MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
“Top surgery” is a broad term used to describe procedures that modify chest contour as part of gender affirmation care. Depending on individual goals and anatomy, top surgery may involve chest masculinisation (removal of breast tissue and skin) and/or chest feminisation (adding volume using implants and/or fat transfer). A consultation is required to assess suitability, discuss options, and explain scarring, risks, recovery, and expected variability in outcomes.
Discover the highly qualified surgeons and doctors behind our trusted procedures. Browse their credentials, specialties, and treatments, then explore each procedure in detail to find the right expert for your needs.
MBBS BSc(Med) Hons GDip(Anat) MS (Plast) PhD (Med) FRACS (Plast)
MED0001602957
Dr. Sepehr Lajevardi is a Sydney based Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon specialising in aesthetic surgery of breast and body, as well as skin cancer and hand surgery.
- Skin Cancer Resection & Reconstruction
- Hand Trauma & Elective Hand Surgery
- Post Weight Loss Body Contouring
- Breast Surgeries
- Transgender Surgery
MBBS BMedSci PGradDipAnat MPH FRACS (Plast)
MED0001666891
Dr Phaethon Karagiannis is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 14 years of medical experience, including 9 years exclusively in plastic surgery. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Melbourne, where he also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy. He later completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney.
Dr Phaethon primarily focuses on Facial Surgeries.
FRACS (Plast), MSSc (Adel), MBBS (Adel)
MED0001673429
Dr Punj has completed two Subspecialty Fellowships after completing Plastic Surgery Training in Adelaide. Specialized in Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Rhinoplasty, Breast including Body Contouring & Reconstructive surgery.
- Facial Surgery
- Nose Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Breast Surgeries
- Body Surgery
MBBS, Master of Surgery, FRACGP
MED001789320
Dr Katelaris has extensive training and experience in same-day, local anaesthetic surgical assessment and procedures that are completed with meticulous technique. Dr Katelaris was a Urology Registrar for 3 years at teaching hospitals in Sydney, Albury and Tweed Heads.
- Skin Cancer
- Mens Health
- Urology
- Health Clinic
MD, PhD, FRACS (Vascular Surgery)
MED0001216465
Dr Hajian is a Sydney-based vascular and Endovascular surgeon. He is a member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery. Dr Hajian is an Australian trained vascular surgeon. As a specialist in vascular surgery, he provides high quality of care for patients with various acute and chronic conditions affecting the blood vessels and circulatory system.
- Varicose Veins
- Spider Veins
- Diabetic Foot Treatment
- Endovascular Surgery
Top surgery is not a single operation. It includes different procedures depending on whether the goal is to create a flatter chest contour or to add chest volume.
Common terms used in consultation include:
– Chest masculinisation (FTM top surgery): commonly referred to clinically as mastectomy (with technique selection based on chest size, skin quality, and nipple position).
– Chest feminisation (MTF top surgery): commonly referred to clinically as breast augmentation (using implants and/or fat transfer in selected cases).
Your surgeon will explain the procedure options that may be suitable for you, including likely scar placement and expected limitations based on your anatomy.
Chest Masculinisation (FTM Top Surgery) – Mastectomy (selected cases)
Technique selection depends on chest volume, skin elasticity, and nipple position. Options may include:
– Double incision mastectomy with nipple grafting (selected cases): Often used for medium to larger chests or where significant skin reduction is required. Typically results in horizontal chest scars. The nipple–areolar complex may be resized and repositioned, and sensation may be reduced or altered.
– Periareolar / “keyhole” mastectomy (selected cases): Considered for smaller chests with good skin elasticity. Incisions are typically around the areola. This approach may have less visible scarring, but it may not allow the same degree of skin removal or nipple repositioning as other techniques.
Chest Feminisation (MTF Top Surgery) – Breast Augmentation (selected cases)
Options may include:
– Breast implants (selected cases): Implants may be placed in a position determined by your anatomy and clinical factors (e.g., above or below the muscle). Implant type and sizing are discussed during consultation.
– Autologous fat transfer (selected cases): Fat may be harvested via liposuction from another area of the body and transferred to the chest. This may be used for modest volume change or to refine contour. Fat graft retention varies, and more than one session may be required.
Your surgeon will discuss the trade-offs of each approach, including scarring, sensation changes, and the likelihood of revision procedures in some cases.
Suitability is assessed during consultation and depends on medical history, anatomy, and the procedure planned. In general, patients may be considered if they:
– Are medically suitable for surgery and general anaesthesia
– Understand that outcomes vary and scars are permanent
– Have realistic expectations about symmetry, sensation, and recovery
– Are able to follow aftercare instructions and attend follow-up
Smoking and nicotine use can significantly increase the risk of complications (including wound healing problems and nipple graft compromise where grafts are used). You may be asked to stop nicotine in advance.
All surgical procedures create scars, and scar quality varies between individuals.
– Chest masculinisation: scars may be around the areola, across the chest, and/or at the sides depending on technique and skin removal required.
– Breast augmentation: scars depend on incision location and may be in areas such as the fold beneath the breast, around the areola, or the armpit (approach varies by patient and surgeon preference).
– Fat transfer: includes small liposuction entry points at donor sites and injection points on the chest.
Scars are permanent but typically fade over time. Some individuals may develop thicker or more visible scars.
Recovery varies depending on procedure type, technique, and individual healing response.
Chest masculinisation (selected cases):
– Compression garments may be used for a period.
– Drains may be required in some cases (duration varies).
– Arm movement and lifting restrictions are common early in recovery.
Breast augmentation (selected cases):
– Chest tightness and soreness are common early.
– Activity restrictions are typically required for several weeks.
– Implant position may continue to settle over time, and swelling resolves gradually.
Your surgeon will provide tailored aftercare instructions, including wound care, activity guidance, and scar management options once incisions are healed.
All surgery carries risks, and outcomes vary. Your surgeon will discuss risks relevant to your procedure plan and health profile. Potential risks may include:
General surgical risks
– Bleeding, bruising, infection, delayed healing
– Scarring concerns (including hypertrophic or thickened scars in some people)
– Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
– Asymmetry or contour irregularities
– Changes in sensation (temporary or permanent)
Chest masculinisation (mastectomy) considerations (selected cases)
– Nipple graft loss or partial loss (risk increased with nicotine use and some health factors)
– Reduced or altered nipple sensation (common where grafting is performed)
– Fluid collection (seroma), wound separation, or revision surgery
Breast augmentation considerations (selected cases)
– Capsular contracture, implant malposition, implant rupture/leak over time
– Need for future implant surgery (implants are not considered lifetime devices)
– Breast implant associated risks, which will be discussed during consent
Fat transfer considerations (selected cases)
– Variable fat retention, asymmetry, need for repeat sessions
– Lumps, firmness, oil cysts, or fat necrosis
Fees vary depending on the procedure, technique, hospital and anaesthetist fees, and whether additional steps (e.g., grafting, drains, implants, or fat transfer) are required. A detailed written quote and financial consent are provided after consultation once the surgical plan is confirmed.
Medicare/private health insurance coverage depends on item numbers and clinical indications and will be discussed with you.
A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.
