What Is Transgender And Non-Binary Top Surgery (TTS)?
3/8/2023
What is transgender and non-binary top surgery and what does the procedure entail?
Transgender top surgery, also known as chest masculinization or chest feminization, is a transformative and life-changing procedure that can help individuals with gender dysphoria feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. Gender dysphoria is a condition where individuals experience distress due to the mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. Transgender top surgery can help alleviate this distress by removing breast tissue or enhancing the chest to create a more masculine (FTM) or feminine (MTF) appearance.
Non-binary top surgery refers to gender-affirming surgery for individuals who identify as non-binary, gender fluid or genderqueer and wish to have a more neutral or androgynous chest appearance. This surgery can involve different techniques and approaches depending on the individual’s desired outcome, and typically involves removing breast tissue and reshaping the chest to create a flatter, more masculine or androgynous shape. Non-binary top surgery can be a significant step in affirming one’s gender identity and alleviating feelings of dysphoria or discomfort related to the chest area.
Who performs top surgeries at Panacea?
Dr. Kimberly Singh and Dr. Nour Abboushi are both board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in transgender top surgery. They have nearly 20 years of experience in performing surgeries and run a boutique surgical practice in the Inman Park area of Atlanta, GA. Both of our doctors understand the importance of providing a welcoming and accepting environment for all patients, regardless of their gender identity or expression. They value customer service and strive to make their patients feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire surgical process.
What types of top surgery do Dr. Abboushi and Dr. Singh perform?
Our doctors perform several types of transgender top surgery, including MTF and FTM surgery , as well as non-binary or gender-nonconforming top surgery. Additionally, Dr. Singh and Dr. Abboushi perform each procedure together, one assisting the other. They do not use a surgical PA in the operating room, making their working relationship a unique one in their field.
What are the benefits of top surgery for transgender, genderqueer or gender-nonconforming patients?
The benefits of transgender top surgery are numerous. For many transgender or non-binary individuals, their chest is a significant source of dysphoria and discomfort, and top surgery can greatly improve how they are able to function in everyday life. By achieving a more masculine or feminine chest appearance, individuals may feel more comfortable in their own skin and may experience improved mental health and confidence, helping them be more at home in their bodies as well as in social situations, improving their quality of life and relationships.
What does non-binary or transgender top surgery cost?
The cost of transgender top surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the surgeon performing the procedure, but pricing starts at approximately $9500 for chest masculinization (bilateral mastectomy) and $9000 for chest feminization. At this time, our practice does not accept insurance, however, Dr. Singh and Dr. Abboushi provide individualized pricing information during consultations and make available a number of different patient financing options available to help patients cover their surgical costs.
Where is top surgery performed?
Transgender top surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients can go home the same day as the procedure. The surgery requires the use of general anesthesia, which means that the patient will be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain. Dr. Singh and Dr. Abboushi take extra care to ensure that their patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.
What is transgender or non-binary top surgery recovery like?
Recovery from transgender top surgery typically takes several weeks. During this time, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the chest area. Dr. Singh and Dr. Abboushi provide detailed aftercare instructions to help patients manage their symptoms and ensure a smooth recovery. Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within a few weeks to a month after the procedure, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.
After surgery, many individuals report feeling a sense of relief and improved mental health. They feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies and are better able to express their gender identity. Transgender top surgery can be a transformative and life-changing procedure that can help individuals with gender dysphoria live happier and healthier lives.
Talking to our board-certified surgeons about transgender or non-binary top surgery
While many transgender or non-binary individuals may feel nervous or anxious about discussing top surgery with their doctor, it is important to remember that this is a common and routine procedure that is performed regularly by our highly experienced plastic surgeons. In fact, patients are often surprised at how comfortable they feel discussing their concerns with our doctors and how much their quality of life improves after the procedure.
Our surgeons understand the importance of providing a safe and welcoming environment for their patients. They take the time to listen to their needs and desires and provide personalized recommendations and support throughout the entire surgical process. Both Dr. Singh and Dr. Abboushi, as well as their amazing staff, pride themselves on providing a welcoming and accepting environment for every patient who walks through the door of their Inman Park office.