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Beyond the Binary: Gender Affirming Chest Surgery for Nonbinary Individuals
For many nonbinary individuals, gender affirming chest surgery, commonly referred to as “top surgery,” offers an essential step toward living authentically. While top surgery is often discussed in the context of masculinizing or feminizing outcomes, nonbinary patients seek results that can fall within much of this spectrum — or outside of it.
At Arizona Center for Breast Surgery, we recognize that chest contouring is a profoundly personal experience. Each patient has their own goals, preferences and perceptions which should be respected and professionally addressed.
What Is Gender Affirming Chest Surgery?
Gender affirming chest surgery refers to procedures that reshape the chest to better align with a person’s gender identity. For nonbinary patients, surgery may not always mean achieving a flat or non-feminine chest. The goal is to create a chest appearance that feels right for them — whether that involves a flat contour with nipples or without nipples, a breast reduction to a very small size, variable nipple positions and sizes or something else.
Why Nonbinary Patients May Choose Surgery
Every person’s motivation is unique, but some common reasons include:
- Reducing gender dysphoria by achieving a chest that matches their gender identity
- Finding comfort in clothing without binders or tape
- Building confidence in daily life, work and social settings
- Creating an appearance that meets their perceptions, goals and desires as a nonbinary individual. This may be more masculine, not entirely feminine or something else.
These reasons underscore the importance of a personalized approach.
Options for Customizing Nonbinary Top Surgery
Techniques and options for gender affirming nonbinary top surgery are varied and numerous. Considerations include:
Chest Contouring Approaches
- Double incision mastectomy for a flat chest, with or without nipple grafts
- Periareolar or keyhole surgery for patients with small chests seeking minimal scarring
- Breast reduction to decrease size while maintaining some feminine contours
Nipple-Areola Complex Choices
- Preservation: Keeping the nipple-areola complexes (“nipples”) attached to the underlying and/or surrounding tissues
- Resizing: Reduction in size to meet the desired appearance and proportionality
- Relocation: Adjusting position to achieve the desired look — nonbinary, masculine or other
- Removal: Creating a smooth chest without nipples
The Role of Individualized Care
Dr. Steven Turkeltaub performs FTN top surgery and focuses on individualized gender affirming care. No assumptions are made. This includes:
- Listening carefully to each patient’s preferences, goals and priorities
- Explaining in detail surgical options without assuming binary outcomes
- Respecting identity and correct pronoun use at every stage
- Providing supportive resources before and after surgery
By treating each patient as a unique individual, Dr. Turkeltaub and his staff help ensure results that reflect respect, identity and comfort.
For so many gender nonbinary individuals who have had top surgery, the benefits extend beyond the physical appearance. The emotional relief of finally living in a body that feels authentic can’t be overstated. Patients generally experience tremendous happiness, confidence and a sense of freedom after their transformation. This often goes a long way in addressing or resolving their previous anxieties and depression.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Selecting the right plastic surgeon is an essential step. Patients should look for:
- Extensive experience with gender affirming procedures
- A portfolio that includes nonbinary outcomes
- A consultation process centered on patient goals
- A supportive approach that respects identity throughout care
- And finally: Extremely happy patients with great reviews
Want to Know More About Gender Affirming Chest Surgery?
Gender affirming chest surgery for nonbinary individuals is not about fitting into a category; it’s about creating a result that feels authentic and reflects your goals, perceptions and preferences. With customizable options for contouring, nipple preservation or removal and aesthetic balance, nonbinary top surgery empowers patients to define their own outcomes.
At the Arizona Center for Breast Surgery, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is dedicated to providing affirming, personalized care for every patient.
If you are considering nonbinary top surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation either by calling us at (480) 451-3000 or by email.