Prior to surgery, we recommend that patients work to maintain good physical and mental health. Minimizing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol and nicotine can also help ensure a positive surgical outcome. Learn more about our guidelines and recommendations here.

Absolutely! Many of our patients opt for liposuction not only around their chest, but also around other parts of their body to alter their frame or silhouette. You can read more about the liposuction services we offer for the chest, back, flanks, abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks and thighs in our articles about body masculinization surgery and body contouring options for non-binary patients.

Non-binary and gender expansive are two names for gender identities that transcend or do not fixate on only one of the two binary genders: male or female. At GCC, we recognize that there is no one way to “look non-binary,” just as there is no single, correct way to “look like a woman or man.” That said, due to our high-volume of non binary patients, we have developed a series of top surgery techniques that respond to the interests commonly expressed by this group. Our approach is based on agreeing with a patient on the most suitable techniques to help them achieve their aesthetic goals and put them at the smallest risk possible for …

One of the most common inquiries we receive from patients is about what their final results will look like. Surgical recovery is a long process that may require patience. This is because final results are not visible until one year after the operation due primarily to inflammation from healing. It is impossible to guarantee what your chest will look like after surgery since everyone heals differently. Still, bringing pictures to your consultation that represent your desired results can help your surgeon decide which techniques would be best suited for you. You can read more about factors that affect the final outcome of a breast reduction or chest reconstruction here.

Taking testosterone is not required before undergoing top surgery. At the GCC, we are committed to serving patients of all gender identities. We believe in taking an individualized approach with each patient to design surgery to meet their unique goals. If you have questions about how testosterone might impact top surgery results, click here.

Many trans, non-binary and gender expansive patients need to travel to access quality, reliable gender affirming surgical care. At the GCC, we are very accustomed to working with patients from out of town. We have compiled a guide on preoperative consultations and post-operative follow-up protocols for patients who do not live in the San Francisco Bay Area. For recommendations on travel and lodging, click here.

Letters of support or clearance letters from certified, mental health professionals are welcome and valuable, but not a requirement for adults who seek surgery with the GCC. This is because we use the informed consent model, which means that a letter from a therapist is not required unless the patient is seeking insurance approval. Insurance companies always require a letter of support from a mental health professional for approval. If our reconstructive surgeons are outside of your provider network, you will also need a reference letter from your primary care provider to request insurance coverage. For more information, click here.

We have compiled a list of scholarships for gender affirming surgeries alongside trusted, medical credit agencies you can use to help finance your surgery with us. You can also find estimated costs for each procedure we offer if you plan on paying entirely out of pocket. Click here for more.

At the GCC, you can leave the insurance worries to us. We provide an insurance concierge service to interested patients. After soliciting any necessary documents from you, our insurance advocacy team will get to work to secure full or partial coverage for your medically necessary, gender affirming procedure(s). Our team has a 90% success rate in securing coverage for insured patients. Learn more about that process here.

From requesting a consultation, to obtaining insurance approval and completing all other preoperative requirements, we have you covered with our top surgery timeline guide.