Body Surgery

Gynecomastia

Surgery for gynecomastia: removing the excess gland and fat that give a man's chest a breast-like shape.

  • Office or operating room
  • Local with sedation, or general
  • 1 to 2 hours
  • Desk work in 3 to 5 days
Gynecomastia at Barrie Plastic Surgery

Concerns it addresses

What gynecomastia treats

A firm disc behind the nipple

A firm disc behind the nipple

The gland is removed through a short incision along the lower edge of the areola, and recurrence is uncommon.

Treatments+

Also considered for this concern: Liposuction.

Causes+

Breast tissue in a man's chest persists after adolescence in some and appears with weight, age or medication in others.

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What to expect

From consultation to final result

The stages below are typical for this procedure. Your own timeline is confirmed at the consultation.

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The first week

What is normal

For most patients, the chest is swollen, bruised and tender for the first week, with numbness around the nipples that fades over weeks to months. A compression vest is worn day and night from the first day.

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Weeks two to six

Getting back to normal

Most patients are back at desk work in three to five days. Walking is encouraged from the first day. There is no upper-body exercise or heavy lifting for three to four weeks. The compression vest is worn for four to six weeks. The incisions stay out of the sun for the first year.

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The result

How long it lasts

Permanent for the gland, which does not grow back. Fat can return with weight gain, and an untreated underlying cause can bring tissue back, which is why the cause is looked for first.

Dr. Kamal Tumi, plastic surgeon, Barrie Plastic Surgery

Who performs it

Assessed and performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

The surgery is performed by Dr. Kamal Tumi, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C). He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 28 years in practice and over 3,500 surgeries performed.

Dr. Kamal Tumi, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C), is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as a specialist in plastic surgery. He completed his specialist training at McMaster University and a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto. More than 28 years in practice, over 3,500 surgeries performed.

Consultant plastic surgeon at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie since 2004. A hospital appointment means credentials reviewed by peers and the ability to manage complications directly.

You will not meet one person at the consultation and find someone else in the room. In his own words: "I will not do a surgery on you if you do not need it."

Google reviews

What patients say

Patient reviews from Google, names attached. 4.3 average across 67 reviews.

I had my first consultation with Dr. Tumi, and he was beyond fabulous. From the jump, he shook my hand and introduced himself to my daughter and I. He included her in the conversation and even had some laughs with her. This made the situation alot less vulnerable given the reason I was there. He is the second surgeon that I have met with, and wasn't going to be my last, until I decided he was the last. It is because of his honesty, integrity, authenticity and professionalism, that made my choice. I saw some comments in the reviews where people stated he made them feel uncomfortable while getting undressed and for me that did not happen. He was respectful of my space and was sure I was covered appropriately. I went to see him for a breat augmentation and Dr. Tumi did not think an augmentation would be required. I really appreciated that about him, because the first surgeon I met, insisted this procedure, despite me only wanting a lift with fat transfer. This is a huge cost savings for me, and more natural for my body type, and in my opinion. Dr. Tumi did not make me feel rushed with any questions and time was not ever an issue for him. He wanted to be sure I knew all that I needed. His office manager Karyn, was absolutely wonderful and easy to connect with. She took her time to discuss things that I did not think of and even called me over the weekend when I emailed her some more questions. This is above and beyond care. My surgery is April 20th and I know I am in good hands. I will follow this up with further reviews in the future and have no doubt it will be 5 stars across the board. One last thing... of all the reviews, I paid attention to the ones where the patients actually had surgery, not the ones who were disgruntled about the office staff or OHIP issues. After all, it is the surgeon we want precision with, isn't it? Thanks Karyn and Dr. Tumi, for making me comfortable and content.

SL

Stephanie Leblanc

Google Review

I had a great experience with Dr. Tumi and Karyn throughout my entire surgical journey. They were both incredibly kind, patient, and always took the time to answer all of my questions. From my first consultation to my follow-up appointments, they made me feel comfortable, supported, and well cared for. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone considering.

C

Claire

Google Review

I had a great experience from start to finish. The service was professional, everything was explained clearly, and the overall experience was positive. I would definitely recommend this place to others.

V

Victoria

Google Review

What happens, in order

Gynecomastia, start to finish

What gynecomastia involves at each stage, from the first consultation through to the result.

Step 01 · Consultation

The consultation

A consultation is an assessment and a conversation, and you are not committing to anything by having one.

  • Assessment of what is actually causing what you see
  • What can be done, what cannot, and what it involves
  • A written quote once the assessment is done
Gynecomastia treatment process
The in-office procedure room at Barrie Plastic Surgery
Before and Afters

Patient Transformations

Most cases here are patients of this practice, shown with consent. Cases marked “Clinical case” are supplied by the manufacturer. Each practice case followed an assessment by Dr. Tumi and a plan built around that person's anatomy. Results vary by individual.

  • Patients of this practice and labelled clinical cases
  • Assessed and treated by the same surgeon
  • Results that look like you, only rested

For educational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Patients consent for photos obtained.

An assessment and a conversation.

You do not need to arrive knowing which procedure you want. Describing what bothers you is enough. You are not committing to surgery by booking a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Gynecomastia questions,
answered

The figure is quoted at your consultation rather than before it. Two things move it: whether the gland is removed as well as the fat, and whether skin needs tightening. Not covered by OHIP. Financing is available through Beautifi, Medicard and Credit Medical.

Typically one to two hours, and you go home the same day.

Local anesthetic with sedation for a liposuction-only case, or a general anesthetic when the gland is removed. The setting follows from that, and Dr. Tumi confirms both with you at the consultation.

Three to five days to desk work, three to four weeks to upper-body exercise, with a compression vest for four to six weeks. Swelling settles over two to three months.

For most patients, a bruised, tight chest for the first few days, managed with ordinary pain relief. Sharp or one-sided pain is not expected, and it is the reason to call.

A short line along the lower edge of each areola, where dark skin meets light, and one or two tiny liposuction marks at the side of the chest. They are typically very hard to find once healed. ---

Permanent for the gland. Fat can return with weight gain, and a cause that is not treated can bring tissue back.

A firm disc of glandular tissue behind the nipple and a soft, fatty chest feel different under the hand. They also need different treatment, so this one is examined rather than described over the phone. Anything new, painful or affecting one side only goes to a physician first, because the cause may be treatable. A weight that is still moving is a reason to wait.

Dr. Kamal Tumi performs the surgery himself. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C), with more than 28 years in practice and over 3,500 surgeries performed. He has been a consultant plastic surgeon at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre since 2004.