What Is Top Surgery?
At Iteld Plastic Surgery, we believe happiness comes from being able to live your most authentic life. If the person you see in the mirror doesn't match the person you are inside, Dr. Lawrence Iteld and our team are here to help. One specialized treatment we offer is top surgery, a procedure that involves adding or removing breast tissue for transgender patients who are transitioning or those who don't feel their appearance reflects their true selves (including non-binary and non-confirming individuals). Your journey is your own, but our team is ready to help you on the way by creating the look you want. If you're considering your options for top surgery and live in the Chicago, IL area, we invite you to schedule a private consultation to learn how we can help you be more comfortable in your own skin.
How Does Top Surgery Work?
Depending on the details of your treatment (whether you are adding or removing breast tissue), you can expect your top surgery at Iteld Plastic Surgery to take about 2 – 4 hours. Regardless of which procedure is being performed, we will customize it to fit your needs.
- Female-to-male top surgery: Also called a mastectomy, this surgery involves the removal of breast tissue and excess skin to create a flatter chest. In addition, the nipples may be resized and placed to give a natural look. Patients with more breast tissue may have to undergo a more extensive procedure, but the end goal is the same: to give the chest area a more masculine appearance that matches your identity.
- Male-to-female top surgery: Also known as breast augmentation or chest feminization, this surgery involves the addition of saline or silicone implants (or fat taken from elsewhere on the body) to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. The implants may be placed on top of the breast muscles or underneath, depending on your case. The type of implants used and the surgical technique will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Regardless of which procedure you're undergoing, Dr. Iteld will use his expertise in non-narcotic pain relief to ensure you are comfortable during and after your surgery without opioids.
What Are the Benefits of Gender-Affirming Top Surgery?
The benefits of top surgery go beyond physical changes. This gender-affirming procedure offered at Iteld Plastic Surgery offers a number of benefits for your mental and emotional health, including:
- Lessens symptoms of gender dysphoria
- Empowers you to project your inner self to the world
- Improves confidence and self-esteem
- Enables you to wear the clothes you want without having to bind or pad your chest
- High satisfaction rate after surgery
Iteld Plastic Surgery Reviews
From the initial consultation back in October, after being referred by another satisfied patient, to my top surgery on January 29th, my experience with Dr. Iteld and his team has been outstanding. Dr. Iteld’s intelligence and candor, combined with the attentiveness of his staff, instilled a deep sense of trust in their care. The communication was impeccable; I was well-informed every step of the way, never feeling out of the loop or uncertain about any part of the process — from pre-surgery preparations to what to expect during the operation, and through to post-surgery recovery. It’s rare to find a medical team that makes you feel so supported and assured. I can’t praise Dr. Iteld enough for not just the surgical outcome, which I am thrilled with, but also for the exceptional journey throughout this transformative time in my life.
Exceptional Care and Expertise by Dr. Iteld and Staff - From the initial consultation back in October, after being referred by another satisfied patient, to my top surgery on January 29th, my experience with Dr. Iteld and his team has been outstanding. Dr. Iteld’s intelligence and candor, combined with the attentiveness of his staff, instilled a deep sense of trust in their care. The communication was impeccable; I was well-informed every step of the way, never feeling out of the loop or uncertain about any part of the process — from pre-surgery preparations to what to expect during the operation, and through to post-surgery recovery.It’s rare to find a medical team that makes you feel so supported and assured. I can’t praise Dr. Iteld enough for not just the surgical outcome, which I am thrilled with, but also for the exceptional journey throughout this transformative time in my life.
A way less stressful experience than I could've imagined - I couldn't recommend Dr. Iteld more after my experience. After hours of research online from other people going through top surgery, I was very worried about the pain and recovery process. To my surprise, it was nearly painless and a way less stressful experience than I could've imagined thanks to his methods. I'm a very anxious person, but him and his team always made me feel at ease and I had every opportunity for easy communication to answer any of my questions or concerns, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you again!
I received top surgery from Dr. Iteld 2 months ago, and I couldn’t be happier with my results. I’m trans and non-binary, and I not only felt respected as a patient, but also seen and understood as a person receiving gender affirming care. I feel safe with him and his team, and everyone has been incredible throughout this entire journey. They changed my life.
Wonderful team - could not be happier with the results - I had a great experience. Dr. Iteld and his team treated me with respect, were compassionate towards my concerns, and were very thorough in their explanations of what to expect and the step by step process for preparing and recovering from surgery. Staff offered after hours support for any concerns that may have arisen post surgery (thankfully I’ve had none) and treated me very well. I could not be happier with the results of my surgery and the care provided by Dr. Iteld and his team. Dr. Iteld and his team were very inclusive towards the lgbtq+ community, always using my preferred name and pronouns and has performed many of these surgeries. Queer folks looking for gender affirming surgery are in good hands here.
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Top Surgery FAQ
Is top surgery covered by insurance?
Coverage for top surgery varies depending on your insurance plan and provider. It's best to contact your insurance company to understand your specific benefits and any requirements for coverage. Some plans may require documentation from medical or mental health professionals.
How visible will my scars be after top surgery?
The visibility of scars after top surgery depends on the surgical technique used and individual healing factors. While scars are permanent, they often fade over time and can be minimized with proper care and treatments. Dr. Iteld and our team will provide guidance on what to expect and how to care for your scars.
How much time will I need to take off for top surgery?
The recovery time for top surgery generally requires taking at least 1 – 2 weeks off from work or school. However, it may take several weeks to a few months before you can resume all normal activities, including heavy lifting and exercise. Dr. Iteld will give you detailed post-operative care instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Start Your Journey Today
Top surgery is not about changing yourself to meet the standards of what society considers to be "masculine" or "feminine." Rather, it's about empowering you to live and express yourself the way you want to. At Iteld Plastic Surgery, we want to put you in charge of your own story, which is why we're dedicated to maintaining discretion and privacy for all of our patients so that they can determine for themselves how they want to engage with the world. Whatever your reason for seeking top surgery, Dr. Iteld and our team are here to provide premium care. To learn more, contact our Chicago, IL office and schedule a consultation.