Guy Sterne
Plastic Surgeon

Candidates for periareolar top surgery typically have small to moderate-sized chests with minimal excess breast tissue and good skin elasticity. Ideal candidates for periareolar top surgery often have nipples and areolas that are appropriately sized and positioned relative to their chest size.

Determining if periareolar top surgery is the best option for you depends on several factors, including your chest size, desired chest contour, and aesthetic goals. If you have a smaller chest with a minimal amount of breast tissue then periareolar may be more suitable for you. During a initial consultation Mr Sterne will assess your chest size and discuss your goals to help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate surgical approach for your individual needs.

No, you won't need to wear a compression binder after surgery. Mr. Sterne uses a special surgical glue to minimise the risk of developing a seroma or hematoma which eliminates the necessity for a compression garment. However, it's crucial to prioritise rest and restrict arm movement during the initial two weeks of recovery to prevent loosening of the glue.

No, drains won't be necessary after surgery. Many other top surgeons use surgical drains to prevent the development of seromas or hematomas, but Mr. Sterne uses a special surgical glue to minimise these risks. This eliminates the need for surgical drains. However it's important to prioritise rest and limit arm movement during the initial two weeks of recovery to prevent loosening of the glue.

After periareolar top surgery, it's important to rest and limit activity for the initial two weeks post-surgery, followed by avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Around this time, Mr. Sterne will review your progress and assess the results of the surgery.

You will stay in hospital for one night following surgery

No, drains won't be necessary after surgery. Many other top surgeons use surgical drains to prevent the development of seromas or hematomas, but Mr. Sterne uses a special surgical glue to minimise these risks. This eliminates the need for surgical drains. However it's important to prioritise rest and limit arm movement during the initial two weeks of recovery to prevent loosening of the glue.

After double incision top surgery, it's important to rest and limit activity for the initial two weeks post-surgery, followed by avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Around this time, Mr. Sterne will review your progress and assess the results of the surgery.

Determining if double incision top surgery is the best option for you depends on several factors, including your chest size, desired chest contour, and aesthetic goals. If you have a larger chest with a significant amount of breast tissue then double incision top surgery may be more suitable for you. During your initial consultation Mr Sterne will assess your chest size and discuss your goals to help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate surgical approach for your individual needs.

Candidates for double incision top surgery typically have larger chest sizes and is most suitable for individuals who desire a more masculine chest contour and have breasts that are too large to achieve the desired results with periareolar. It's essential for candidates to have realistic expectations and understand that double incision top surgery is best suited for individuals with substantial chest tissue who seek a flat, masculine chest appearance.

You will stay in hospital for one night following surgery

No, you won't need to wear a compression binder after surgery. Mr. Sterne uses a special surgical glue to minimise the risk of developing a seroma or hematoma which eliminates the necessity for a compression garment. However, it's crucial to prioritise rest and restrict arm movement during the initial two weeks of recovery to prevent loosening of the glue.

Yes you can select the positioning of your scars. Mr Sterne understands that everyone has their own personal preference. Please see the incision positioning page or click here for more information!

Yes this is an option. Top surgery without nipples, also known as nipple-sparing mastectomy or areola-sparing mastectomy, is a gender-affirming chest surgery procedure where the breast tissue and nipples are removed but not replaced. Top surgery without nipples can be an option for non-binary individuals who desire a more neutral or androgynous chest appearance. For some non-binary individuals, traditional gender-affirming surgeries may not fully align with their gender identity, as they may not identify strictly as male or female.

In general, individuals are often advised to refrain from swimming for several weeks to allow for proper healing and to reduce the risk of infection. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water may contain bacteria that can increase the risk of infection, and the incision sites need time to heal and close properly. Additionally, exposure to water during the initial recovery phase may affect the appearance of scars. It is recommended to abstain from swimming for at least 6 weeks, and it is essential to confirm that the wound has completely healed before resuming aquatic activities.

As Mr. Sterne has dressed your wounds with 'medical grade superglue' you may shower on a daily basis. Please take care NOT to get the splash-proof dressing on your nipples overly wet. When you dry yourself it is important that you do not rub your chest. You should therefore pat yourself dry with a towel, and then use a hairdryer, on a low heat setting (if it is hot you may inadvertently burn yourself as the area may be numb) until it is perfectly dry. If the wound is healing nicely at your one week post-operative appointment, micropore tape will be applied to the scars. You may bath or shower with this tape in place, and again you can simply pat it dry with a towel and then dry it with a hairdryer (on a low heat setting to avoid burning your skin, which may be numb) after each bath/shower. The tape usually stays in place for 5-7 days and then needs to be replaced with clean tape.

The delicate scar tissue is at greater risk of sunburn if exposed to the sun, therefore, you are advised to avoid sun exposure to any scar tissue for the first six weeks of healing. For the next six months after this, if the area is to be exposed to sunlight, you should apply sun protection factor 15 (or greater) sun block to exposed scar tissue.

For the first two weeks after your operation you should abstain from all exercise. Increasing your blood pressure increases the risk of bleeding or swelling, which in turn increases the risk of developing poor quality scars. At one week post-operative you may commence gentle arm movements and arm exercises you should be ready to recommence light duties, such as making a cup of tea etc. After two weeks you can commence light household duties, but should avoid heavy lifting for at least a month. By six weeks post operatively you may recommence light gym work, and should be able to return to full normal activities.

Mr. Sterne will have advised you that it is important to stop smoking prior to your operation in order to reduce the risks of complications. Once your wound has fully healed it is safe to recommence smoking if you wish to do so. You should however, avoid smoking for at least the first three weeks post operatively.

You will not be able to drive after surgery. Generally, patients can consider driving two weeks after surgery however you must ensure the following: - Have full range of motion with your arms - No longer be taking strong pain medication - Have full control of the vehicle - Be able to complete an emergency stop without hesitation Please note that this is only a recommendation and everyone recovers differently so if you do not feel you are able to you should not be driving.

Following your Top Surgery, the type of job that you do determines when you can return to work. If your job is mainly deskwork, you may feel able to return to work after two to three weeks. However more physical occupations may require five to six weeks of recuperation before you feel able to return to work.

At your six week appointment with Mr. Sterne, you will be advised on moisturising and massaging your scar with cream (E45, Nivea, Johnson's Baby lotion, BioOil etc.) and rubbing quite vigorously, the aim being to soften the scar and speed up final scar maturation. Consistency is key and scar massage should be continued at least once a day for 4 – 6 months after surgery as it can significantly contribute to optimal healing outcomes.

In general, it is advisable to avoid alcohol during the initial phase of recovery, which typically spans the first few weeks. Alcohol consumption can potentially interfere with the healing process, medications, and may increase the risk of complications such as bleeding or adverse reactions to anesthesia or pain medications.