Chest reconstruction surgery is one of the most sought-after procedures in gender confirmation surgery, offering transgender men, women, and non-binary individuals the opportunity to align their physical appearance with their true gender identity. At Tran Plastic Surgery in Huntington Beach, CA, Dr. Tuan Tran provides individualized, compassionate care for patients seeking chest reconstruction, ensuring both safety and aesthetics are prioritized.
Whether you are transitioning male-to-female (MTF) or female-to-male (FTM), chest reconstruction can be a life-changing procedure that reduces gender dysphoria, enhances confidence, and helps patients feel at home in their own bodies.
Why Chest Reconstruction Matters
The chest is one of the most defining gender characteristics. For many transgender individuals, the mismatch between their chest appearance and their gender identity can cause emotional distress, body dysmorphia, and social discomfort.
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For trans men and non-binary individuals (AFAB patients): chest reconstruction, often called top surgery, removes breast tissue to create a flat, masculine contour.
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For trans women (AMAB patients): chest reconstruction typically involves breast augmentation, which enhances volume and shape to achieve a naturally feminine chest.
At Tran Plastic Surgery, we believe chest reconstruction is not merely cosmetic, it is reconstructive and affirming. Our goal is to help each patient achieve a chest that aligns with their identity, body frame, and lifestyle.
The Expertise of Dr. Tuan Tran
Chest reconstruction surgery requires not only technical precision but also an artistic eye for proportion and aesthetics. Dr. Tuan Tran is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in gender confirmation procedures. His meticulous surgical approach and compassionate care have helped countless patients transition with confidence and dignity.
Dr. Tran takes the time to understand each patient’s goals, reviews surgical options in detail, and provides a clear roadmap to recovery. Patients can expect a supportive partnership from consultation through long-term follow-up.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for chest reconstruction surgery are:
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Healthy adults with stable medical conditions
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Individuals with realistic expectations about surgical results
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Patients who have undergone or are planning gender-affirming therapy (such as HRT)
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People who have completed the required mental health and medical clearances for gender confirmation surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Tran will review your medical history, current medications, and hormone therapy. In most cases, patients are required to pause hormone replacement therapy for two weeks before and after surgery to minimize risks.
Chest Reconstruction Options
1. Male-to-Female (MTF) Chest Reconstruction
For patients assigned male at birth, chest reconstruction involves breast augmentation to create a feminine contour. This is similar to cosmetic breast augmentation procedures performed for cisgender women but with unique considerations for body proportion and skin elasticity.
Surgical techniques include:
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Implant choice: saline or silicone implants tailored to body frame and desired size.
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Placement: implants may be placed over the muscle (sub-glandular) or under the muscle (sub-muscular). Sub-muscular placement often provides a more natural appearance for patients with minimal breast tissue.
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Tissue expansion or fat grafting: for patients with tight chest skin or limited tissue, Dr. Tran may recommend staged procedures with expanders or fat transfer for optimal results.
MTF chest reconstruction allows trans women to achieve curves that match their gender identity, improving both body confidence and clothing fit.
Fig. 1. Before and after results of breast augmentation with silicone implants performed by Dr. Tran on AMAB patient.
2. Female-to-Male (FTM) Chest Reconstruction
For trans men and AFAB non-binary patients, top surgery involves removing breast tissue while sculpting a natural-looking masculine chest. Unlike mastectomies for breast cancer, this surgery focuses heavily on contouring, aesthetics, and nipple positioning.
Surgical techniques include:
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Double incision with nipple grafting: ideal for patients with larger breasts. Breast tissue and excess skin are removed, nipples/areolas are resized and grafted into a masculine position.
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Peri-areolar (keyhole) surgery: for smaller chests, incisions are made along the areola borders, allowing breast tissue removal with minimal scarring.
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Nipple removal or tattooing: for patients at higher risk of breast cancer, nipples and areolas may be fully removed with the option of 3D tattoo reconstruction later.
FTM chest reconstruction creates a flatter, firmer chest that allows patients to live confidently without the discomfort of binding.
Fig. 2. Before and 3 weeks after subcutaneous mastectomy performed by Dr. Tran on female-to-male patient.
Before Surgery: Preparing for Your Journey
Preparation is key to safe and successful results. Before surgery, Dr. Tran and his team will:
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Conduct medical screenings (blood tests, EKG, imaging if necessary)
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Review mental health evaluations required for gender confirmation surgery
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Discuss your hormone therapy and whether temporary adjustments are needed
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Provide a clear set of pre-operative guidelines for diet, medication use, and lifestyle habits (such as smoking cessation)
This thorough preparation ensures that you are physically and mentally ready for surgery and recovery.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery varies by procedure and individual healing capacity.
For MTF breast augmentation:
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Expect swelling, soreness, and temporary drains
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A compression bra must be worn for 3–4 weeks
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Avoid lifting more than 10–15 lbs for at least a month
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Full healing typically occurs within 6–8 weeks
For FTM top surgery:
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A chest compression wrap is worn for several weeks
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Surgical drains are placed and removed within 5–7 days
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Limited physical activity is required during the first month
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Scars will fade gradually but may take up to a year to settle
Dr. Tran provides personalized recovery instructions, scar care guidance, and regular follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible results.
Results: What Patients Can Expect
The outcome of chest reconstruction extends far beyond physical changes. Patients often report:
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Significant reduction in gender dysphoria
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Improved self-esteem and confidence
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Greater freedom in clothing choices
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Enhanced comfort in social and intimate situations
Every patient’s results are unique, but the overall impact is life-affirming.
Insurance and Costs
In California, many insurance providers including CalOptima recognize chest reconstruction as a medically necessary part of gender confirmation surgery. Our team will assist you in navigating insurance approval and payment options.
Patients without coverage can discuss financing solutions during their consultation to make surgery more accessible.
Related Services
For patients seeking comprehensive gender confirmation surgery, chest reconstruction is often combined with other feminization or masculinization procedures. You may also be interested in:
These procedures can work together to create harmonious facial and body features that align with your identity.
Why Choose Tran Plastic Surgery?
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions in your transition journey. Patients choose Tran Plastic Surgery because of:
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Expertise: Dr. Tran is a highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in gender confirmation surgery.
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Patient-centered care: Every step of the process is personalized to your goals, body type, and identity.
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Comprehensive support: From insurance assistance to long-term follow-up, we provide care that goes beyond the operating room.
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Proven results: Our patients’ transformations speak for themselves, with natural, affirming outcomes.
Schedule a Consultation
Chest reconstruction surgery is a powerful step toward living authentically. At Tran Plastic Surgery in Huntington Beach, Dr. Tran and his team are here to guide you with expertise, compassion, and respect.
👉 Take the next step today. Contact us online at Tran Plastic Surgery Contact Page, or call us directly at 📞 (714) 839-8000 to schedule your consultation.
Your journey deserves the highest level of care and we are honored to be part of it.
*References:
✍️ Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, October 4). Top surgery for transgender women. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/top-surgery-for-transgender-women/about/pac-20470693
✍️ Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, September 27). Top surgery for transgender men. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/top-surgery-for-transgender-men/about/pac-20469462#:~:text=Top%20surgery%20for%20transgender%20men%20is%20a%20surgical%20procedure%20to,nipple%2Dsparing%20subcutaneous%20mastectomy).