Gender-Affirming Surgery (Top Surgery)

Choosing to pursue gender-affirming surgery is an individual, personal decision. You’ll want to consider how it will change your quality of life and how it will help you achieve your goals.

Gender Dysphoria
One important step is understanding how much you are affected by gender dysphoria, a diagnosis that the American Psychiatric Association defines as a conflict between your physical or assigned gender and the gender with which you identify. 

Candidates for Top Surgery
To be a candidate for top surgery, you must:

• Be 18 or older
• Be in good health without illness or a condition that can increase your risk of surgical complications
• Have a BMI under 35
• Provide a clearance letter from your mental health or primary care provider stating you have gender dysphoria and you have been living in your assigned gender for at least 12 months

Top Surgery Costs
Some private insurance plans will cover transgender surgery when it is used to address a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Check with your insurance plan to determine your coverage.

Understanding Which Top Surgery Is Right for You
There are several approaches to transgender surgery. We will review these with you during your initial consultation and make a recommendation based on your physical exam and medical history.

You May Have Scars
Your surgeon will use the natural contours of your breasts to minimize scarring as much as possible. In some cases, depending on your breast size and weight, a small bunching of tissue may result in scars known as “dog ears” following mastectomy. These can be corrected later with revision surgery.

Understand the Risks
Top surgery carries the same risks as other standard surgeries. These include the risk of bleeding and infection and risks associated with general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you if surgery is recommended.

Consultation and Exam
Your first step will be an in-person consultation. Our providers spend time meeting with you, evaluating your anatomy, answering your questions, and determining if this surgery will help you achieve your goals.

Your surgeon will review your family history, general health status, lifestyle habits such as smoking, previous operations, any medications you may be taking, and conditions that can put you at risk for surgery.

Measurements, Photographs, Tests
Your breasts will be measured and assessed for size and shape, and photographs may be taken for your medical record. Before treatment is recommended, you will also undergo one or more of the following tests.

• Blood tests may be necessary to evaluate your hormone levels. Pre-surgical testing also requires several blood tests to assess your liver and kidney function and to determine if you have a previously undetected infection, blood disorder, or anemia.
• A mammogram may be performed to look for any underlying breast abnormalities. Additional imaging, including ultrasound and MRI, may also be requested.

Recommending Treatment
Based on these findings, your surgeon will recommend an approach to surgery. She will discuss the expected outcome, potential risks and complications, and your post-operation recovery. Alternatively, your surgeon may recommend that you lose weight, quit smoking, or discontinue medication before surgery to ensure you experience the best possible outcome.

If You Take Hormone Therapy
Some gender-affirming hormone therapy, such as testosterone, can be continued if you pursue transgender surgery. Others, such as anti-estrogen therapy, may be stopped. Your surgeon will explain what you need to do to prepare for surgery.