★★★★★ 700+ five-star reviews across Google, RealSelf & Healthgrades
Gender-Affirming Surgery in Chicago: Top Surgery and Breast Augmentation
Top surgery and breast augmentation, planned around your goals and your frame. You meet the surgeon who will operate on you before you commit to anything.
Complimentary virtual consultation. Regularly $250.
Board-certified surgeons Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong and Dr. Kevin Lin. AAAHC-accredited surgical facility, on site.
See a gender-affirming before & after
Updated
What is gender-affirming surgery?
Gender-affirming surgery reshapes your chest so it reflects your gender identity. At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, that means two procedures. Top surgery, also called chest masculinization, creates a flatter chest for transgender men and nonbinary patients. Gender-affirming breast augmentation adds volume with implants or your own fat, for transgender women and transfeminine patients. Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin both perform both.
Both start the same way: a conversation about where you want to end up. Your surgeon looks at your chest width, your existing tissue and your goals, then recommends a plan. You don’t pick a number from a chart.
Not sure how a surgeon will treat you? Start with the virtual consultation. It’s complimentary, and you decide on your own schedule. There’s no hold, no deadline, and no follow-up pressure.
Who will perform your surgery?
Two surgeons perform gender-affirming surgery at Chicago Breast & Body, and you meet the one who will operate on you before you commit to anything.
Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS, FAACS
Triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon
Dr. Truong is certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He directs a fellowship that trains the next generation of cosmetic surgeons, which means he teaches this work as well as performs it. Read Dr. Truong’s full bio.
Dr. Kevin Lin, MD
Board-certified plastic surgeon
Dr. Lin is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His focus is body contouring and breast surgery, with a consistent emphasis on results that read as natural on the patient’s own frame. He completed a three-year plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Read Dr. Lin’s full bio.
“Dr. T snatched me so good. I’m 3 years post op lipo 360 + BBL and I still love my figure. i’m also trans so I didn’t really have any curves prior…”
Ashley M., Lipo 360 and BBL with Dr. Truong, Google review. Individual results may vary.
Top surgery for transgender men and nonbinary patients
Top surgery, or chest surgery, creates a flatter chest for transgender men and nonbinary patients. You may also see it called FTM top surgery.
We offer every method: double incision with nipple grafts, periareolar, keyhole and others. Your surgeon picks one for your chest based on three things: your anatomy, the size of your chest, and where you’d prefer your scars to sit. Grafts are used only when you need them. Your surgeon can also resize or reposition your nipples.
Not looking for a fully flat chest? If you’re nonbinary, your surgeon can reduce your chest to almost any size. Say so at your consultation. We’ll plan around it.
- Surgery
- General anesthesia, about 2 hours. You go home the same day.
- Drains
- Not always. When they’re needed, they stay in for 2 to 3 days.
- Binder
- Worn for 4 weeks.
- Back to work
- About 1 week. You can raise your arms the same day. Full exercise at 6 weeks.
- Scars
- Along the lower border of the chest muscle. They fade over time.
- Hormones
- Not required. You don’t need to be on testosterone first.
- Liposuction
- Can be added, for example on the chest or flanks.
- Who performs it
- Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin
- Price
- $13,995* and up
Gender-affirming breast augmentation for transgender women
Gender-affirming breast augmentation, sometimes called chest feminization or MTF breast surgery, adds volume with a silicone or saline implant, or with your own fat. It takes one to two hours under general anesthesia, and you go home the same day.
Gender-affirming breast augmentation, before and after
A 34-year-old transgender woman had a breast augmentation with Dr. Truong. Her after photo was taken a little over six months later, from the same angle. Drag the line across the photo to compare.
BeforeAfter
All photos are actual patients of Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, shown with nipples covered for privacy. Individual results may vary.
How your size is chosen
Planning depends on how much breast development you’ve had on estrogen. Your surgeon often starts with a smaller implant, because your skin stretches over time and a larger size can come later if you want it. If you’re starting with a small chest, the process is the same: your chest width and existing tissue set the range, and the implant is chosen within it. Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin walks you through sizers, so you see each option on your own body rather than on someone else’s photograph. An implant that’s too wide for your chest doesn’t read as fuller. It reads as shape that doesn’t belong to you.
| Option | How it works | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone implant | Cohesive gel that feels closer to breast tissue, which is why most patients choose it. | A rupture can go unnoticed, so your provider may recommend regular MRI or ultrasound exams, which insurance may not cover. |
| Saline implant | Sterile salt water, filled after placement, which allows a smaller incision. A rupture is obvious, because the implant deflates. | Firmer. With less natural tissue, the implant edge is more likely to show or be felt. |
| Your own fat | Liposuction takes fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs or hips, and it’s purified and placed in the breast. | Typically about one cup size, and a second round can be repeated if needed. Implants add two or more cup sizes. |
Placement and incisions
Most patients do best with dual-plane placement, the top of the implant under the muscle for extra coverage. The incision is usually in the crease beneath the breast, where the fold hides the scar; around the areola or in the armpit are options too. We offer Natrelle® and Motiva® implants.
Are you a good candidate for gender-affirming surgery?
-
30to32
Top surgery: BMI limit
Your BMI should be under 30 with Dr. Truong, or under 32 with Dr. Lin.
-
None
Top surgery: hormones first
You don’t need to be on testosterone before surgery.
-
1year
Breast augmentation: estrogen first
Be on estrogen for at least one year. You don’t need to pause it before surgery.
-
18to22
Breast augmentation: minimum age
At least 18 for saline implants and 22 for silicone, the ages the FDA approved them for.
A good fit
- Both surgeries
- You don’t smoke.
- Top surgery
- Any chest size. If you’d rather not be fully flat, say so; your chest can be reduced to almost any size.
- Breast augmentation
- You’re in good general health at a stable weight, and you want more volume or better balance.
Talk it through first
- You smoke
- You’ll need to stop for the time your surgeon sets. Smoking affects healing.
- You’d prefer fat to implants
- Fat adds about one cup size. For more than that, implants are usually the better choice.
- You want lift as well as size
- Augmentation adds fullness. It doesn’t raise the breast.
A letter of support from a therapist or doctor isn’t required for either surgery, but it’s recommended.
Book a ConsultationWhat patients say about Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin
★★★★★
“I received a Breast Augmentation by Dr. Truong and everything was amazing. … Very respectful and professional with everything and answered all of my questions with ease!”
Asia D. ★★★★★
“… he was so polite and patient he was answering all of my questions I was having whole bunch of questions but he didn’t show any rudeness or anger even if I am asking the same questions again and again.”
Anonymous patient ★★★★★
“From my very first consultation through my follow-up appointments, the entire team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. … They made me feel comfortable every step of the way and took the time to answer all my questions.”
Christasia ★★★★★
“They answered all my questions thoroughly and gave me guidance when choosing my implant size, but also listened to what I wanted. … It was really important to me to have a natural-looking result, and I am only 1 month out of surgery but I can already tell it’s going to look exactly how I pictured it once everything settles.”
Anonymous patient ★★★★★
“Dr Truong was incredible from the beginning he made me feel very comfortable and very confident about everything that was going to happen while also being kind and personable which I feel some doctors can lack. … I was 1000% confident going into surgery.”
Callahan F. ★★★★★
“When I started thinking about getting implants I was a little in the dark about most of the details. … Dr. Lin answered all my questions and then some. He gave me all the information I needed to make the best choices. I felt very comfortable with him.”
Anonymous patient
Verbatim excerpts from Google reviews and from reviews patients left with our practice. Individual results may vary. Read all reviews on Google
Shaping more than the chest
Some patients also shape their hips and curves, using their own fat.
See a transgender woman’s BBL results, 6 months after See another transgender woman’s results, 18 months afterRisks to know before you decide
All surgery carries risk. For breast augmentation, the main ones are capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant; implant rupture; changes in nipple sensation; asymmetry; and the possibility of needing revision surgery later.
Some change in nipple sensation is common in the first weeks and months, and in most patients it resolves. A small minority have a permanent change. It’s somewhat more likely with an incision around the areola and with larger implants.
After top surgery, nipple sensation depends on the method. When the nipple stays attached to its blood supply, some to full sensation can return. With a nipple graft, there’s usually very little sensation, if any.
Outside reading
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration keeps current safety information on breast implants.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains gender-affirming procedures for patients.
Breast augmentation recovery, week by week
Surgery day
You’re up and walking the same day. You need someone to drive you home and help for the first day or two.
Days 1 to 3
The hardest stretch. It usually feels like tightness across the chest rather than sharp pain. Your post-surgical bra stays on around the clock until your first visit.
After 48 hours
Showers are okay. No soaking, pools or hot tubs for 4 weeks.
Days 7 to 10
Most patients with desk jobs are back at work.
Weeks 3 to 4
Walking and lower-body exercise, at your surgeon’s discretion.
Weeks 4 to 6
Full exercise, upper body included. A job with lifting or physical work usually means four to six weeks off.
Months 3 to 6
Swelling keeps settling. Implants sit high at first and drop into place.
Months 6 to 12
Final results come into focus. Some numbness can take up to a year to fully improve.
Recovery times vary from patient to patient. After top surgery, most patients take about 1 week off work, wear a binder for 4 weeks, and return to full exercise at 6 weeks.
How much does gender-affirming surgery cost?
Your price depends on the procedure, your surgeon and your plan. You get one written quote at your consultation, covering surgery, facility and follow-up care.
Starting prices
Breast augmentation, silicone implants $7,995* and up.
Breast augmentation, Motiva® implants $9,995* and up.
Fat transfer to breasts $10,995* and up.
Top surgery $13,995* and up.
Financing available through CareCredit, Cherry and Alphaeon for qualified applicants. A 3% processing fee applies to credit card and financing payments. No processing fee applies to debit card payments. Financing options →
Your quote includes
- Surgeon’s fee
- Operating room and facility fee
- Implants, on implant procedures
- Your first post-surgical bra or compression garment
- Follow-up visits for up to one year
- 24/7 access to the care team
- Anesthesia*
Starting prices do not include the OR facility fee or anesthesia. Both are added to your written quote after your surgeon recommends your surgical plan. Your fat transfer price depends on how much fat is transferred, the areas treated and your surgeon.
Insurance
We’re a self-pay practice, so we don’t bill insurance. If you’d like to submit a claim yourself, just ask for the documents your insurer needs, and your coordinator would be happy to send them to you. Full payment is due before surgery.
Gender-affirming surgery questions, answered
Does Chicago Breast & Body perform top surgery?
Yes. Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong and Dr. Kevin Lin both perform top surgery and gender-affirming breast augmentation. You meet the surgeon who will operate on you at your consultation, before you commit to anything.
What’s the difference between top surgery and gender-affirming breast augmentation?
Top surgery creates a flatter chest, and gender-affirming breast augmentation adds volume with implants or your own fat. Top surgery is for transgender men and nonbinary patients, and augmentation is for transgender women and transfeminine patients. Your surgeon plans either one around your chest and your goals.
How long is recovery after top surgery?
Most patients take about 1 week off work. You can raise your arms the same day, you wear a binder for 4 weeks, and you can return to full exercise at 6 weeks. Surgery takes about 2 hours under general anesthesia, and you go home the same day. Liposuction of the chest or flanks can be added in the same surgery.
Where are the scars after top surgery?
Top surgery scars sit along the lower border of the chest muscle, and they fade over time. Where yours sit depends on the method, which your surgeon chooses based on your anatomy, the size of your chest and your scar preference.
Will nipple sensation change after top surgery?
It depends on the method. When the nipple stays attached to its blood supply, some to full sensation can return. With a nipple graft, there’s usually very little sensation, if any.
Do I need to be on hormones before surgery?
Not for top surgery: no hormones are required first. For gender-affirming breast augmentation, plan on at least one year on estrogen before surgery, and you don’t need to pause it. A letter of support from a therapist or doctor isn’t required for either surgery, but it’s recommended.
Who is a good candidate for top surgery?
A good candidate doesn’t smoke and has a BMI under 30 with Dr. Truong, or under 32 with Dr. Lin. Chest size doesn’t matter. If you’re nonbinary and don’t want a fully flat chest, your surgeon can reduce your chest to almost any size.
How is my implant size chosen?
Your surgeon recommends a size based on your chest width, your existing tissue and where you want to end up, then shows you what that looks like before you commit. You try sizers, so you see each option on your own body. If you’re starting with a small chest, the process is the same.
Should I choose silicone or saline implants?
Most patients choose silicone, because it feels closer to breast tissue. Saline allows a smaller incision and makes a rupture obvious, but it’s firmer, and the edge is more likely to show when there’s less natural tissue. You need to be at least 22 for silicone and 18 for saline, the ages the FDA approved them for in cosmetic augmentation.
Can I use my own fat instead of implants?
Yes, if you have enough fat to move. For transgender women, implants are usually the better choice. Fat transfer typically adds about one cup size, and a second round can be repeated if needed. Around 60 to 80% of the transferred fat typically stays long term. If you want two or three sizes, implants are usually the better fit.
How long is recovery after gender-affirming breast augmentation?
Most patients are walking the same day, back to desk work in about 7 to 10 days, and cleared for full exercise between four and six weeks. The first three days are the hardest. If your job involves lifting or physical work, plan on four to six weeks off.
Does insurance cover gender-affirming surgery?
We’re a self-pay practice, so we don’t bill insurance. If you’d like to submit a claim yourself, just ask for the documents your insurer needs, and your coordinator would be happy to send them to you. Full payment is due before surgery.
Can I finance gender-affirming surgery?
Yes. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry and Alphaeon for qualified applicants. A 3% processing fee applies to credit card and financing payments, and no processing fee applies to debit card payments.
What happens at the consultation?
You meet your surgeon virtually and talk through your goals, your anatomy and which procedure serves what you want. It’s complimentary, regularly $250. Plan on at least three to four weeks from your first consultation to your surgery date.
Start with a conversation, not a commitment.
- You meet your coordinator. She answers your questions by phone or message and schedules your virtual consultation.
- You meet your surgeon virtually. Complimentary, regularly $250. You talk through your goals, your anatomy, and which procedure serves what you want.
- You decide on your own schedule. There’s no hold, no deadline, and no follow-up pressure.
- You receive a single quote. One number, covering surgery, facility and follow-up care, with financing options laid out.
Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics · 467 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Individual results may vary. Complimentary virtual consultation, regularly $250. This page is for general education and is not medical advice. All surgery carries risks. A consultation with a board-certified surgeon is the only way to determine whether a procedure is appropriate for you.