FTM Chest Masculinization
If you are considering chest masculinization surgery, we invite you to use our discreet online form to contact Dr. Paul Steinwald, board-certified Colorado plastic surgeon.
FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization
Before & After Photos
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FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Case: 1 of 96

BEFORE / AFTER (1 week)
Case: 1 of 95
Case #693
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24 year-old patient from the Boston area with a very large DD/DDD size chest; "inverted-T"/nipple attached Top Surgery performed (perhaps the largest breast size on which this should be attempted), but the patient did fine overall, with longer-than-average scars, but a very masculinized effect appreciable within a week, especially on side view.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.

Before/After (6 months)
Case: 2 of 95
Case #11541
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19 year-old athletic trans-man with a smaller chest size, but wished to have more pectoralis definition showing - underwent (drain-free) "inverted-T" Top Surgery, shown here at 6 months post-op. If you have similar issues/desires and live in or near Denver, Top Surgery techniques such as this may give you optimal results as well.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Nipple Removal]()
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 3 of 95
Case #11484
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21 year-old with a C/D-cup chest size (and significant asymmetry) who was interested in becoming as flat-chested as possible. Because I advised that keeping the right nipple attached would likely require some retained volume, they decided to just forego nipple preservation altogether, leading to a very "clean" look, here shown approximately 1 month...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 674 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 mo)
Case: 4 of 95
Case #674
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24 year-old trans-man with an excellent pre-operative testosterone effect, maintained and complementing the standard-approach chest masculinization procedure to address asymmetries and leave the nipple attached and sensate. Photos are from approximately 1 month post-op. If you are in the process of "gender affirmation" and are considering...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 566 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 year)
Case: 5 of 95
Case #566
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This 28 year-old transgender male from Chicago came to us seeking "top surgery"/chest masculinization via the "keyhole technique" to help preserve nipple sensation. Had been identifying male and binding for several years, on testosterone for one. 5'4", 145' at time of surgery. Had 460 gm removed from the right side, 640 from the...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (13 months)
Case: 6 of 95
Case #11440
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Athletic 36 year-old on T for several months, who wished to have as much muscular definition as possible. I advised an inverted-T approach (as opposed to a "button-hole" (true double-incision) approach, to show his pecs as best possible. The patient had approximately 180 gm of tissue removed on either side, and ultimately did very nicely, shown here...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
BEFORE / AFTER (3 years)
Case: 7 of 95
Case #663
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24 year-old transgender male following a standard one-stage "inverted-T" FTM procedure (starting as a 32D cup, with significant ptosis or drooping). This fair-skinned patient had fairly red scars the first year, but here (by year 3) they have faded appreciably.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 506 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER
Case: 8 of 95
Case #506
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This 21 year-old patient was fairly early in the process of gender reassignment, having bound her chest for several months (and still favoring the “she” pronoun), but was committed to the idea of “top surgery” to masculinize her chest, which was otherwise in a moderate B-cup bra size range. She came to me from Connecticut, having found me on...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 559 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER
Case: 9 of 95
Case #559
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This is a 33 year-old transgender male with a 42DD bra size chest, who was already on testosterone. He underwent chest masculinization as a single-stage procedure (with adjuvant axillary liposuction), which resulted in excellent flattening/masculinization of the chest, and very acceptable, well-located scars.Photographs are from approximately...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Denver Top Surgery FTM]()
B/A (1 year)
Case: 12 of 95
Case #11276
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24 year-old patient from Florida considering Top Surgery since the early teen years for a B-cup breast size; underwent an "inverted-T"/attached nipple approach (294gm removed from the right side, 309 from the left) with excellent results, shown here approximately 1 year post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 672 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 mo)
Case: 13 of 95
Case #672
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20 year old transgender male with small breast size, well-developed muscularity, shown with pre-op markings for a Wise (anchor)-pattern closure; results are shown at approximately 3 months post-op.
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery Button Hole]()
Before / After (1 week)
Case: 14 of 95
Case #767
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18 year-old trans-male with an A-cup range breast interested in Denver FTM/top surgery, and an ideal situation to be treated with the "button-hole" (aka true double-incision) technique, leaving nipple-areolar complexes attached and delivered from underneath via a separate oval incision; photos approximately 1 week post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (3 months)
Case: 15 of 95
Case #11424
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20 year-old trans-male who presented with a fuller B-cup range, and laterally displaced, attenuated (stretched) nipples. Underwent standard "inverted-T" (attached nipples) chest masculinization with removal of approximately 382gm on the right and 395gm on the left. Although mild hypopigmentation of the right nipple developed (which is somewhat more...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 18 of 95
Case #11476
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29 year-old trans-patient who had an A/B-cup bra size remaining after T for several years, and wished to be fully masculinized. The patient underwent a standard "inverted-T" Top Surgery (without drains), with approximately 180gm of tissue removed bilaterally, and did very nicely, with results here shown at approximately 1 month post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Denver Top Surgery FTM]()
B/A (1 year)
Case: 19 of 95
Case #11277
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Very fit 59 year-old trans-male from California, on T x 2 years at time of top surgery (which he had been considering for many years), who underwent standard "inverted-T" top surgery (with 315gm removed from the right side, 304gm from the left, with some further scar/contour revisions 10 months later), and results 4 months after the second surgery...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 week)
Case: 20 of 95
Case #11429
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20 year-old patient from Chicagoland (6'0", 220lb) who had at least a D-cup size chest, but wished to undergo Top Surgery with the nipple still attached if possible. Approximately 1000gm of tissue was removed from the right side and 1050gm on the larger left, while leaving the nipple attached via an "inferior (underside) pedicle". Some liposuction...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (10 months)
Case: 21 of 95
Case #11474
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42 year-old patient on T for 6 months, and with good muscular development overall, but wished for the chest to be fully masculinized. An "inverted-T" Denver FTM procedure was performed, with approximately 200gm of tissue removed from each side (liposuction of the axillae and thighs was also performed). The patient is shown here with a nice masculinization...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11205 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (8 months)
Case: 22 of 95
Case #11205
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This is a 21 year-old with an A-cup who Came to see Dr. Steinwald for FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization. He actually had some nipple healing (breakdown) issues on the right side; but is shown here with acceptable scarring at 8 months post-op.Dr. Steinwald is known nationally (and internationally) as one of the best gender-affirming Top...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11211 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (15 months)
Case: 23 of 95
Case #11211
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This 27 year-old trans patient, who identifies as non-binary, traveled from the East Coast to have their "Inverted-T" (nipple attached) Top Surgery performed with Dr. Steinwald. They are shown here before and 15 months after surgery with very nicely healed scars.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before / After (4 months)
Case: 25 of 95
Case #689
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25 year-old trans-male from the midwest who wished to undergo FTM Top Surgery/chest masculinization, keeping the nipples attached. The patient weighed approximately 130 pounds and had approximately a B-cup chest size. Approximately 130gm was removed from the right side, and 150 gm from the slightly larger left side; photos are from approximately...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11209 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (1 month)
Case: 26 of 95
Case #11209
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This is a 27 year old, 5'6," 155 pound male who traveled from out-of-state to undergo FTM top surgery/Chest Masculinization to help with his gender dysphoria. He was previously a D/DD cup size, and 567 grams of breast tissue was removed from his right breast, and 556 grams from the right. He is shown in his after photos (from home) at just 1 month...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (6 months)
Case: 28 of 95
Case #11439
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Fit 22 year-old trans-man on T x 14 months (and considering top surgery since his mid-teens) who underwent "inverted-T" approach to achieve the most muscular definition possible. He was very happy with his results, shown here at approximately 6 months post-op. If you wish to have similar results and live near (or far from!) Denver, top surgery approaches...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Chest Masculinization Top Surgery]()
Before/After (2 weeks)
Case: 29 of 95
Case #11442
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25 year-old from New York on T for several months, who wished to have chest flattening/masculinization, and underwent "inverted-T"/nipple attached top surgery/chest recontouring; approximately 214gm of tissue was removed from the right, and 190gm from the slightly smaller left side. Photos are from 2 weeks post-op, before returning home.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Top Surgery FTM Nipple Removal]()
Before / After (6 months)
Case: 31 of 95
Case #855
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22 year-old trans-male patient from North Dakota who wished to be masculinized and have nipples removed outright; approximately 877gm of tissue was removed from the right side, and 962gm from the left (with 150-200cc of liposuction performed on each axillary area). This patient is shown approximately 6 months post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Top Surgery Revision | Denver]()
BEFORE / AFTER (6 mo)
Case: 33 of 95
Case #609
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RE-DO FTM: This 27 year-old trans-male had already had an attempt at chest masculinization elsewhere, basically via a breast reduction not taken far enough. The patient also had superiorally displaced (too high) nipples, but fortunately they had been kept attached at the previous procedure, allowing a repeat approach without nipple grafting,...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 560 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER
Case: 34 of 95
Case #560
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This patient was a 28 year-old trans-male from out of town who otherwise would have been in a 36 C-cup bra size range, with minimal ptosis (drooping). I advised him that he was an excellent candidate for single-stage FTM "top surgery" chest masculinization. This was able to be completed as a single stage operation (with the removal of 400-450gm per...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 week)
Case: 35 of 95
Case #649
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21 year-old trans-male seeking gender reassignment/top surgery; presented with a youthful/fuller B-cup bra size and aesthetics, which made him an excellent candidate for a single-stage FTM chest masculinization as an outpatient.This indeed was performed in just over two hours under lighter general anesthesia. The patient went home, was...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 36 of 95
Case #11546
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20 year-old with a fuller B-cup range chest size , moderate ptosis/relaxation. Underwent standard "inverted-T" Top Surgery with 245gm removed from R, 310gm from L; shown here approximately 1 month post-op with some scar erythema and swelling (especially near underarms) yet to fully resolve.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11204 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (1 week)
Case: 37 of 95
Case #11204
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This 23 year old patient traveled from out-of-state to have Dr. Steinwald perform his FTM gender-affirming Inverted-T/nipple-attached Top Surgery. After photos taken just before he returned home at a little over 1 week post op, so there is some slight swelling and bruising still present.At Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we have streamlined...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Button-Hole Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 mo)
Case: 39 of 95
Case #698
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24 year-old patient who was interested in a "Button-Hole" version of FTM surgery (nipple remaining attached, but no vertical scar); shown here at approximately one month post-op with swelling/scarring yet for further resolve.
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 40 of 95
Case #11427
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24 year-old trans-male who was interested in "Button-Hole" Top Surgery (with nipple still attached underneath); just over 300gm was removed from around the nipple pedicle on either side. The patient is shown here approximately 3 months post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 44 of 95
Case #11417
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20 year-old trans-male with a moderate chest size, who wished to keep the nipple attached to maintain sensation. Underwent standard "Inverted-T" Top Surgery, shown here approximately 1 week later soon after drains were removed. If you live near or are willing to travel to Denver for top surgery, we are willing and able to utilize the best techniques...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 700 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 wk)
Case: 45 of 95
Case #700
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22 year-old female from Canada who wished to achieve a "Female-To-Neutral" (also called "Neutrois") effect, and therefore not transitioning to the male gender, in which case an "A-cup" is often the goal (photos here are from approximately 1 week post-op).
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (1 year)
Case: 46 of 95
Case #11475
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22 year-old trans-man from South Carolina who had started T a few months earlier, and had also undergone a (partial) breast reduction (from a DD) about two years earlier. I offered a repeat "inferior pedicle" approach to try to preserve the nipple blood supply and sensation, but had to work around the old scars. The patient had a very nice result...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 856 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before / After (3 months)
Case: 47 of 95
Case #856
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20 year-old trans-male from Denver seeking FTM chest masculinization, with very large and low-lying breast tissue, which is why a "free-nipple graft" was recommended to get the patient as flat as possible in a one-stage Top Surgery, with good healing here noted at 3 months, and redness expected to fade further over one year.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (6 months)
Case: 48 of 95
Case #11431
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37 year-old trans-male with a smaller chest size, but wished to have as much muscular definition as possible. He underwent a standard "inverted-T" top surgery to keep the nipple attached (170gm removed from the right, 200gm from the left), and is shown here at approximately one year post-op with nicely faded scars and good pectoralis definition....
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 week)
Case: 49 of 95
Case #697
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26 year-old patient with left>right asymmetry, treated with Denver "inverted-T" Top Surgery to create balance and a nicely masculinized effect; some swelling still remains but minimal bruising is evident at approximately 1 week post-op (just after drain removal).
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver "Inverted-T" Top Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 week)
Case: 50 of 95
Case #611
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Fuller D-cup FTM patient with nipples left attached; photos shown approximately 1 week post-op (just after drain removal).
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM/"Inverted-T" Top Surgery for significant asymmetry]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 mo)
Case: 51 of 95
Case #622
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FTM/"Inverted-T" Top Surgery for significant asymmetry: This case demonstrates the flexibility of this procedure to not just achieve chest masculinization, but also to address extreme asymmetry (in this 22 year-old transmale with essentially a left constricted breast deformity). Photos are from approximately 1 month post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Denver Top Surgery FTM]()
B/A (1 week)
Case: 52 of 95
Case #11275
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19 year-old trans-male patient from Tennessee, on testosterone for approximately 1 year (and currently 5'5", 165lb), who underwent standard "Inverted-T" (nipple attached Top Surgery, removing approximately 400gm a side. Photos are from approximately 2 weeks post-op, soon after drains were removed. If you are willing to travel to Denver for Top Surgery...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Inverted-T Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 week)
Case: 53 of 95
Case #10915
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"FTM/Top Surgery" during time in Chicago for a patient from the West Coast who had lost approximately 40-50 pounds pre-op, and was left with fairly ptotic (drooping) breast tissue in a D-cup range; photographs (showing early resolution of mild bruising) are from only one week post-op, just after drains were removed.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 week)
Case: 54 of 95
Case #11432
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26 year-old trans-man from Oklahoma who presented with a chest size in the B/C-range (previously on T until 9 months prior to surgery), and underwent standard "inverted-T" top surgery (during which 643gm was removed from the right, 605gm from the left), and shown here at one week just after drains were removed and before returning home.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (3 days)
Case: 56 of 95
Case #11428
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27 year-old trans-male patient from California, who had a fuller-A cup chest size (5'2", 150lb) . Underwent a standard "inverted-T" chest masculinization technique, with 242gm removed from the right side, and 223gm from the left. The patient had drains removed on post-op day #3, when these photos were taken before they returned to the West Coast....
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 699 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 wk)
Case: 57 of 95
Case #699
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Nipple-attached Inverted-T Top Surgery with peripheral liposuction; shown here at one week post-op with bruising (and some nipple congestion) still apparent, but ultimately did well.
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 642 Before & After View #1 | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (4 mo)
Case: 58 of 95
Case #642
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Re-do FTM/"top surgery" (several months after attempted circumareolar/liposuction approach by a different Chicagoland surgeon); photos are from approximately 4 months post-op (hypertrophic scars expected to fade with vitamin E therapy, but mostly time).
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (1 year)
Case: 59 of 95
Case #11477
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25 year-old "gender-queer" patient from upstate NY who wished to undergo nipple-sensation-retaining top surgery; approximately 260gm of tissue were removed from either side, with photos here showing results 1 year later (just before minor "T-zone" revisions). If you have similar issues and wish to travel to Denver for top surgery expert Dr. Paul...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11200 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (1 week)
Case: 60 of 95
Case #11200
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This is a 30 year-old trans-male from the Midwest who had minimal side-to-side chest skin excess, and therefore was a good candidate for a "button-hole" FTM/Top Surgery (with the nipple still attached, but delivered via a separate oval incision - hence truly "double-incision" Top Surgery). Approximately 414 grams of tissue were removed from the right...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Button-Hole Top Surgery]()
Before / After (1 week)
Case: 61 of 95
Case #766
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29 year-old student who traveled from China for "FTM/"top surgery", who had a decreased chest size to a "small-C" range after being on T for approximately 1 year. The patient was advised he was a good candidate for the "button-hole" technique, which was indeed performed as an outpatient, removing approximately 295 gm on the right,...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 week)
Case: 64 of 95
Case #11433
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18 year-old patient from South Carolina (who called a day after their 18th birthday), and had undergone a breast reduction approximately 2 years earlier. I told this patient that we could work around the old reduction scars (which had faded nicely), but that it might limit where we could put the nipple exactly. Another 300gm of tissue were removed...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Free-Nipple Graft/Double-Incision Top Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 month)
Case: 66 of 95
Case #701
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52 year-old woman who had significant mammary hypertrophy and wished to be "gender-neutral"; essentially underwent a Denver sub-total mastectomy, but also had "free-nipple grafting", as leaving them attached would likely be unsuccessful (shown here healing at approximately 1 month - except the nipple-graft = 1 week - post-op).
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 year)
Case: 67 of 95
Case #11436
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46 year-old patient who wished to be as flat as possible (starting with a 40DD size range), and therefore Top Surgery with free-nipple grafting was recommended. This was performed with drains (and a vertical incision to further tighten skin excess side-to-side), as 1050gm was removed from the right side, and 1092 from the left. The patient did very...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 week)
Case: 68 of 95
Case #11435
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23 year-old trans-male from Utah who wished to undergo standard "inverted-T" chest masculinization; this was performed as a shorter 2-2.5 hour outpatient surgery (with 203 gm removed from the right side, 253 on the left), and he is shown here just after drain removal (and steri-strip exchange, leading to some redness) at one week post-op. If you...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11212 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (1 week)
Case: 69 of 95
Case #11212
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This is a 26 year-old patient from TX who identifies as "gender neutral" (who wanted an extreme reduction, but not to be left completely masculinized) and was treated with standard "inverted-T" Top Surgery, leaving the nipples attached and sensate. Swelling is, of course, still present here just after the drains were removed 1 week post-op,...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Nipple-attached/Inverted-T Top Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (3 mo)
Case: 70 of 95
Case #703
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28 year-old trans-male who had actually undergone a breast reduction 8-10 years earlier (by similar techniques); wished to transition and therefore underwent a post-reduction FTM "Top Surgery" procedure. Had some minor wound healing issues at the left nipple area, but ultimately had a very acceptable result (shown here at approximately 3 months...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 week)
Case: 71 of 95
Case #561
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Transgender man who underwent "inverted-T"/nipple-attached Top Surgery with Dr. Paul Steinwald of Denver (photos from approximately 1 week post-op, just after drains removed).
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11203 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (1 week)
Case: 72 of 95
Case #11203
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This is a 22 year-old patient who came to us from Scandanavia who sought out nipple-sensation-preserving Top Surgery. Shown here just over one week post-op with mild left nipple congestion (nipple survived), but otherwise good early contouring/symmetry. If you are from outside of the United States but wish to have nipple-attached Top...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 73 of 95
Case #11418
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42 year-old who wished to have maximum chest flattening, and the nipples removed outright. I advised him that this usually requires a bit of an extension of the incision into the underarm area (longer than usual) to help the longer top incision meet the lower one (which is dictated to a degree by the height/shape of the natural inframammary fold...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Nipple-attached/Inverted-T Top Surgery]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 wk)
Case: 74 of 95
Case #702
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24 year old patient from the Pacific Northwest with severe breast hypertrophy, drooping and asymmetry; underwent Denver "Top Surgery" and was able to have nipple remain attached (and somewhat sensate); photos are from approximately 10 days post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before / After (1 week)
Case: 75 of 95
Case #643
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FTM chest masculinization in a younger (22 year old) thinner patient with a B cup bra size to start; photographs are from approximately 1 week post-op (just after drain removal).
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11201 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (1 week)
Case: 76 of 95
Case #11201
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This 22 year-old trans-male came to us from the Midwest to have his gender-affirming Top Surgery with Dr. Steinwald. He underwent an inverted-T procedure, which leaves the nipple attached and sensate. 694 grams of tissue were removed from the right side and 751 grams from the left.After photos here are from just one week post-op, so swelling...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![FTM Top Surgery/Chest Masculinization Case 11202 Before & After Front | Golden, CO | The Center for Cosmetic Surgery]()
Before and After (2 weeks)
Case: 77 of 95
Case #11202
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This 33 year-old patient traveled from the U.K. to see Dr. Steinwald. This patient desired Top Surgery with the nipple attached; underwent inverted T- top surgery. 378 grams of breast tissue were removed from the right side and 394 from the left. He did have some bleeding on the right side approximately 10 days post-op requiring surgical attention,...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best FTM Top Surgery Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (13 months)
Case: 82 of 95
Case #11470
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23 year-old Colorado trans-man whose weight has stabilized in the 160 range after losing approximately 60 pounds, but still had a very full (D+-cup range) chest. The patient was interested in retaining nipple sensation, so an inverted-T Top Surgery was offered. Exactly 617gm of tissue was removed from each side (it turned out), with results here...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 week)
Case: 83 of 95
Case #11434
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32 year-old trans-man from Las Vegas (also a body builder) who wished to be fully masculinized. A standard "inverted-T" top surgery was performed, with 160gm of tissue removed from the right, and 180gm from the left. Photos are from 1 week post-op, just after drain removal and before the patient returned to LV.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Top Surgery FTM Chest Recontouring]()
Before/After (1 year)
Case: 89 of 95
Case #11483
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34 year-old trans-man from CO who had been on T injections prior (and now was on pellets), with a 38D/DD chest size although 135lb. I advised a standard "inverted-T" Top Surgery/FTM approach, during which approximately 500gm of tissue were removed from either side. The patient did quite well overall, shown here at approximately 1 year post-op.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (2 months)
Case: 90 of 95
Case #11545
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20 year-old trans-male from Colorado who had a C-cup range breast size with moderate "ptosis" (drooping), and was successfully masculinized with a standard "inverted-T" approach, removing 575gm on the right, and 595gm on the left. Photos here are from approximately 6 months post-op, with some scar redness still persisting, but improving. If you have...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best FTM Top Surgery Chest Masculinization]()
Before/After (6 months)
Case: 91 of 95
Case #11468
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40 year-old who had lost approximately 30lb and was left with a deflated A-cup breast size, consisting mostly of skin. He wished to see better pectoralis muscle definition, and therefore a relatively maximal amount of skin was removed (with 130-140gm of tissue removed bilaterally). Shown here 6 months after minor scar revisions performed under local...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
BEFORE / AFTER (1 wk)
Case: 93 of 95
Case #671
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Trans-male in his late-teens (who traveled from Denver to Chicago earlier in my career, ironically . . . ) Treated with bipedicle (bridge) pedicle to attached nipple-areolar complexes to maintain perfusion and sensation; shown approximately 1 week post-op (after drain removal).
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver Top Surgery FTM Chest Masculinization]()
BEFORE / AFTER (3 mo)
Case: 94 of 95
Case #673
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20 year-old trans-man from Chicagoland who had been on T for several years, and wished to be fully masculinized, while retaining nipple sensation as possible. An "inverted-T" top surgery was performed (with approximately 375gm of tissue removed from either side); the patient is shown here approximately 3 months post-op (with scars still to fade more...
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
![Best Denver FTM Top Surgery]()
Before/After (1 week)
Case: 95 of 95
Case #11430
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29 year-old trans-male patient from Cleveland interested in nipple-attached FTM/Top Surgery; underwent standard inferior-pedicle chest masculinization techniques (tissue removed: right = 490cc,left 480cc), and pictured here at one week soon after drains were removed (with moderate swelling and some bruising still present), and before returning home.
Read MoreSurgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Over the past decade-plus, many transgender males from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and beyond who are in the process of undergoing “gender affirmation” have contacted Dr. Paul Steinwald to inquire about chest masculinization (“top surgery”) in Denver, especially in light of the potentially disappointing results associated with nipple excision and grafting (somewhat misnamed the “double incision” technique). Dr. Steinwald is now able to achieve a masculine-appearing chest in most cases in one stage. A pioneer in the field of optimal chest masculinization while maintaining a degree of nipple sensation, Dr. Steinwald has delivered several formal lectures on the topic, and has built an international patient base, having performed hundreds of female-to-male (FTM) breast surgery procedures for patients from near and far.
What are the different types of top surgery?
There are several different techniques that plastic surgeons can use to give the chest a flatter, more masculine appearance, including:
- Periareolar
- Buttonhole
- Keyhole
- Inverted T
- Double incision
As a top surgery specialist, Dr. Steinwald typically uses a variation of the inverted T technique (inferior pedicle/Wise pattern) approach to breast reduction. His technique, often performed in a single surgery, is basically an extended or “extreme” version of a standard breast reduction, applying established principles of that procedure. This procedure usually results in an anchor-shaped scar (mostly along the fold beneath the breast) and has a reasonably high probability of retaining at least some nipple sensation.
Am I a good candidate for top surgery?
There are risks above and beyond a standard breast reduction, especially in patients with D cup breasts or larger, or those who smoke. Patients are carefully screened preoperatively for the above reasons, but mostly because this is a (relatively) irreversible procedure that will have a significant impact not just on their life, but their actual identity. In appropriate candidates with realistic expectations, however, the results can be dramatic (as with all plastic surgery!), and most patients express extreme satisfaction with the results. A consultation with Dr. Steinwald in Denver will determine whether top surgery will work for you.
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
Because this procedure is being performed to dramatically change one’s appearance (and not for chronic symptoms associated with mammary hypertrophy), and because Dr. Steinwald is one of the few surgeons in the country applying specialized techniques and taking on added risks to perform this surgery, we do not accept insurance for this procedure. If you are interested in more detailed information on this innovative and effective procedure that Dr. Steinwald performs for Denver-area FTM patients, we invite you to also visit www.topftmsurgery.com.
Where is the surgery performed?
Your surgeon will perform your gender reassignment procedure at our Apex Surgical Facility in Denver on an outpatient basis.
What kind of anesthesia is used?
Most cases require general anesthesia from our board-certified anesthesiologists. Top surgery generally takes 2 to 3 hours depending on the amount of tissue to be removed and other factors.
What is recovery like after top surgery?
Recovery following chest masculinization is similar to standard breast reduction surgery for women. Patients can either have their surgery as an outpatient procedure or they may choose overnight nursing care. Patients usually have small surgical drains after their procedures, which are usually removed within 7 to 10 days at a follow-up appointment. Patients may be asked to wear a special compression garment for several weeks to provide support and help with swelling.
Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort they experience (usually a heaviness or general soreness). Most discomfort is in the underarm area, as the central breast skin is relatively numb for several months. Patients are usually sent home on a moderate strength pain medication and 5-day course of oral antibiotics.
Patients are encouraged to rest during the days just after surgery, returning slowly to light activity in the first week. Most return to work and other activities in about 7 to 10 days. After about 2 weeks, light exercise such as walking is encouraged, and patients can return to full exercise levels after about 4 to 6 weeks.
Meet Our Surgeons
Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, and Dr. Paul Steinwald lead our patient-centered practice with warmth, honesty, and respect. Their combined expertise and credentials have placed us among Colorado's premier aesthetic centers.
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has 2 offices conveniently located in the Denver metropolitan area. One is just outside Denver in lovely Golden, Colorado, immediately off 6th Avenue West, and the other is downtown in Cherry Creek, Denver. Please schedule a personal consultation to learn what top surgery can do for you. Simply call
(303) 278-2600 or request your consultation online.
For information about preparing for your surgery and postoperative guidelines, visit our patient resources page.

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