Is Gynecomastia Surgery Painful?

Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia so patients do not feel any pain while undergoing the procedure. After the procedure, it is typical for patients to feel some swelling or bruising as their body adjusts to the changes made in the chest area. Dr. Vagotis recommends applying ice packs or managing any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication until the body has healed.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments necessary will vary depending on the patient’s individual health and the extent of the surgery required to achieve optimal results, as well as follow-up appointments to ensure no further complications have occurred as a result of the surgery. Dr. Vagotis will be able to outline the number of appointments necessary during your individual consultation.

How Long Until I See Results?

Dr. Vagotis recommends patients wait until any swelling in the area has reduced before evaluating their results. Depending on the patient’s individual healing progress, an immediate improvement can be seen shortly after surgery. On average, patients can expect to see their final results in six weeks. These changes are permanent and long-lasting; however, additional weight gain or loss may interfere with the final results.

Can I Combine Gynecomastia Surgery with Other Procedures?

Of course. Dr. Vagotis is happy to accommodate your preferences for other surgical or cosmetic procedures and often recommends combining procedures into one surgery to minimize downtime during recovery. Some of our patients who have undergone gynecomastia surgery also choose liposuction -compatible or body-sculpting procedures to transform their bodies fully. Please let Dr. Vagotis know which procedures you are considering during your individual consultation so she may make recommendations and safely incorporate your procedures into a surgical plan.

What Are the Risks Associated with Gynecomastia Surgery?

Patients can be assured of a safe and successful procedure under Dr. Vagotis’ expertise. However, no surgery is without risk. Patients are advised of the following risks and complications that may occur as a result of gynecomastia surgery: Swelling Tissue death Changes in skin or nipple sensitivity Infection Seroma Blood clotting Please contact Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center immediately if you are experiencing any adverse reactions to your surgery.

Gynecomastia

In Grand Rapids, MI

Introduction to Gynecomastia

Most males experience some breast development during puberty due to hormonal changes, but sometimes, this breast tissue does not redevelop into a masculine chest after reaching adulthood. In these instances, no amount of strict diet and exercise can fundamentally alter the appearance and underlying structure of the chest.

At Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center in Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Francine Vagotis helps male patients by surgically creating a flatter chest so they can live freely and comfortably. If you are a man struggling with your appearance due to larger-than-typical breasts, a gynecomastia procedure may be right for you.

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What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia surgery is a type of breast reduction surgery designed to reduce excess breast and fatty tissue. The chest is then restructured to have a flatter, more masculine appearance.

The surgery involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, creating a chest that is more in proportion with the rest of the body. In some cases, liposuction may also be used to sculpt the chest further and give it a more masculine appearance. Depending on the patient’s preference, the procedure can be done under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia.

What are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

Patients in Grand Rapids choosing to undergo a gynecomastia surgery usually do so for the following benefits:

Flatter, more masculine chest appearance
Improved mobility
Freedom to go shirtless without suffering embarrassment
Reduced gender dysphoria
Boost in self-confidence

Young man with a fit physique, standing shirtless near a glass wall, gazing off into the distance with a confident expression - Gynecomastia in Grand Rapids, MI

Who are the best candidates

Dr. Vagotis recommends that patients pursuing a gynecomastia surgery should exhibit some or all of the following characteristics:

Are not actively undergoing hormonal changes
Have stabilized weight
Are overall in good health
They struggle with embarrassment over their condition to the point of interfering with their quality of life.

What’s the First Step?

What to Expect on the Day of A Gynecomastia Surgery

If you are struggling with excess breast tissue, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Francine Vagotis at Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Please be prepared to thoroughly discuss your medical history and decision to undergo gynecomastia surgery, as this will help Dr. Vagotis evaluate your candidacy for the procedure. She will then develop a personalized surgical plan to reduce your breast tissue and improve your overall chest shape and contour. When you and Dr. Vagotis have aligned on the plan, our patient care coordinator will help you schedule your surgery at a later date that is convenient for you.

What to Expect on the Day of Gynecomastia Surgery

Please follow all pre-operative instructions prior to your gynecomastia surgery. This includes limiting or abstaining from alcohol and smoking in the weeks leading up to your surgery, as these can inhibit the healing process afterward.

Before your procedure, Dr. Vagotis will review your surgical plan once more and answer any additional questions or concerns. When you are ready, the anesthesia provider will administer either general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia to avoid any pain or discomfort felt during the surgery.

Dr. Vagotis will then carefully excise the excess breast tissue and use liposuction to remove excess fat in the area. She will then recontour the chest for a flatter appearance and close any incisions to reduce scarring.

Patients are able to return home the same day. Our practice requires all patients undergoing sedation to have a friend or family member transport them home.

Gynecomastia

Expectations

Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Gynecomastia Surgery Care

Gynecomastia surgery is a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of male breasts and improve a man’s self-confidence. The recovery time is typically around two weeks, and patients can expect to experience some swelling and bruising in the area. All activities should be restricted for at least a week. Dr. Vagotis will check in on your healing progress during your follow-up appointments. At this point, you may be cleared to resume your normal activities.

The results of gynecomastia surgery can be long-lasting, barring any excessive weight loss or weight gain.

How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in Grand Rapids, MI?

The cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in Grand Rapids, MI, will vary per patient depending on the extent of the surgery required, as well as anesthesiology and surgical fees. During your individual consultation, Dr. Vagotis will be able to provide a full cost analysis and financing options.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Vagotis?

Dr. Francine Vagotis, M.D., is a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in facial rejuvenation, breast and body contouring, and skincare.

Dr. Vagotis is a leader in facial procedures in Western Michigan and one of the few surgical professionals to have had the opportunity to learn under Dr. Bruce Connell, also known as “the father of the modern facelift.” Her extensive training under Dr. Connell sets her apart from other cosmetic surgeons in the Midwest, and at this time, she is the only surgeon with these credentials in the state of Michigan.

Dr. Vagotis is licensed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and has medical licenses in Michigan, Colorado, and Illinois. She is board-certified and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS), the Lipoplasty Society of North America (LSNM), the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), and the Kent County Medical Society (KCMS).

Why Us?

Gynecomastia FAQ’S

Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia so patients do not feel any pain while undergoing the procedure. After the procedure, it is typical for patients to feel some swelling or bruising as their body adjusts to the changes made in the chest area. Dr. Vagotis recommends applying ice packs or managing any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication until the body has healed.
The number of appointments necessary will vary depending on the patient’s individual health and the extent of the surgery required to achieve optimal results, as well as follow-up appointments to ensure no further complications have occurred as a result of the surgery. Dr. Vagotis will be able to outline the number of appointments necessary during your individual consultation.
Dr. Vagotis recommends patients wait until any swelling in the area has reduced before evaluating their results. Depending on the patient’s individual healing progress, an immediate improvement can be seen shortly after surgery. On average, patients can expect to see their final results in six weeks. These changes are permanent and long-lasting; however, additional weight gain or loss may interfere with the final results.
Of course. Dr. Vagotis is happy to accommodate your preferences for other surgical or cosmetic procedures and often recommends combining procedures into one surgery to minimize downtime during recovery. Some of our patients who have undergone gynecomastia surgery also choose liposuction-compatible or body-sculpting procedures to transform their bodies fully. Please let Dr. Vagotis know which procedures you are considering during your individual consultation so she may make recommendations and safely incorporate your procedures into a surgical plan.
Patients can be assured of a safe and successful procedure under Dr. Vagotis’ expertise. However, no surgery is without risk. Patients are advised of the following risks and complications that may occur as a result of gynecomastia surgery:
- Swelling
- Tissue death
- Changes in skin or nipple sensitivity
- Infection
- Seroma
- Blood clotting
Please contact Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center immediately if you are experiencing any adverse reactions to your surgery.

Schedule a consultation

It may be time for you to reclaim your body and discover the masculine chest that has been waiting underneath. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Francine Vagotis at Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center in Grand Rapids, MI, by calling us at (616) 285-6400 or reaching out through our online booking form. A member of our patient care team will reach out to help you schedule your consultation and take the first steps toward reaching your masculine aesthetic goals.

Schedule a Consultation