Gender-affirming surgery · Melbourne
Chest masculinisation in Melbourne
Chest masculinisation, sometimes called top surgery, removes or reshapes breast tissue and skin to change chest contour. Dr Brian Yue offers assessment for primary chest masculinisation and revision of previous gender-affirming chest surgery.
Consultation and suitability
The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, the chest shape you want, scars, nipple options and what surgery can and cannot achieve. Previous surgery, general health and recovery support are relevant. The referral, assessment and consent requirements for your circumstances should be confirmed with the practice.
An individual consultation considers your concerns, medical history, previous treatment and the trade-offs of surgery. Bring relevant reports and a list of medicines and supplements. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice from your treating team.
Options and the operation
Treatment may involve limited incisions around the areola for selected smaller chests and larger excisional procedures with nipple grafts when appropriate. The operation may be performed under general anaesthesia. The choice depends on anatomy, skin excess and the agreed goals; a single technique is not suitable for everyone.
Recovery and return to activity
Recovery may involve dressings, swelling, a support garment and restrictions on lifting and upper-body activity. Nipple grafts, when used, need specific care. The surgical team should confirm your follow-up and return-to-work plan.
Your return to work, driving and exercise depends on the extent of treatment, the demands of your activities and how healing progresses. Follow the instructions given for your own operation. Individual suitability, recovery and outcomes vary.
Scars, risks and limitations
Scars are permanent, and their pattern depends on the technique. Nipple sensation may change or be lost. Removing breast tissue changes the chest permanently and does not eliminate all future breast or chest-health concerns.
Risks include bleeding, haematoma, infection, delayed wound healing, changes or loss of nipple sensation, partial or complete loss of nipple/areolar tissue, asymmetry and further surgery. Anaesthesia has additional risks. The remaining risk of breast cancer is not zero.
This is an overview rather than a complete consent discussion. Surgery cannot promise a particular appearance or complete symmetry, and further treatment may sometimes be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can previous top surgery be revised?
Assessment may identify options for scars, contour, nipple position or excess tissue at the ends of scars. The previous operation and available tissue affect what is possible.
Does a revision always mean repeating the original operation?
No. The plan depends on the specific concern and may range from a limited correction to a more extensive procedure.
Related procedures
Your next step
A consultation with Dr Yue allows you to discuss your concerns, the available options and whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Consultations in Essendon and Bundoora, Melbourne.
Book a consultationDr Brian Yue
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
FRACS MBBS BMedSci DipAnat