Transgender Top Surgery Blog

For more than three and a half decades, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub and the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has built their reputation on delivering expert, compassionate care with genuine attention to each individual. From the beginning, our purpose has… Read More

If you’re considering FTM or FTN gender-affirming top surgery, you’ve likely heard about the letter that you will need from your therapist in order to be able to have surgery. This document, sometimes called a WPATH or surgical readiness letter,… Read More

For many people undergoing FTM (female-to-male) or FTN (female-to-nonbinary) top surgery, returning to their usual routines, including working out and going back to their job without restrictions, is very important—psychologically, emotionally and financially. Getting to this stage brings patients closer… Read More

Scar healing from FTM or FTN gender affirming top surgery isn’t just about waiting for time to pass. It’s an active process that involves consistent care, lifestyle choices and patience. While your plastic surgeon’s skill sets the foundation for the… Read More

Top surgery, often one of the most affirming steps in a person’s gender journey, is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Whether you identify as a transman (FTM) or a gender nonbinary individual (FTN), your goals for chest surgery are personal and… Read More

For a very long time, you may have felt like you were living in the wrong body. The female body you were born into doesn’t align with who you truly are. After years of reflection, emotional struggle, and soul-searching, you’ve… Read More

For over 36 years, the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care with compassion, precision, and a personal touch. Our mission has always been clear: to provide each and every patient with the highest… Read More

Female-to-male (FTM) and female-to-nonbinary (FTN) gender affirming top surgery can be a remarkably positive, life changing procedure particularly for those individuals experiencing gender dysphoria. In fact, many of my patients have shared with me the tremendous satisfaction and happiness that… Read More

For many transgender and gender nonbinary individuals, top surgery is a deeply affirming step in aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity. Whether someone is pursuing female-to-male (FTM) or female-to-nonbinary (FTN) top surgery, one of the key considerations are… Read More

President Trump’s Executive Order issued on January 28, 2025 entitled Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation outlined guidelines and restrictions on gender affirming care for children including financial implications. It did in no way prohibit such care for those… Read More

On January 28, 2025 the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order entitled Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation. In response to this, I posted a blog on February 19, 2025 entitled Will Gender Affirming Top Surgery be Banned Under… Read More

Over the last several weeks, I have been asked by many of my new transgender and gender nonbinary patients if gender affirming top surgery will soon be banned due to the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders. They truly are very fearful… Read More

Female-to-Male (FTM) and Female-to-Nonbinary (FTN) top surgery is not a one size fits all approach. That is, there isn’t just one way that it is done no matter one’s preferences or anatomy. Instead, there effectively are countless possibilities that can… Read More

So you just underwent gender affirming top surgery because of your gender dysphoria. The double incision free nipple graft mastectomy was performed several days ago and you have been doing great. There is little discomfort and your chest is flat… Read More

For most people, having good hygienic habits, like bathing or showering, is important for obvious reasons. Of course, there are some individuals who may not agree and don’t have this on their list of priorities or things to do. For… Read More

Being in high school is definitely not an easy experience for most students. It is an awkward, stressful, emotional, confusing, insecure and not very stable stage of your life. You are no longer a small child where you may have… Read More

  As previously noted, the incredibly positive impact that gender affirming top surgery has on a person with gender dysphoria can’t be overstated (Heartfelt Gratitude for Top Surgery Results). This is a truly life changing procedure, both emotionally and physically,… Read More

Not everyone who undergoes either FTM or FTN top surgery wants their nipple-areola complexes (“nipples” for short) surgically replaced and there are many reasons for this choice. Electing to have no nipples is definitely an option when undergoing either a… Read More

In the recent posting “Do Postoperative Activity Restrictions Reduce Risks for Thick Scars in FTM and FTN Top Surgery?”, I detailed the effects that various activities can have on the ultimate scar appearance. Recommendations were also made regarding activity restrictions… Read More

Both FTM (female-to-male) and FTN (female-to-nonbinary) gender affirming top surgery are incredibly positive and effective procedures if you are experiencing significant gender dysphoria. It is, without exaggeration, life changing. Just ask others who have already had top surgery. The mental… Read More