FTM Top Surgery » Surgeons

Dr. Johnson Lee

Top Surgery Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Dr. Johnson Lee, MD is a Johns Hopkins–trained, board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills who performs gender-affirming top surgery for trans men and nonbinary patients. With nearly a decade of experience providing gender-affirming care, Dr. Lee focuses on creating natural, masculine chest contours that align with each patient’s anatomy and transition goals.

Dr. Lee was introduced to gender-affirming surgery through his involvement in the LGBTQ+ community and has since dedicated a significant portion of his practice to caring for transgender patients. His approach emphasizes careful surgical planning, precise surgical technique, and individualized treatment plans designed to produce balanced and natural-looking results.

Dr. Lee performs surgery in Beverly Hills and is affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

Training and Professional Background

• Doctor of Medicine — Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one of the most respected medical institutions in the world
• Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency — Albany Medical Center, New York, with extensive training in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery
• Fellowship Training in Oculoplastic and Aesthetic Surgery under the direction of Dr. Mark Codner in Atlanta, focusing on eyelid, brow, and upper facial procedures
• Clinical training and research experience at Chang Gung Hospital in Taiwan, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and the Villa La Paz Foundation in Peru
• Contributions to surgical education and research, including instructional material featured in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open

Top Surgery

Top surgery removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. For many trans men and nonbinary patients, top surgery is one of the most important steps in gender affirmation.

Dr. Lee approaches top surgery with careful attention to chest proportions, skin elasticity, and nipple placement. The goal is to create a chest that looks natural in both relaxed and active positions while maintaining balanced symmetry and contour.

During consultation, Dr. Lee evaluates several factors that influence surgical planning, including chest size, skin quality, body proportions, and the patient’s goals. These details help determine which surgical technique will produce the best outcome.

Double Incision Top Surgery

The double incision technique is the most commonly performed top surgery approach and is typically recommended for patients with moderate to larger chest volume.

This procedure removes breast tissue through two horizontal incisions placed across the lower chest. Excess skin is removed and the chest wall is contoured to create a flatter appearance.

The nipples are usually resized and repositioned as free nipple grafts, allowing the surgeon to place them in a more traditionally masculine position on the chest.

Because the double incision technique allows greater control over chest contour and skin removal, it is often the best option for achieving a consistent masculine chest shape in patients with larger chests or reduced skin elasticity.

Peri-Areolar Top Surgery

The peri-areolar technique may be an option for patients with smaller chest volume and good skin elasticity.

This approach removes breast tissue through incisions made around the edge of the areola. Because the incision follows the natural border of the areola, scarring can be less noticeable.

Peri-areolar top surgery allows the surgeon to remove breast tissue while preserving much of the natural skin envelope of the chest. However, it does not allow the same degree of skin removal as the double incision technique, which means it is best suited for carefully selected patients.

A consultation is required to determine whether this technique is appropriate based on chest anatomy and surgical goals.

Top Surgery Recovery

Recovery after top surgery varies depending on the surgical technique used and the patient’s overall health. During the consultation process, Dr. Lee reviews the expected recovery timeline and post-operative care instructions so patients know what to expect.

Many patients will have temporary surgical drains placed at the time of surgery. These drains help remove fluid buildup during the early healing period and are typically removed within the first week after surgery.

Patients are usually asked to wear a compression garment or surgical vest during the initial recovery period. Compression helps minimize swelling, supports the chest contour, and promotes proper healing of the surgical area.

During the first several weeks after surgery, patients are advised to limit strenuous activity and heavy lifting while the chest heals. Most patients can return to light daily activities relatively quickly, while exercise and upper-body workouts are gradually reintroduced as healing progresses.

As the incisions heal, scar maturation occurs over several months. Dr. Lee provides guidance on scar care and healing strategies to help scars soften and fade over time. With proper care, scars typically continue to improve in appearance throughout the first year after surgery.

Chest Contouring and Body Sculpting

Some patients choose to combine top surgery with additional contouring procedures to refine the upper body silhouette.

Through targeted liposuction, Dr. Lee can address areas such as the waist, abdomen, or flanks to create a straighter torso profile that complements the results of top surgery.

When appropriate, these procedures may be performed at the same time as top surgery as part of a single surgical plan.

Consultations with Dr. Lee

Dr. Lee offers both virtual and in-person consultations for patients considering top surgery.

Consultation fee: $250

Typical scheduling timelines include:

• Consultation wait time: approximately two weeks
• Surgery dates: typically available 4–6 weeks after consultation

Approximately 50–75% of Dr. Lee’s patients are transgender or nonbinary, and the practice is structured around gender-affirming care.

Gender-affirming practices include:

• Intake forms that allow patients to self-identify name, pronouns, and gender identity
• Use of chosen name and pronouns in verbal and written communication
• A clearly posted nondiscrimination policy inclusive of gender identity and expression
• Staff training on transgender cultural competency
• Gender-neutral restroom access

Languages spoken at the practice include English and Spanish.

Costs, Financing and Insurance

A consultation is required to determine the exact cost of surgery.

The practice accepts:

• Cash
• Credit cards
• Medical financing (including CareCredit)
• Insurance

Dr. Lee is in-network with Blue Shield of California and accepts many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. The office also works with Aetna and other insurers.

BCBS Medicare plans may be accepted, and Medi-Cal may be available on a case-by-case basis. Out-of-state Medicaid plans are not accepted.

The office provides a dedicated insurance concierge to assist patients with insurance verification, authorizations, and coverage coordination.

Surgery Requirements

• Dr. Lee is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and follows the WPATH Standards of Care.
• Pre-operative requirements are determined individually based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and surgical plan.

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