Skip to content

Top Surgery Explained

FTM Top SurgeryWhat is Top Surgery? Top Surgery is a gender affirming surgery for transgender men and non-binary individuals that creates a masculine chest. Also known as FTM Top Surgery, the procedure involves breast removal (Mastectomy) and male chest contouring, and may also include free nipple grafts, or nipple/areola resizing and repositioning.

Top Surgery is the most commonly performed gender reassignment surgery for trans masculine people. Top Surgery helps one to live more comfortably, improving psychological and social functioning, and it may be the only surgical step that one takes in their transition.

The different types of Top Surgery include Buttonhole Technique, Double Incision (DI), Inverted-T or T-Anchor, Keyhole and Peri Areolar. Learn more about Top Surgery Procedures »

Have Questions?

How To Get Started »


BOOKS: Top Surgery: Unbound

Top Surgery BookHave you ever wished that you could find a book that would guide you through the entire process of getting Top Surgery? Now that book exists.

VIDEO: What To Expect At Your Top Surgery Consult

What To Expect At Your Top Surgery Consult It's a good idea to be well-prepared for your Top Surgery consult so that you can get the most out your time with the surgeon. Here's a summary of what you can expect, as well as a video of a consult with Los Angeles Top Surgery surgeon, Dr. Josef Hadeed.

Find a Top Surgery Surgeon »

Double Incision Scar Shapes

Double Incision Top Surgery Scar ShapesWith detailed descriptions of Double Incision scar shapes and how anatomy influences them, Dr. Laurel Chandler offers up a definitive guide that will help you refine your Top Surgery goals.

Top Surgery Recovery - What To Expect

Top Surgery Recovery - What To Expect Overall, Top Surgery recovery is usually pretty smooth sailing but that's not to say that there aren't risks and potential complications. It's a major surgery and it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions and give yourself the time and space for proper healing.

The Ultimate Primer on Top Surgery and Nipples

The Ultimate Primer on Top Surgery and Nipples When planning for Top Surgery, you might be surprised at the number of options that you have surrounding... nipples! This primer will help you understand your options and their implications.

Is Top Surgery Medically Necessary?

Is Top Surgery Medically Necessary? Here's what researchers, the medical community and professional medical societies say about the medical necessity of gender-affirming Top Surgery.

Questions To Ask At Your Consult

Questions To Ask At a Top Surgery ConsultOnce you finally get to your consult day, you'll want to make sure that you use that time with the surgeon wisely, asking every question you can think of that will help you make an informed decision. To get the most out of your consult, here's a list of questions to ask your prospective surgeon.

Top Surgery Considerations for Non-Binary Folks

Top Surgery Considerations for Non-Binary Folks When it comes to Top Surgery, non-binary folks often face an uphill battle, but there are ways around the insurance hurdles, as well as experienced surgeons who are enthusiastic about providing truly inclusive care.

Dr. Scott Mosser

Dr. Scott Mosser

Consistently excellent Top Surgery results for more than 10 years. San Francisco, California.

Dr. Daniel Jacobs

Dr. Daniel Jacobs

Board-certified plastic surgeon with 30+ years experience, LGBTQ+ focused practice.

FTM Top Surgery Surgeons Map
Dr. Javad Sajan - FTM Top Surgery Seattle
Dr. Javad Sajan - FTM Top Surgery Seattle
Dr. Javad Sajan - FTM Top Surgery Seattle
Dr. Russell Sassani

Dr. Russell Sassani

Board certified, unanimous 5-star reviews from Top Surgery patients.

Dr. Cassie Nghiem

Dr. Cassie Nghiem

Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon specializing in Chest Reconstruction.

Dr. Dany Hanna

Dr. Dany Hanna

Fellowship-trained Gender Surgeon in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Drew Marano - Top Surgery Specialist in NYC

Dr. Drew Marano

Top Surgery Specialist in NYC, takes insurance, Medicaid, Medicare.

FOCUS: Scar Care

Top Surgery Scar Care: Are You Making These Common Mistakes?

Make sure that you aren't making these common mistakes with your scar care that can result in poor scarring and cost you more money than you need to spend!

Top Surgery Scar Care, Part 2: Advanced Topical Scar Treatment

Dr. Javad Sajan has developed a scar treatment protocol for Top Surgery. Those looking for an advanced approach to scar care will find it worth a closer look.

FOCUS: Revisions

All About "Dog Ears"

Dog Ears are one of the most common reasons for a Top Surgery revision. Find out what they really are and how to avoid them or get rid of them after Top Surgery in this one-stop primer featuring expert commentary from Dr. Alan Dulin.

Top Surgery Revisions: Stats, Causes, Costs and Tips

A revision can improve Top Surgery results dramatically and should be considered if you're not satisfied with your results. Find out what you need to know.

Forum Discussions

Top Surgery Blog


Ready to speak with a surgeon? // 100% Confidential // Trans-owned & operated // Request Free Info Now!