Top surgery, or chest masculinisation surgery, can play an important role in your transition journey.
There are several surgical techniques that can be used to achieve a more masculine chest. For this reason, we have put together a blog to explain the key differences between different types of top surgery and which approach may be best for your body.
At CREO Gender, located on London’s Harley Street, we offer all of the top surgery procedures, so that you can transform your body using the most effective approach for your surgical needs.
Book a consultation with us today and take the next step to a more masculine, sculpted figure.
Types of Top Surgery for Transmasculine & Nonbinary Individuals
| Double Incision | Periareolar | Keyhole | |
| Best for | Medium to larger chests | Small to medium chests Good skin elasticity | Very small chests Excellent skin elasticity |
| Scarring | Horizontal under pecs | Circular around areola | Minimal – lower areola |
| Nipple Grafting | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Nipple Sensation | Often reduced | May be reduced | Mostly preserved |
Double Incision Mastectomy
This surgery is best for patients with medium to larger chests, or for those with poorer skin elasticity.
Double incision top surgery requires two horizontal incisions across the chest, removing the breast tissue and excess skin. The nipples are usually resized and repositioned as free nipple grafts to match the new shape and size of the masculinised chest.
Periareolar Top Surgery
Periareolar (circumareolar) top surgery is best for patients with small to medium chests, who have good skin elasticity. In this procedure, a circular incision is made around the areola to remove the breast tissue and tighten the skin.
Keyhole Surgery
Keyhole top surgery is designed for patients with very small chests, usually with an A cup or smaller, with excellent skin elasticity. During surgery, a small incision is made along the lower border of the areola, through which the breast tissue is removed. Notably, in keyhole surgery, the nipple remains attached and little skin is removed.
Insurance & Cost – How Do They Factor In To Your Decision Making?
At CREO Gender, the price of top surgery starts from £9,900. This includes our comprehensive aftercare package to promote a smooth recovery and help you get the most out of your results.
In general, gender affirming surgeries are not usually covered by insurance companies. However, you should check with your provider for more information.
Risk, Recovery & Aftercare for Trans & Nonbinary Individuals After Top Surgery
You can expect to wear a compression garment around the chest for 6 weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and improve your comfort. Most patients find that they are able to resume light activities 1-2 weeks after surgery, but should wait up to 4-6 weeks before engaging in more strenuous activity.
All of our top surgery procedures include our exclusive APEX approach to recovery to help you get back on your feet faster after surgery and expedite your healing.
Although the risks from top surgery are low, like with any surgical procedure, some complications can occur, such as seroma, nipple necrosis, loss of nipple sensation and infection. The best way to reduce your risk is to have surgery with a competent surgeon, with plenty of experience performing top surgery procedures.
