Gynecomastia
Restore a flatter, firmer chest with targeted surgical correction
Changes in the appearance of the chest can feel frustrating, especially when exercise and healthy habits do not seem to create the definition you would like. When glandular tissue, fat, or a combination of both develops beneath the nipple area, the chest may appear fuller or more rounded than expected. This condition is known as gynecomastia and is relatively common.
Gynecomastia surgery addresses these changes by removing excess tissue and refining the contour of the chest. The procedure allows the chest to appear flatter, firmer, and more proportionate to the rest of your body while preserving natural shape and symmetry.
At PIPS (Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan), gynecomastia correction is approached with thoughtful planning and refined surgical technique. Every procedure is tailored to your anatomy so the final result appears balanced and natural.
When you may consider gynecomastia surgery
You may begin considering gynecomastia surgery when the chest appears fuller than you would like, even with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits. The nipple area may project forward, the chest may feel uneven, or clothing may fit differently than expected.
These changes can occur for several reasons. Hormonal shifts, genetics, certain medications, and weight changes can all influence how tissue develops beneath the nipple area. In some situations the fullness reflects fatty tissue, while in others it includes dense glandular tissue that does not respond to diet or exercise.
During consultation, the chest is carefully evaluated to understand the underlying cause of the fullness. This evaluation helps determine which surgical approach will provide the most natural and balanced contour.
Gynecomastia surgery focuses on restoring a chest shape that feels consistent with your body proportions and comfortable in everyday activities.
Planning your procedure
Your consultation begins with a detailed evaluation of the chest and surrounding anatomy. Skin elasticity, glandular tissue, fat distribution, and chest symmetry are all carefully assessed.
Particular attention is given to the area beneath the areola where glandular tissue often develops. The natural contour of the pectoral muscles and the relationship between the chest and surrounding areas are also considered.
This assessment helps determine whether treatment will include liposuction, removal of glandular tissue, or a combination of both techniques. In some situations the skin may also benefit from gentle tightening as the chest contour is refined.
Every surgical plan is developed around your anatomy and the contour you would like to achieve.
How is gynecomastia surgery performed
Gynecomastia correction focuses on removing excess tissue while shaping the chest so it appears smooth and balanced.
The procedure may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation depending on the details of the treatment.
When excess fat contributes to the fullness of the chest, gentle liposuction is used to sculpt the area. Small incisions allow a fine cannula to remove fat while preserving surrounding tissue. This step refines the contour of the chest and helps create a natural transition toward the pectoral region.
When firm glandular tissue is present beneath the nipple, a small incision along the lower border of the areola allows that tissue to be carefully removed. This technique reduces projection beneath the nipple and allows the chest to appear flatter and more defined.
Throughout the procedure, attention is given to symmetry between both sides so the chest develops a smooth and natural appearance.
Surgery typically takes between one and two and a half hours depending on the amount of correction required.
Recovery and results
Healing progresses gradually during the weeks following surgery. A compression garment is typically worn for a period of time to support the chest as swelling improves and the tissues settle into their new contour.
You may feel comfortable returning to light daily activities within several days. Physical activity can gradually increase as healing progresses and the chest becomes more comfortable.
As swelling improves, the chest begins to appear flatter, firmer, and more defined. Clothing often fits more comfortably, and the chest contour typically feels more consistent with your overall body shape.
Insurance information
At this time, insurance is not accepted for cosmetic gynecomastia procedures. During your consultation, costs and payment options will be reviewed clearly so you understand what to expect before moving forward.
Surgical experience at PIPS
Gynecomastia surgery requires careful contouring and thoughtful surgical planning to create a result that appears natural and balanced.
Dr. Dennis Hammond brings decades of experience in plastic surgery and is widely recognized for his work in breast surgery. His contributions to surgical technique and education have influenced the way many surgeons approach breast procedures today.
Through years of clinical experience, teaching, and published research, he has helped advance techniques that emphasize precise tissue handling, careful contour refinement, and results that integrate naturally with surrounding anatomy.
Patients benefit from a surgical approach built on careful judgment and attention to detail. Each procedure reflects thoughtful planning, refined technique, and an understanding of how chest contours interact with the rest of the body.
Dr. Paige Goote is fellowship trained in aesthetic surgery and approaches body contouring procedures with detailed anatomical planning and careful attention to proportion and symmetry. Her work focuses on balanced results that support natural body contours while maintaining comfort and safety throughout the surgical process.
Together, Dr. Hammond and Dr. Goote combine experience, precision, and careful surgical planning to support results that appear natural and proportionate.
