Understanding the Cost of Double Incision Top Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

Medically reviewed by Paul Gonzales on March 25, 2024.

 

What is Double Incision Top Surgery?

Double incision top surgery is the most common technique in gender affirming top surgery used to remove breast tissue. The cost of this procedure can range between $14,000 and $17,000 for cash-pay patients: those who are paying for the entire surgery without insurance coverage. Most major insurance plans we work with can significantly reduce these costs. You can read more about the insurance coverage approval process here.

During surgery, the surgeon makes incisions around each breast to remove tissue and excess skin before closing the incisions. The double incision (DI) technique is commonly pursued by trans masculine and non-binary individuals because of its ability to remove large amounts of tissue and leave a patient with a flat, contoured chest. That said, patients can get a DI even if they do not want a completely flat chest. 

Factors That Influence Double Incision Top Surgery Cost

The cost of double incision top surgery can vary based on several key factors that we discuss below:

Surgeon Expertise

Surgical experience can impact how much surgeons charge for a procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons with proven surgical skills and many years of training and experience performing top surgery may have higher costs.

Geographic Location

Where you get surgery can impact costs. More populated areas and large cities tend to have higher fees.

Additional Fees

Other fees can add to the total cost, like:

  • Anesthesia fees
  • Operating room fees
  • Post operative compression garments
  • Surgical drains
  • Prescription medications

What’s the Total Cost of Double Incision Top Surgery?

Including facility fees, anesthesia fees, the surgeon’s fee and other costs, the total price of a double incision top surgery ranges from $14,000 and $17,000. Patients with insurance coverage can expect to pay less out-of-pocket. At the GCC, we offer a free insurance concierge service to all patients. Our team has achieved a high success rate in securing medical coverage for approximately 90% of patients who have sought consultations with us. 

Does Insurance Cover Top Surgery Costs?

In states like California, insurance companies are legally obligated to cover gender-affirming care for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Likewise, the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, which can be leveraged when seeking coverage for gender-affirming surgery. Despite this, many still face challenges with access or coverage of medically necessary transition-related care.

We have compiled a list of insurance companies at the GCC that we have successfully worked with to secure coverage. Additionally, we have a list of steps that patients can refer to help secure insurance coverage if they are seeking out surgery with another provider. Both of these resources can be found on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is recovery from a double incision top surgery like?

  • Healing from top surgery takes about 6 weeks before patients can return to full physical activity. Most patients can return to work 2-3 weeks after surgery. For more information about recovery, click here.

  • How long do results last?

  • Top surgery is the removal of skin and chest tissue so results are generally permanent. That said, some patients who have had top surgery may experience differing degrees of mammary tissue regrowth after pregnancy. You can read more about this topic in our blog.

  • What about scarring?

  • Scarring can vary depending on the top surgery technique. The double incision procedure can leave more visible scar(s) behind on a patient’s chest. Scars can either be separate or one joined incision at the bottom of the chest. They can be either straight, horizontal lines or may be curved upwards. To learn more about this topic, such as what can be done to reduce the appearance of your top surgery scars, click here.

Schedule a free consultation

There is no fee for virtual consultations. In-person consultations cost $150, which will be applied toward the overall fees of the procedure. For insurance patients, the consultation will be billed to your insurance. If you would like to schedule a consultation, click here.