your Gynecomastia Consultation (Checklist Included)

Gynecomastia is a condition that many men struggle with quietly. It can cause feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness, and frustration. Some men avoid taking off their shirts at the pool or wear oversized clothing to hide their chest. Although gynecomastia is not harmful to physical health, it can have a real impact on confidence and quality of life.

For men in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Michael Baumholtz has earned a reputation for providing straightforward, honest guidance and skilled surgical care. As a dual board-certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in both routine and complex cases, Dr. Baumholtz believes that preparation is one of the most important parts of the process. When patients know what to expect and arrive well-informed, consultations are more productive, less stressful, and ultimately lead to safer and more satisfying results.

What Happens During a Gynecomastia Consultation

Every consultation with Dr. Baumholtz is designed to be informative, respectful, and comprehensive. The process begins with the Symplast online intake forms, which collect important details about your medical history, medications, supplements, and lifestyle. This allows Dr. Baumholtz to identify possible factors that may be contributing to breast tissue growth, including medications, hormonal influences, or anabolic steroid use.

A physical exam follows to determine the type of tissue involved:

Fatty tissue, which can be treated with liposuction
Glandular tissue, which may require surgical excision
Excess skin, which may need additional contouring procedures

Dr. Baumholtz explains each option clearly, discusses expected results and scarring, and reviews recovery requirements so that patients understand the trade-offs and realistic outcomes.

Preparing Before the Appointment

The most effective consultations are those where patients arrive prepared. Before meeting with Dr. Baumholtz, consider the following:

Complete your Symplast intake forms in full. These forms include questions about your health, medications, and supplements.
Be honest about your lifestyle habits, including nicotine, alcohol, or anabolic steroid use. Accurate information ensures a safe and effective surgical plan.
Maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Baumholtz typically recommends that patients have a BMI below 35 before elective aesthetic surgery.
Clarify your goals. Write down what bothers you most, such as chest size, nipple puffiness, or asymmetry, to guide the discussion.
Plan ahead. Recovery takes time. Most men need several weeks before returning to work, exercise, or strenuous activity.

Lifestyle Considerations That Affect Surgery

Lifestyle choices can directly affect both safety and results. Dr. Baumholtz will discuss the following during your consultation:

Nicotine use: Dr. Baumholtz does not perform elective aesthetic procedures on patients who use nicotine in any form. Smoking, vaping, or nicotine patches all increase the risk of poor healing and complications.
Steroid use: Anabolic steroids are one of the most common causes of gynecomastia. Continued use can lead to recurrence even after surgery. Patients are encouraged to stop before surgery to help ensure long-term success.
Weight stability: For men whose chest fullness is primarily fat-related (pseudogynecomastia), maintaining a stable, healthy weight improves both the surgical outcome and overall safety.

These steps are not obstacles but part of preparing your body for the best possible result.

Recovery Planning and Compression Garments

After surgery, patients are instructed to wear a compression garment for about six weeks. This vest helps control swelling, supports the healing tissues, and assists the skin in adapting to the new contour.

Dr. Baumholtz provides clear instructions for a safe recovery:

Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling more than 5 to 10 pounds for six weeks
Resume exercise only when cleared by the office
Begin light walking as soon as comfortable to promote circulation

See Before and After Photos of Gynecomastia Surgery

The Gynecomastia Consultation Checklist

To make your consultation as efficient as possible, please click the link below to complete your Symplast patient intake form before your visit.

👉 How To Book

Once submitted, Dr. Baumholtz and his team will review your information and be ready to discuss your goals, options, and next steps.

Why Choose Dr. Michael Baumholtz

Dr. Baumholtz is dual board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and completed fellowship training in Hand and Microsurgery. His background includes years in trauma and reconstructive surgery, giving him the technical skill and judgment required for complex gynecomastia cases.

What defines his approach is honesty and precision.

He provides realistic expectations, careful planning, and ongoing follow-up ensuring patients feel supported before, during, and after surgery.

FAQs About Preparing for a Gynecomastia Consultation

If I sweat a lot in the Texas heat, does that affect surgery or recovery?

San Antonio summers can be intense, and sweating is a normal concern. While it does not prevent surgery, it can make compression garments warmer to wear. Dr. Baumholtz recommends breathable clothing, good hydration, and, for some, scheduling surgery during a cooler time of year for comfort.

What if I get nervous or embarrassed during the exam?

Many men feel this way. Dr. Baumholtz’s exam is always professional, respectful, and clearly explained. If you feel anxious, let him know - the goal is to make you comfortable while still allowing an accurate evaluation.

Can working out at the Pearl or jogging on the River Walk interfere with recovery?

Exercise is part of life in San Antonio, but it is important to wait until cleared by Dr. Baumholtz before resuming running, weightlifting, or chest workouts. Light walking is encouraged, but overdoing activity too soon can delay healing or affect results.

What if my chest looks different on one side than the other?

Asymmetry is common. One side may have more fat or glandular tissue. Dr. Baumholtz addresses this carefully during surgery to achieve a natural, balanced appearance. While perfect symmetry isn’t always possible, the improvement is often dramatic.

Does being very active or military affect healing?

Not necessarily. Many of Dr. Baumholtz’s patients are active-duty service members or veterans. Healing depends more on following post-surgery instructions than activity level. The challenge for active patients is often remembering to slow down during recovery.

Can I still get surgery if I spend a lot of time outdoors at Spurs games, fishing, or golfing?

Yes. However, sun exposure on fresh scars can darken them. Dr. Baumholtz advises using sunscreen and protective clothing during outdoor activities to protect your incisions as they heal.

What if I’m not sure I want surgery but just want an expert opinion?

That is completely appropriate. Many men come for a consultation simply to learn more about their condition and options. The visit is about education and understanding, not pressure. You can decide later if and when surgery feels right for you.

Medical References

Gynecomastia: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Endotext - NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279105/
Gynecomastia - StatPearls
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/
Breast Reduction - UF Health Plastic Surgery
http://cosmetic.surgery.ufl.edu/plastic-surgery-resources/knowledge-center/breast-reduction/
Care of the Patient Undergoing Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) - University of Washington
https://depts.washington.edu/tgnbhealthprogram/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CareOfThePatientUndergoingSRS.pdf

Key Takeaways

Complete your intake form before your appointment.
Be open and honest about your health, lifestyle, and supplement use.
Expect a realistic, respectful discussion focused on safety and long-term results.
Gynecomastia surgery is a partnership between patient and surgeon, built on preparation and trust.

With Dr. Michael Baumholtz, patients benefit from the expertise of a dual board-certified Plastic Surgeon who values clear communication, surgical precision, and lasting results.

ABOUT DR. MICHAEL BAUMHOLTZ

Meet Dr. Michael Baumholtz — or simply “Dr. B” — one of San Antonio’s most respected and trusted board-certified plastic surgeons. Known for his warm personality and remarkable precision, Dr. B combines artistry, experience, and honest communication to deliver natural, confidence-building results. Patients appreciate that he tells them what they need to know, not just what they want to hear — ensuring every transformation is guided by expertise, safety, and integrity.

With dual board certifications in General and Plastic Surgery, Dr. B brings decades of advanced training from world-class institutions including Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center. His rare blend of academic excellence, technical mastery, and genuine compassion has made him the surgeon of choice for discerning patients seeking aesthetic excellence. As former Division Chief of Plastic Surgery at the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital and an educator of future surgeons, he sets the standard for quality and care.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Baumholtz has authored or co-authored more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and delivered over 40 national and regional presentations. A guest oral examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Executive Committee Member of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, he continues to advance surgical education while mentoring the next generation of physicians.

When you choose Dr. B, you’re choosing more than a surgeon — you’re partnering with a skilled artist who listens, educates, and delivers. His boutique, patient-focused practice offers a calm, supportive environment where every detail matters, from consultation to recovery.

Learn more about Dr. Baumholtz

Back to Blog