Top Surgery — Before & After
Chest masculinization with double-incision, keyhole, or peri-areolar techniques.
Real top surgery photos coming soon
We're curating consented, licensed before-and-after images for Top Surgery. Until they're live, this page covers the technique, recovery, cost, and what to expect.
What is top surgery?
Chest masculinization with double-incision, keyhole, or peri-areolar techniques.
Also known as double incision, keyhole top surgery, ftm chest surgery.
Top Surgery by topic
Information pages — cost, recovery, surgeons, and more
Top Surgery by recovery timeline
How the result evolves over time
Top Surgery by demographic
Age and gender breakdowns of common candidates
Top Surgery by ethnicity
Anatomical and aesthetic considerations across patient backgrounds
Top Surgery by outcome reality
Range of results — from natural to cautionary
Top Surgery by where it's performed
Regional approaches and aesthetic preferences
Frequently asked
Will insurance cover top surgery?
Most major US insurers now cover top surgery as gender-affirming care under WPATH-aligned criteria. Letters from mental health providers and primary care are usually required; some plans require 12+ months on hormones, others don't. Pre-auth process varies by plan.
Will I have feeling in my nipples?
Highly technique-dependent. Free nipple grafts (used in larger chests, double-incision) generally have no sensation. Pedicle techniques (which preserve nipple-areolar attachment) preserve some sensation in 30–60% of patients. Discuss specifically with your surgeon.
How visible will my scars be?
Visible. Double-incision leaves a horizontal scar across each side of the chest; keyhole and peri-areolar leave smaller circular scars. Scars mature from red to skin-tone over 12–18 months. Hypertrophic scarring is more common in skin of color.
How long does top surgery recovery take?
5–10 days off desk work. Compression vest 24/7 for 6 weeks. No upper-body workouts for 6–8 weeks. Final chest contour at 3–6 months; final scar appearance at 12–18 months.
Should I choose keyhole or double-incision?
Keyhole works only for smaller chests with good skin elasticity. Double-incision works for any chest size and is the most common technique. The right choice depends on your starting anatomy — your surgeon will assess and recommend.