Top Surgery Explained

What 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?

• The Ultimate Top Surgery FAQ »
• How Much Does Top Surgery Cost? »
• Top Surgery Insurance Coverage »
• Insurance Tips »
• Top Surgery Financing and Grants »
• Risks and Complications »
• Sensation: What You Need To Know »
• Ask a Question Here »

How To Get Started »

BOOKS: Top Surgery: Unbound

Have 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

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 »

MORE FEATURES

Double Incision Scar Shapes

With 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

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

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?

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

Once 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

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.