It will change the look of your entire body if you get top surgery.During your procedure, your surgeon will either remove your breast tissue to give you a more masculine or feminine figure, or they will insert implants to improve your curves.It's important to pick a good surgeon because top surgery carries serious risks.If you're willing to travel to get your surgery, you can start by looking for board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.Evaluate your options to find your top choice.Make sure the surgeon is the right one for you by talking to them.
Step 1: Ask for a referral from your doctor or therapist.
You may be able to get a referral from your doctor or therapist.If they can recommend a surgeon who helped their previous patients, that would be great.If you've been working with a therapist, they may be able to help you pick a surgeon.
Step 2: If you have any friends that have had top surgery, talk to them.
Ask your friends if they had their top surgery.If they're satisfied with the results, ask if they would use the same surgeon again.Find out if they had any issues with their surgeon, the procedure or their recovery process.Online forums can be used to find people in your area who have gotten top surgery.Discuss who did their procedure and how it went with them.
Step 3: There are doctors in your area who have done top surgery.
If there are any doctors who specialize in top surgery, you should move them to the top of your list.It's important that your surgeon has experience providing gender-affirming procedures, and that they are committed to the trans community outside of their work as a surgeon.A breast augmentation or reduction is not the same as a top surgery.You want a doctor who can remove all of the breast tissue and reconstruct your chest in a masculine way.You want a doctor who can give you the best implants for your build and skin elasticity, while keeping your breasts natural-looking.Doctors can list their expertise on their website.
Step 4: The plastic surgeon needs to be board certified.
You need a board certified plastic surgeon to get the care you need.You can check if your doctor is certified by visiting the medical board website.If your doctor's certification status is listed, check doctor rating sites.Ask your doctor to show you their certification paperwork if they aren't listed online.If your doctor is in the process of getting re-certified, they might not be listed as certified online.They will have the paperwork to show you.The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies surgeons who do top surgery.You can check their certification here.
Step 5: Do you know if the surgical facility is accredited by the state or national agency?
Ask the doctors where they will perform your surgery.You can find out which state or national agency gives accreditation to surgical facilities.Make sure the facility where your surgeon will perform your procedure is accredited.You can check with the American College of Surgeons to make sure your facility is accredited.
Step 6: Make sure the surgeon you are considering has privileges at the hospital.
Before granting hospital privileges, hospitals conduct background checks and record reviews.If your surgeon has hospital privileges, that's a good sign.If you are admitted to the hospital, your doctor will be able to better serve you.Call your doctor's office to find out if they have hospital privileges.It's a red flag if your doctor doesn't have hospital privileges.It could be that they weren't able to pass the approval process.
Step 7: Look at the doctor's record.
To find out what comes up, do an online search on your surgeon's name.To make sure there's nothing to worry about, read any articles about them.Make sure your doctor is in good standing by visiting the medical board website.The doctor is mentioned in news articles.Understand that malpractice suits are fairly common.The public record includes lawsuits on the city's website where the practice is located.If you're worried about a case that makes you concerned, talk to the doctor about what happened.The Federation of State Medical Boards has a website.They'll give you the doctor's profile and any actions taken against them for free or for a small fee.
Step 8: There are online reviews from prior patients.
You can find reviews on websites like Healthgrades.Consider how many good and bad reviews the surgeon has, as well as what prior patients said about them.Special attention should be paid to patients who underwent top surgery and those who had a similar body type.If you see a review that concerns you, ask the doctor about it or find a better fit.
Step 9: Look at photos of patients.
Before and after photos can be found on your doctor's website.Contact the doctor's office if you don't see photos on their website.To make sure you like the doctor's work, compare the before- and after photos.You can get an idea of what your results might look like by identifying patients who have similar proportions to you.Tell the staff how tall you are, how much you weigh, and your chest measurement.Ask them to send you pictures of patients with the same build.This will give you an idea of what the doctor can do for you.
Step 10: You should attend a surgery consultation.
You should make an appointment for a transfeminine consultation once you have identified your top choice.Your surgeon will talk to you about the surgery, your preferences, and your health profile during your consultation.They may take pictures of your chest.Be complete and honest during the consultation.Anything you hold back on for any reason might compromise your health or the care you're surgeon's team can provide.Discuss the progress of your transition with the doctor, as well as any medical conditions and drug allergies you have.
Step 11: The surgeon has experience and expertise.
You have a right to ask your doctor questions, and they should be willing to discuss any concerns you have.Bring a list of questions to your consultation and ask any questions that come to you during your discussion with your doctor.If you think of more questions later, call your doctor.Are you board-certified in plastic surgery?What are the top surgeries you have done?How long have you been doing gender surgery?Are you a member of the World Professional Association?What are the recovery milestones and how long will it take?What will happen if I have a problem?If there are concerns about the results after surgery, what are my options?How much will the procedure cost?
Step 12: Red flags might be a bad fit for you.
Picking a surgeon is important because surgery carries risks.You should pay close attention to how the doctor treats you.You should feel respected and safe during your consultation with them.If you feel that your doctor is not right for you, you might want to look for a different doctor.You feel uncomfortable and there are some red flags to watch for.They will not answer your questions.Photos of prior patients won't be shown to you.They seem to be disingenuous with their respect.The risks of surgery are not acknowledged.