Vaser Lipo is fast becoming the gold standard procedure for male breast reduction because of its simplicity, effectiveness and low down-time factor. Once you've been cleared by your surgeon for Vaser, the following is pretty much what you can expect to happen.

First, the surgeon will give you a sedative to ensure that you are fully relaxed and comfortable; but you will still be awake and aware, and very 'happy' (and no, there are no take-away samples). Then a solution of local anaesthesia will be injected under your skin to numb your chest. This takes about 5 minutes and can feel a little 'scratchy'. And that's the worst part over for you!

When the surgeon is happy that you are adequately numbed up, he will make a tiny incision. Then, a thin cannula (a stainless steel probe) which is attached to the Vaser is slipped beneath your skin through the incision. The surgeon will gently move the cannula back and forth, the sound energy produced by the Vaser breaks up the fat, which he then suctions out. Thanks to the local anaesthetic there's virtually no pain, though you might feel some tugging sensations during the procedure.

Whilst it is a relatively short procedure, generally less than an hour from start to finish, and although only a mild sedative and local anaesthesia are used, you will need to have someone drive you home afterwards. You'll also be given a prescription for antibiotics to lessen the chance of infection at the incision sites. You'll be told when to come back for your check-up appointment.

Your surgeon will also talk to you about post-operative care, such as what you can and can't do until you're fully healed. Aftercare Instructions usually look like this:

Can: - You can return to work and resume most normal activities in a day or two.

Can't: - You can't do any heavy lifting or exercise ("Sorry, love, the doctor says I can't help you carry the groceries - too heavy"); and - You can't play sports that might result in a blow to your chest ("I got it! I got it! I got it! Ooof! Groan");

For the first few days afterward, you may feel achy and a bit bruised, and you'll be somewhat swollen. All of those symptoms are perfectly normal and will disappear.

Just take it easy, and be sure to wear the compression garment that you've been given. Oh, did I forget to mention that? Yes, you'll have to wear a tight fitting elasticised garment that helps to speed up the healing, and you'll need to wear that (constantly) for a few days, and overnight for a couple more weeks after that. Seems like a long time doesn't it? How long did you have those man boobs? In the grand scheme of things, you're only sacrificing a couple of weeks or so, and you probably haven't been shirtless in public in a long time anyway.

After your male breast reduction procedure you can look forward to your new, flatter chest and the freedom that gives you in what you wear and how you live your life. Yes!