Though there is sparse medical research on the subject, many people who have been on testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and/or have had top surgery can still carry a pregnancy to term. There is evidence to suggest that some top surgery patients may experience mammary tissue growth during pregnancy. For more information about chestfeeding, HRT, top surgery and pregnancy, click here. For more specific questions, we recommend speaking with a trans or gender-competent medical provider. In the video below, Dr. Jacobs (he/him) addresses the unlikelihood that patients will be able to chest-feed after top surgery. Still, he mentions, there is a chance that the infant can bond with their parent’s chest even if …

Patients who previously used a chest binder and/or have had nipple piercings are still eligible for top surgery. The effects of chest binding on top surgery results are minimal at best. Still, long-term binding may affect skin elasticity. Please inform your surgeon if you had nipple piercings in the past. Any chest piercings will need to be removed prior to the operation. You can find more information on chest binding here, and our guidelines around nipple piercings here.

The risk that a top surgery patient has of acquiring breast cancer after surgery is largely dependent on how much tissue is removed along with their previous medical and family history. Read more about risk evaluation and best practices for breast cancer detection before and after surgery here.

We offer many types of incisions and nipple reconstruction options that involve different levels of risk of sensation loss. Learn more about how top surgery can affect nipple sensitivity as well as the pain or soreness in mammary tissue caused by premenstrual syndrome here.

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.