I Want Top Surgery

How do I find a qualified Plastic Surgeon?

Finding a plastic surgeon can be both intimidating and challenging. You want to find a provider with a proven track record of successful, safe, and expertly executed top surgeries. Many providers are not experts in all types of top surgeries. When you are researching providers, consider the following:

Location and Credentials
  • Look within a 100-mile radius if you’re not wanting to pay extra for overnight costs associated with traveling and lodging.
  • If you’re willing to travel, consider that you will need to do post-op care with your provider – likely in-person for two to three appointments.
  • Make sure they are board-certified.
Questions to Consider:
  1. Are they close enough to travel to for the consult, pre-op appointments, the operation, and numerous post-op appointments?
  2. Do they specialize in gender-affirming top surgeries? For how long?
  3. Are they board-certified in plastic surgery?
Experience and Types of Surgeries Offered
  • An experienced plastic surgeon is desirable.
  • After researching which type of surgery you want based on your desired outcome, finding a provider who is experienced in that type is important.
  • Not every surgeon specializes in all types of top surgery.
Questions to Consider:
  1. How long have they been in practice?
  2. Where did they receive their training?
  3. What kinds of top surgery are they an expert in performing?
Cost and Insurance
  • Private practice providers are unlikely to accept insurance based on the cosmetic nature of their practice.
  • Providers who are billable through insurance may only accept certain plans.
  • Cost is usually one of the biggest determinants of whether you will go through with using a specific provider, no matter how much of a fit they are for you otherwise.
Questions to Consider:
  1. Are they private practice only or do they work with my insurance company (in-network)?
  2. What do they require for out-of-network patient approval?
  3. How long is the wait for a consultation appointment?How long is the wait for a surgery date?
  4. What is the total cost breakdown?
    • Consultation Fee (if applicable)
    • Anesthesia Fee
    • Operating Room Fee
    • Surgery Fee
    • Medications (usually separate from total)
    • Miscellaneous Fees (follow-up care, facility fees, etc.)
    • Travel cost (if applicable)

Reviews and Testimonials

  • Reputable healthcare review sites like Healthgrades and RealSelf, alongside Google Reviews, can help you gauge a provider’s patient care and results.
  • Some providers post testimonials and before-and-after pictures on their website.
  • Pay close attention to the consensus of both cis and trans patient’s comments on the plastic surgeon’s bedside manner, professionalism, and their satisfaction of the results.
  • Not every surgeon has a website outlining gender-affirming care.
Questions to Consider:
  1. What do people like about their experience with the surgeon?
  2. Are there reviews from others who had my specific surgery?
  3. Are other’s results in line with what I want for my surgery?
  4. Do I feel good about moving forward with a consultation?

Recommendations

  • Word-of-mouth is a great way to find a provider.
  • Ask your primary care providers (PCP) if they have any reputable recommendations.
  • If you’re connected to other people or groups with post-op individuals, ask if they would recommend their surgeon.
  • Social media can be good and bad. If you are using it as a source of additional information, it can be positive. If you are using it as the ONLY source of information, it can be misleading and dangerous.
Questions to consider:
  1. Would a post-op friend recommend their surgeon? Why or why not?
  2. Who can I trust to provide me with an honest referral or recommendation?
  3. Can I really trust everything I see on social media?

Consultation and Instincts

  • The final step before moving forward with a provider is the consultation.
  • Consultations can cost money, sometimes applied to the surgery cost if you move forward with that provider.
  • Some consultations can be scheduled days, weeks, months, or sometimes longer in advanced based on the demand for that surgeon.
  • When all other factors are aligned, your instinct is the last deciding element for consideration.
Questions to Consider:
  1. How much, if anything, will the consultation cost me?
  2. If applicable, does insurance cover the cost of the consultation?
  3. How far out in advance will my consultation be scheduled?
  4. What questions do I have for the surgeon that will allow me to leave feeling well-informed?
  5. How do I feel after speaking to the plastic surgeon?
  6. Am I confident that they are the correct provider for the results and type of procedure I desire?

Vetted Provider List

We did the research and calling so you would not have to.

Provider List

Next page: the consultation