Dr. Efstathios Karamanos – Periareolar Results

Lin-Lin Liu (she/her), PA Lin-Lin is a board-certified physician associate that aims to serve high-quality care to the transgender and nonbinary community at the GCC (Gender Confirmation Center). Lin-Lin is a Bay Area native and in her free time enjoys snowboarding, arts and crafts, and enjoying the beautiful parks around San Francisco. Education & Training University of California, Davis, BS in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Stanford University School of Medicine, MS in Physician Assistant Studies Certifications National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) About Or Medical Review Process The GCC (Gender Confirmation Center) is dedicated to offering accurate and evidence-based health information. The information in our website is reviewed …

Sensation After Breast Augmentation: Nerve Rehabilitation for Breasts, Nipples and Areolas Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Mosser on December 15, 2025. The Reality of Sensation Changes After Breast Augmentation Immediately after a breast augmentation surgery––with implants and/or fat grafting––patients can expect to feel numbness in the breasts. As the nerve pathways that were disrupted by surgery recover, patients will experience sensations like tingling and itching; although uncomfortable, this is a sign that the nerves are coming back on line. These uncomfortable feelings of tingling, zapping and itching under the skin will usually cease after 3-6 months post-op. Still, since nerve regeneration is a slow process, literally measured in millimeters of …

Revisions after Chest Reconstruction Top Surgery Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Facque on October 10, 2025. As a part of your gender-affirming chest-reconstruction top surgery, you can choose from various options to modify your nipples and areolas. Patients can have their nipples removed altogether, patients can choose to have their nipples and areolas preserved as they are, and patients can undergo nipple grafting to modify the size, dimensions and position of the nipple-areola complex on their chest. Not to mention, nerve innervation can allow for nipples to maintain heightened sensitivity after surgery. There are a variety of reasons as to why a patient may want to undergo a revision to …

Combining Breast Lift and Augmentation Surgery Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Facque on October 10, 2025. Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation Breast lift and breast augmentation are two types of plastic surgery that modify the appearance of the breasts. They can be performed together or separately, depending on a patient’s goals and unique anatomy. The primary differences between these two procedures are listed below: Breast Lift A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises the position of the breasts and removes unwanted sagging skin. Purpose: This procedure is meant to reverse the effects of breast ptosis, the medical term for sagging or drooping breasts. …

Labiaplasty at Gender Confirmation Center San Francisco Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on July 8, 2025. What Is Labiaplasty? Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the size or shape of the labia (the folds of skin around the vaginal opening). The procedure is typically performed for either functional or aesthetic reasons, including addressing discomfort during physical activity or reshaping tissue to achieve a desired appearance. The labia minora are the thinner inner folds that lie within the labia majora, which are the thicker outer folds. A labiaplasty may involve one or both types of tissue, depending on the patient’s goals and needs. During labiaplasty, surgeons often work with existing …

FTM Rhinoplasty for Facial Masculinization Surgery Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on July 8, 2025. Understanding FTM Rhinoplasty and Its Significance in Gender Affirmation Rhinoplasty is a common part of facial masculinization surgery (FMS). Since testosterone hormone therapy doesn’t alter the structure of the nasal bone or cartilage, patients with gender dysphoria related to their nose shape often choose this type of gender-affirming surgery. FTM rhinoplasty, or masculinizing rhinoplasty, may involve adjusting the bridge, refining the nasal tip, or altering overall proportions to create a more masculine profile. Every face is different, and our surgeons will help reshape your nose in a way that complements your features without compromising your …

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): A Brief Overview Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on March 5, 2025. Introduction: What is an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)? An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region while tightening the connective tissue around the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty may be performed after a patient has had a pregnancy, significant weight loss, or to relieve conditions that contribute to the separation of abdominal muscles like rectus diastasis. For transgender and non-binary patients, abdominoplasty can help alleviate feelings of gender dysphoria. This surgery can also be used in tandem with liposuction or other gender-affirming procedures to meet your specific goals. …

The Complete Guide to Gender-Affirming Surgery Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on February 20, 2025. What is Gender Affirmation Surgery? Gender-affirming surgery is an umbrella term for a series of surgical procedures that help transgender, non-binary, and gender non-confirming individuals alleviate their gender dysphoria and promote a sense of congruence between their physical body and gender identity. Not everyone needs surgery to affirm their gender. Below we outline the different types of gender affirmation surgeries that are documented in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) Standards of Care 8 (SOC8). You can request a free, surgical consultation to have your questions answered about the procedures below and/or create …

Understanding Non-Binary Identity Written by Giovanna D’Ambrosio. What is Non-Binary? Approximately 1.2 million adults between the ages of 18 and 60 are classified as non-binary, with 5% of the young adult population in the USA also not identifying exclusively as men or women Non-binary is an umbrella term for people who do not identify exclusively as men or women. Non-binary is a gender identity, meaning that it describes someone’s internal sense of gender, independent of the sex they were assigned at birth. To be clear, identity is not the same as choice. Everyone has a gender identity, meaning that everyone identifies as a man, or a woman or has an …