Top Surgery (Chest Surgery)
Top Surgery at UVM Health
Top surgery is a gender‑affirming procedure that reshapes the chest to better match a person’s gender identity. It can help reduce gender dysphoria, improve physical comfort and support emotional well‑being.
At University of Vermont Health, we believe that transgender, nonbinary and all other gender-diverse identities are a part of human diversity. Our team provides inclusive, compassionate care throughout every step of the process — from your first consultation through recovery.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As one of the region’s leading plastic surgery programs, we offer:
- Extensive expertise: You receive care from highly skilled plastic surgeons who specialize in gender-affirming procedures.
- The highest standards: We follow the guidelines of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) ensuring all care meets nationally recognized standards for safety, quality and gender affirmation.
- Dedicated support: Our gender-affirming care team can help connect you with mental health professionals who can provide documentation required for surgery and support you throughout your transition journey.
Types of Top Surgery
We offer surgical options tailored to your anatomy, goals and preferences:
Chest masculinization removes breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine chest. Techniques may include:
- Double‑incision mastectomy, with or without nipple graphs
- Periareolar or keyhole surgery, for patients with smaller chest size
Your surgeon will help determine the best approach based on your goals and body structure.
Chest feminization increases breast volume to create a fuller, more feminine shape. This may include:
- Breast augmentation, using saline or silicone implants
- Fat transfer, from other parts of the body
Your surgeon will guide you in selecting an approach that best supports your goals and body proportions.
What to Expect
During your initial visit, you will meet with a gender‑affirming surgeon to discuss:
- Your goals and expectations
- Surgical options based on your anatomy
- Your medical history
- Required insurance documentation
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and review sample results.
Top surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Although details vary by procedure, surgery usually includes:
- Marking and planning of incision placement
- Surgical reshaping or removal of chest tissue
- Placement of implants (for feminization) or removal of tissue (for masculinization)
- Dressings, drains or compression garment placement
Most top surgeries take 2-3 hours and are performed as outpatient procedures, allowing you to go home the same day.
Recovery is an important part of your experience. You can expect:
- Follow-up visits to check healing and remove stitches or drains
- Clear guidance on activity limitations and when to return to work, exercise and daily routines
- Instructions on incision care and managing discomfort
- Long‑term scar care recommendations to support the best possible results
Your care team will support you throughout recovery to ensure safe and comfortable healing.
Locations near you
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354 Mountain View Drive
Suite 103
Colchester, VT 05446-5923
