The choice to undergo gender confirmation surgery (GCS) is a defining moment in a person’s life. Gender confirmation surgery is also incredibly complex and requires mastery of multiple surgical specialties. At Great Falls Plastic Surgery, we understand the importance of aligning your physical appearance with your gender identity. Led by Dr. Emilia Ploplys, we offer gender confirmation surgery for patients in Great Falls, Helena, Missoula, and Cascade County.
What Is Gender Confirmation Surgery?
Gender confirmation surgery, also known as gender affirming surgery, refers to a range of procedures designed to modify the body’s characteristics to align with a patient’s gender identity. These surgeries are medically necessary for many individuals to treat gender dysphoria. Our goal is to provide natural-looking results that help patients feel more comfortable in their bodies.
Providing Personalized Results
There are many different aspects of gender confirmation surgery. Dr. Ploplys performs top surgery as well as facial feminization. These procedures include:
- Transfeminine Top Surgery – Enhancing the size of the breasts to create a more feminine appearance. Breast implants, fat grafting, and breast lifts are often used individually or in combination to create more feminine contours.
- Transmasculine Top Surgery – Creating a chest with a flatter and more masculine appearance involves removing breast tissue and reshaping and repositioning the nipple-areola complex. This can be achieved with a periareolar approach for individuals with smaller chests. For most patients, subcutaneous mastectomy with free nipple grafting is required. Liposuction is often used as an adjunct to hone the result.
Key Benefits of Gender Affirming Surgery
Undergoing transgender surgery offers significant benefits for patients seeking physical alignment with their identity.
- Alleviates feelings of gender dysphoria and improves overall mental health
- Creates physical characteristics that match the patient’s internal sense of self
- Enhances social confidence and ease in public settings
- Allows patients to wear clothing that fits their gender identity comfortably
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gender Confirmation Surgery
Determining candidacy is the first step in the surgical process. During your consultation with a qualified gender confirmation surgeon, we assess your medical history and goals.
- You should be in good overall health to tolerate anesthesia and recovery.
- For top surgery, it is often recommended (though not always required) to be on hormone therapy for a year to allow for maximum chest muscle development.
- Individuals should have a persistent and well-documented history of gender dysphoria.
- Candidates must have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure.
- You must be willing to stop smoking or vaping well in advance. Nicotine use is strictly prohibited as it endangers the survival of nipple grafts and chest tissue.
How Gender Confirmation Surgery Works
Gender confirmation surgery is performed under general anesthesia for optimal patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Because every individual has unique anatomical needs, Dr. Ploplys creates a tailored surgical plan before the surgery. The process broadly involves the precise reshaping of the chest wall through tissue removal or volume enhancement.
By modifying the underlying skin, fat, and muscle, we establish a natural contour that aligns with your gender identity.
What to Expect During Recovery
Immediately following chest procedures, patients are often fitted with a surgical compression vest to minimize swelling and support the new contour. You may also have temporary drains placed to prevent fluid retention, which are usually removed within the first week. It is critical to limit arm movement—specifically avoiding raising your arms above shoulder height—to protect nipple grafts and prevent incision stress during this initial healing phase.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to sedentary work or school within one to two weeks. However, it is recommended to sleep on your back and avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month. While visible swelling and bruising will subside gradually, adhering to Dr. Ploplys’ detailed postoperative instructions is essential for optimal scarring.
Gender Confirmation Before-and-After Photos
Viewing the results of past patients can provide insight into the potential outcomes of surgery. Our gallery showcases the work of Dr. Ploplys and highlights the natural changes achieved through these procedures.
How Much Does Gender Confirmation Surgery Cost
The cost of gender confirmation surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. During your consultation, we provide a detailed fee estimate.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Plopys
Patients in Montana choose Great Falls Plastic Surgery because we offer expert, gender-affirming care without the need to travel out of state. As one of the few board-certified female plastic surgeons in the region, Dr. Ploplys provides a unique level of comfort and understanding, particularly for patients navigating sensitive body contouring procedures. Dr. Ploplys brings a background in complex reconstructive surgery to every aesthetic procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you are considering gender confirmation surgery in Great Falls, Helena, or Missoula, Dr. Emilia Ploplys offers the medical expertise and respect you deserve. Contact Great Falls Plastic Surgery today to schedule your private consultation. Take the next step toward feeling at home in your body.