Officially 2 years post-op today! Still very happy with my results and I can believe time is flying so fast! I love my chest so much!🥹🏳️⚧️💗💗✨✨
The first 3 pictures are of me and my chest today! 💗
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The 4th and the 5th ones are of you last year! ( So 1 year post op ) 🏳️⚧️✨
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The last one is of me just after surgery!💗✨🏳️⚧️
I'm now three weeks post-op from top surgery and wanted to share my experience!
Procedure: Double Incision, No nipple grafts, Underarm/Flank Liposuction
Context: Nonbinary, no HRT/Testosterone, no gender dysphoria diagnosis, international travel to Stockholm.
The Consultation
My consultation was back in December. I booked a free consult online via the ACPK website and was able to book the appointment for a couple of days later. Before the consult, I wrote up a list of questions that I needed answering in case I forgot in the stress of the appointment.
Dr Amoroso was incredibly thorough, and answered almost all of my questions just through his comprehensive explanation of what I could expect. I had sent over some photos of my chest beforehand, and he used a surgical software programme to 3D model me and discuss what my results might look like. This was really reassuring as the 'not knowing' is definitely the most anxiety-inducing part. I was then given plenty of opportunities to ask all of the questions I had remaining.
I was also at this stage recommended lipo - That's because I had a very large cup size pre-op and a lot of the tissue was in my underarm area. Having now had the surgery, this was absolutely necessary and has made my results even better than I could imagine.
Booking for Surgery
I was able to choose my surgical date after the consult. I could have had surgery in January within 4 weeks of my consult, but I chose to wait until the end of April just for practicalities and the sake of being able to plan my recovery for a quieter period of my calendar.
I was sent over a few pieces of paperwork. I was also informed that I would need to provide evidence of the necessity of the surgery - This sounds intimidating, but they accept letters from therapists. So I just contacted my therapist and paid approx. £60 for the referral letter that just explained that I had been out as nonbinary for a long time and had discussed my want for surgery in the past, and that I had no psychatric contraindications to getting surgery.
Pre-Op Travel + Preparation
I flew into Stockholm a couple of days in advance of the surgery. I was given a large prescription for various medications (Euprasim, Celecoxib, Paracetamol and Odensatron alongside the stronger painkillers), which I picked up from the pharmacy the day before surgery. Technically you could pick them up after surgery, but who wants to add more stress to recovery?
Something important to note is that ACPK do not allow you to have piercing jewellery in during the procedure. Not retainers, nothing. So if you have a lot of piercings (like me) then you may need to prepare a piercing rescue kit haha. If you need jewellery reinserting, I recommend Chai at CALM Body Modifications. He's only a short trip from the clinic.
The Night Before
I was asked to use a chlorhexidine based pre-surgical scrub wash to prepare my entire body for surgery. There was a shampoo, and then a big sponge soaked in chlorhexidine soap. You have to wash your entire body and hair twice, and then use a clean towel and get into clean pajamas/clean sheets. If you're staying in a hotel or airbnb, keep this in mind as you may need to ask the front desk for clean sheets and towels.
Aside from that, I was asked to not eat for 12 hours in advance of surgery, and no fluids 8 hours in advance of surgery. That was fine - I just swished my mouth out with water in the morning when I felt a bit thirsty,
Pre-Surgery
I got to the clinic at 8.30am. One of the nurses took me to take some 'before' photos, which took 5 minutes. Then I was taken through to the pre-op area, got changed into a surgical gown and a luxurious robe (which you get to keep!), and met the anaesthesia nurse. She was awesome! She asked me some medical questions, measured my BP, and put a cannula in the back of my hand. I then took a shot glass full of pills.
I waited in the pre-op room until around 9.30am before the anaethesiologist picked me up and took me into the operating theatre. I wasn't nervous, and made some light conversation with the team. Then the anaesthesiologist put some propofol through my cannula and I was out like a light.
Post-Surgery
I 'woke up' in the recovery suite at 12.30pm after what felt like a quick 30 second dream! I think I'd been out of surgery for a while before I properly gained sentience again. I was almost immedietely checked on by the anaesthesia nurse who made sure I was feeling ok, and then brought me the most delicious post-op meal. I was already wearing a compression binder so I assume it was put on me after surgery.
Once I was feeling better, I was taken to the changing rooms and put my outside clothes back on over my compression binder. Then I was able to chill out in the waiting area for a while until I was fully compus mentus and my parents picked me up.
I was expecting to feel really groggy and weird after the anaesthesia, but I was feeling energetic and happy only 10-15 minutes after waking up. I literally felt amazing. No pain, no grogginess, nothing. I walked back to my hotel from the clinic (with family supervising) at around 2pm. They didn't intubate or catheterise me, which was also great so I didn't have a sore throat or anything.
Back at the hotel, I just got into bed and relaxed for the rest of the day. I also set reminders on my phone for medication, as taking them on time is the most important thing. This was stressed to me by the nurses!
Post-Op Travel
I flew home 4 days after top surgery. It was actually pretty fine! I booked wheelchair assistance at the airport both in Stockholm and the UK and I cannot recommend doing this enough! It was so incredibly helpful, as by this time I was feeling a bit worse for wear and could not imagine trying to handle security and walking through the airport by myself. I wore compression socks for the first week anyway, but I do recommend compression socks and wearing your post-op binder as snug as you can.
Week 1
Week 1 started really well. I felt fine, energetic and had little to no pain. I didn't really need any strong painkillers, from around day 3 I was just taking paracetamol and that worked perfectly. I was told I could shower after 48 hours, but I didn't want to mess anything up so I used body wipes and had my mum wash my hair for me.
Week 2
Week 1-2 are a little bit fuzzy in my memory because I had a bad reaction to the Eusaprim (antibiotics) and was severely unwell for about 10 days. I contacted ACPK and they gave me great advice on how to proceed. I should note that if you are travelling into Sweden from abroad, the best way to get in contact and have a speedy response from ACPK is by calling them on the phone. Depending on your phone contract, that might be a lil expensive but IMO totally worth it for direct questions and emergencies. They also respond pretty quickly to emails (once you get the correct address for the nurses), so if you have any issues then do get in touch with them.
I spent most of weeks 1+2 sleeping. I'm talking like, 12+ hours a day. I think allowing myself to just rest as much as possible made the healing process go a lot faster and feel a lot smoother.
Week 3
I've had a very small complication with one of my incisions (see previous posts), however the nurses have been so responsive in answering my questions and putting my mind at ease. They encourage you to email them update photos whenever you need help, so I have been in pretty close contact with them since my operation. The nurses are so kind and knowledgeable, and know exactly how to explain what is going on. If you're a chronic overthinker or, like me, suffer from OCD, then they are a godsend.
By week 3 I am feeling pretty much back to normal in terms of general health. I can walk long distances, and feel active without getting fatigued. I'm now sleeping more 'normal' amounts (8-10hrs) and don't feel the need for naps.
Pain-wise, it's a little more painful this week as my nerves begin to wake up. I'm also a bit sore from the liposuction, which apparently is pretty normal!
Results (So Far)
Overall, my incisions are incredibly neat. They look amazing, and are pretty symmetrical. The slight dehiscense I have experienced is totally my fault as I am stubborn and overly independent! The results were originally quite 'lifted,' but it's my understanding that this allows for tension-free wound healing. They are already flattening down, and I don't expect to be left with ridges haha.
I do not have dog ears or any general weirdness, it's all looking great!
Overall Experience
Overall, my experience with ACPK and Dr Amoroso have been really good. ACPK were comprehensive, helpful, and gave a really high-quality service. Dr Amoroso was intelligent and communicated everything I needed to know in an understandable manner. If you're expecting long conversations, probably not the guy for you. But I appreciated his directness and slightly distant professionalism, that wasn't an issue for me. The results have been awesome, and that is what we're all after right?
I think if you are planning top surgery outside of the UK, ACPK is a great option. I have no regrets about travelling for surgery.
Please do ask any questions you might have! I'm happy to respond.
Hi everyone, I hope you all are doing well! I have my consultation for top surgery this Tuesday!
I discussed this with my family today and their biggest concern was my safety. I am not trying to pass as a man nor go on T.
Because I already have short hair, my family is very concerned that I might be harassed if I go out in public because they believe this world is a very judgmental place. They are also concerned it could cause work issues and I could be denied a job/promotion etc.
Would anyone please share their life experiences? Have you been harassed after top surgery? Has no one batted an eye? If you have been harassed, do you mind discussing what happened or how you handled it? (No worries if not)
I would also greatly appreciate any advice on how I might be able to calm their worries as I don’t want them to live in distress that I could be in danger any day.
I’ve wanted top surgery so badly for over 15 years and I’m so excited/nervous that it’s finally in my grasp.
Thank you so much for your time!
Howdy yall! I finally got my surgery done. It was scheduled for today May 11th. I came out of anesthesia around 4:30 pm ish. I feel amazing! My arm pit area hurts the most. However my body and the everything else is going fine. I was able to go pee and also ate. I am just trying to get use to not being independent.
Things to know ahead of time!
- the hand IV did suck. However it didn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would. It was just a big pinch to my hand.
- the throat tube does and will make your throat hurt.
- Take your meds on time! I’ve set timers on my phone to help remind me.
- drink lots of water!
- tell your surgeon if your anxious. They gave me antibiotics and pain meds at the hospital all through the IV. The anti anxiety meds helped the most. I was supper anxious and couldn’t stop sweating. Once they gave me the antibiotics anxiety meds I felt a lot more at peace.
- They will probably make you pee I’m a cup. I couldn’t pee. Sorry if that’s TMI. So they didn’t end up making me pee in the cup. I did have to try and the doctors weren’t too thrilled I couldn’t pee. However they just wanted to make sure I wasn’t pregnant. Silly them, I’m basically infertile cuz of T. Plus I don’t really get my period any more. My surgery time was at 2pm though sooo it was a while since I had any liquids or food. Only the IV that they gave me.
- my mastectomy pillow has been a life saver. Makes me feel more comfortable and easier to relax.
- get extra pillows. Since you’ll basically be sitting up right and sleeping at like a 90 degree angle.
- get straws as well. They have helped me to drink my water after surgery.
- I hate the binder so much. It makes it so hard to breathe. I have to wear it for a month though.
My nurses were so nice! My surgery went well. I haven’t seen my results yet. I got a double mastectomy, no nipples and liposuction to the upper quadrants of my armpits and chest to help make me more flat. I asked for flat/straight surgery lines. I got surgery with Doctor Larson, in Tucson. I’m so happy and grateful I got my surgery done. I paid $13,907 totally for my surgery. That price includes my consultation price. I cannot wait for my pre-opt appointment to get my drains out.
Let me know if you have any questions! I’m still pretty loopy and tired. 🫂🏳️⚧️
The first few pics are right before surgery. Then the last one in the car is meee on my way home from top surgery. Let me know about y’all’s experience. I’d love to know. So far my only regret is not stretching more before surgery and not popping my neck and back before surgery. However I have no regrets. I am just so happy and grateful to be here. I’m so proud and happy with how far I’ve come :))
Please send only support and positive vibes. This is a very
Vulnerable post for me.
I had top surgery last year and Im ready to enjoy summer, except I don't have a swimsuit that works for my body. I've spent countless hours searching online comparing the size chart to my measurements, and at stores trying stuff on :(
Specifically, I've been looking for a 2-piece swimsuit where the bikini top is like a sports bra, not a triangle top. I would like something that's a matching but can be purchased separatel, since my hips are wide in proportion to my chest.
Some issues I'm running into:
- Most bikini tops are designed to accommodate curves (obviously) and I don't like the awkward look on my flat chest.
- The gender-free or LGBTQIA+ brands I've looked at only had bikini sets designed for those who tuck.
- Cropped swim binders look most like what I want, but I've heard it's not good to wear those post-op.
- I even tried kids swimsuit sets, cause the largest size could fit.. the tops were fine lol, but not bottoms. and they come in sets, not separate.
Dr.Sean Herman in NJ worked wonders on me. I had DI with nipple grafts. Can’t wait for summer!!!
As a woman with chest disphoria, I feel like my boobs prevent physical intimacy with other people for me. It has been a huge stress factor in my last relationships because I absolutely did not want anyone to see let alone touch my chest, and I went through some bad experiences when those boundaries weren't respected.
I love the idea of being "both flat", it seems like you can be so much closer to each other in a hug with nothing "in the way"... I'm really hoping I can get to a place where I feel euphoria and would be okay being touched there when my chest is flat(ter). The sensation I imagine, or partially remember from before puberty, of being able to rly feel your chest bones/muscles with your hands is just so much better than those lumps of fat 😭
Am I having off expectations here, how do you experience this if you've had surgery?
Do you enjoy being touched on the chest after surgery, did it take getting used to? I feel like I still might just be just as afraid afterwards because it was such a habit to avoid this.
How much sensation is there in the skin - especially those who had double incision surgery - is it numb for you? Is it only numb in the scarred areas? Do you even feel light touches, or only pressure?
Did reality live up to your expectations?
Hey y’all, I’m less than a week out from surgery and I think I’m probably gonna go flat without nips, but I’m still feeling a little nervous about firmly making that decision. I’m non binary and do not want a masculine chest. I had a lot of dysmorphic stress with the placement of my nipples after a reduction 10 years ago and would like to avoid more. And I’m not interested in tattooed nipples. While I think no nips is a good call for my dysphoria, dysmorphia, and healing, I am still feeling a little emotional pull about cutting off my nipples. (I have no qualms with getting rid of the tissue to be clear lol) Does anyone have any tips or thoughts y’all brought into your decision making process that helped?
This time last year I was absolutely freaking out about my decision to have top surgery!! I’d had a reduction 3 years prior and it took me a little longer to realise I wanted to go completely flat. Although I knew deep down it was right for me, there was so much fear, uncertainty and anxiety in the lead up. Now here I am, 9 months post-op, warming my bare chest in the afternoon sun. The euphoria, the sheer relief !! It was all worth it. Trust your gut peeps! Only you know what’s best for you. We get one body, make it your own 💖
Ps. This sub really helped me navigate through all the unknowns, and gave me the courage and reassurance to know I wasn’t alone. 🙏🏼
Feel free to ask me any questions 😁
I got my surgery date booked! But now all of a sudden I’m like maybe I don’t want to do this after all and maybe I like my chest as it is. I’ve read that other people on Reddit have experienced the same once they got a date booked. I think this feeling all comes down to the fact that I’m pretty freaked out about actual surgery and what they’re doing to my body while I’m on the table. Was this something other people struggled with and did anything help give you peace of mind in the months leading up to surgery?
Hi! I just had my surgery last monday 4/27 with Dr. Tobias out of Beth Israel Hospital. I’m so happy and it’s like night and day with the change in confidence, i’m like damn i’m sexy everytime i walk by a mirror lol. These were taken day 4 of my recovery.
Double Incision, requested incisions follow muscle line, as flat as possible, little nipple grafts to fit my frame, masculine nipple placement. Essentially, in a nonfetishizing/noncreepy way i wanted a little boy like look for my top surgery results.
I’m not on T. I’m 5’2 and weigh 103 pounds. 27 years old. previously a C cup.
Medications (in case this is helpful): i take lamictal and adderall. i did not stop my lamictal at all, but i did skip my adderall dose the day of surgery through to the 5th day of recovery when i stopped sleeping all day and was able to walk around for long periods of time (i took half my dose). i will start up again on my normal dose post drain removal.
Also, if you metabolize meds fast and are having breakthrough pain (i had it like clockwork at the 3.5/4 hour mark even when paired with tylenol) definitely advocate for yourself and call and request more pain medication. The nurse who my dad talked to from dr tobias office was sweet and understanding and prescribed me a few more doses to get through.
Lasty, i’m so attached to my drains, i lowkey don’t want them taken out yet. i’ve started calling them my balls and have been tucking them into my boxers. it really adds another layer of happiness to my recovery experience
After 8 years of waiting have my top surgery consult on Friday and I’ve been deep in research for weeks!!
I have a list of questions for my surgeon and am starting to collect photos of results for reference. I’ve seen a few threads of folks in bigger bodies, but most are on shorter and younger people.
I want my chest to be masculine and mostly flat, but looking a little beefy would be nice. I have been lifting weights a few times a week lately and take frequent walks. I’m not a gym rat, but it is something that feels good. I’m not on t, 5’10” and 250lb. I also have broad shoulders, wide hips, and a belly so I’m starting to prepare for the likely possibility of my attention shifting to other parts of my body that are percieved feminine.
I’m also reading a ton about supplements and will discuss further with my surgeon but will likely be taking collagen and arnica to assist with healing as I’m in my late 30s.
And finally, I would love to hear from folks who live with mental illness and if they experienced intensified symptoms during recovery? My therapist (who’s trans) is really concerned about it hitting me badly. I have c/ptsd, a disassociative disorder, and am neurodivergent so things get intense for me sometimes.
Would love to hear from/see photos from folks who have experience with any of this and about their recovery journey. 🖤
Edited to add - I’m not planning on getting lipo and it’s also been hard to tell who did get it or didn’t get it! Curious to hear about both too.
Just contributing to show normal healing examples.
Things experienced: new chest acne, one pimple directly on incision, mild itching in scar, numb patches.
Care executed: irregular silicone tape coverage, range of motion exercise (fully regained motion at 3 months after starting at 6 weeks).
Demographics: no T, white, short, age in 20s.
So I got top surgery last summer and cut my hair short and now I feel like I get read as a man. And sometimes feel like I make women uncomfortable. I was not expecting this. I did not have a fixed gender identity going into surgery, I just finally surrendered to being a person who experiences dysphoria with my boobs and needed surgery. I did it for the aesthetic and also for physical comfort and health. I just didn't expect that people would no longer understand my femininity as they once did... since regardless of whatever the fuck gender I am (gender is a construct anyway) I have a lot of feminine energy. And I am/was a racial minority and a woman so I haven't had much power/privilege in terms of my looks which is also partly why it feels sad and strange to be read as a man by women. Because I know I am a safe person. I am perfectly happy if men think I am a man since that would make me feel safer from them, but I don't feel like its 100% enough to rely on since I am still small and not on T, never have been. Lots of estrogen here.
Hi i have surgery in a week and am really worried and nervous for how recovery will be. Im in a fulltime college program that will have a lot of physical components. Would be able to even carry a backpack say 4 days post op? (With minimal stuff inside).. will i be able to sit for 6 hours a day in lecture? Im super stressed! This is the worst timing ever
Just wanted to share my results after a year of healing! I got my surgery on April 17, 2025. I have an appointment for medical tattooing to fill in the missing pigment on my nipples. Feel free to ask any questions :)
Hey all. I just recently got my all clear and have a slew of post op supplies I'd love to send to someone.
I have 2 front zip compression vests, size sm ( i am 5'1" and 150, they were snug but not over tight, sizing seems to run big) https://isavela.com/collections/mens-tops-and-vests/products/mens-post-surgicalshort-length-male-abdominal-cosmetic-surgery-compression-vest-w-zipper-mg03-sh
I also have:
2 sheets of lipo foam,
2 8x10 pads
A bunch of 4x4 gauze pads
An absurd amount of adaptic sheets
And a lot of unscented rinse free bath sponges.
DM me and I'll be happy to send the lot your way.
73yo and getting top surgery this AM.
hi! i’m 25yo and use she/they pronouns. i identify as genderqueer.
i am a 34I and am looking for someone willing to listen to me about wanting to go down to a A / B cup range at least. the reason is that 1) i want to have kids eventually and i REALLY don’t want them to grow back with those hormonal changes, which i’ve heard is very common, and 2) i want to be able to have “slightly there” breasts. in my dream results, i’d love if there was no or minimal skin to skin contact, like my chest wouldn’t overhang and touch the skin of the abdomen at all.
i know a nipple graft might be necessary to get me to that size range, but i’d love to find a surgeon who has experience in radical reductions / GAC to see if they can get me to that size without compromising the nipples. i don’t care about being able to breast feed, i just like having sensation and would be more happy with the results if i didn’t have to lose feeling in that area forever. however, i’m willing to have it happen if it gets me to a size where i don’t have to have a second reduction after having kids if that makes sense. basically i’m not looking for someone who will err on the side of larger to retain nipple sensation, but instead someone who will try their best to maintain nipple sensation but is going to do what they need to do to get me down to a small size.
is there anyone in the boston or boston-adjacent area who is like that? preferably a tier 1 MGB Health Plan provider?
thank you so much in advance for your advice / suggestions!
I had a consult the other day with a doctor I really liked that kindly suggested getting liposuction in the fatty area near my armpits— you know, where you wear a bra and it spills out. When I’m normally topless I don’t really think about it, but she said some patients get the liposuction so that they’re completely flat because it can give the illusion of a little extra puffiness where breasts used to be. The only problem is I’d have to pay for that out of pocket and it’s super expensive so I’m wondering if anyone has done this or wishes they’d done this? For reference I’m 5’8 and 150lb