QUEER WORD
TOP SURGERY

What is Top Surgery?

Top surgery is a gender-affirming chest surgery, most commonly involving the removal of breast tissue for transmasculine individuals or nonbinary people who wish to masculinise their chest. It allows individuals to align their physical appearance with their gender identity, often reducing gender dysphoria and promoting euphoria and comfort in their own bodies.

Let's Use It In A Sentence:

Tabby's gender euphoria went supernova in the weeks following their recovery from top surgery.

1. The First Known Top Surgery (That We Know Of)

Laurence Michael Dillon (1915–1962) is widely recognised as the first transgender man to undergo top surgery, all the way back in 1945.

That said, history isn’t always fully documented — especially when it comes to queer and trans experiences. It’s possible other surgeries took place earlier but went unrecorded due to stigma or erasure.

It’s also important to note that this “first” is rooted in a Western medical framework. Across time and cultures, there may have been other forms of gender-affirming surgeries, reflecting diverse understandings of gender well beyond our current scope.

2. The Amazonian Warrior Myth (and That Netflix Series)

There’s a long-standing myth that Amazonian warriors removed one breast to better shoot arrows.

This idea came from a Greek historian who misunderstood the word Amazon — wrongly thinking it came from “a-mazon” (Greek for “without breast”). Despite being debunked, the myth persists in pop culture, most recently in Netflix’s 2024 dark comedy Kaos, where Queen Hippolyta is depicted with one breast.

(Side note — have you watched Kaos yet? It’s wild.)

3. Let’s Talk About Nipples

When undergoing chest reconstruction, some individuals choose to skip nipple grafts, resulting in a smooth, flat chest.

Later, they might get nipple tattoos — and not just standard ones. We’re talking stars, hearts, or unique symbols that make their chest feel personal and affirming.

4. The Post-Op Glow Is Real

Many people experience something called the ‘post-op glow’ — a mix of physical healing and emotional release.

It’s that moment when you look in the mirror and finally see yourself. It’s the lightness of dysphoria lifted. And it’s a kind of euphoria that can feel, quite literally, life-changing.

5. Top Surgery Has Incredibly High Satisfaction Rates

Despite ongoing debates about gender-affirming care in the media and politics, research shows that top surgery overwhelmingly leads to positive outcomes.

One study of 1,989 trans patients found that 99.7% were satisfied with their surgery. Only 6 people (0.3%) later sought reversal or detransitioned.

The data is clear: gender-affirming surgery saves lives, boosts wellbeing, and supports people in becoming who they truly are.

❓FAQs About Top Surgery

What is top surgery?

Top surgery refers to gender-affirming chest surgery, often performed on trans men and nonbinary individuals. It involves removing breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine or androgynous chest.

Who gets top surgery?

Transmasculine people, nonbinary folks, and sometimes gender-nonconforming individuals may pursue top surgery to alleviate gender dysphoria and affirm their identity.

Does everyone get nipple grafts during top surgery?

Nope! Some people choose not to have nipple grafts, and later opt for nipple tattoos — which can be traditional, stylised, or totally custom.

How long is the recovery time?

Recovery varies, but most people need 4–6 weeks of downtime before resuming regular activities. Full healing can take a few months, especially if nipple grafts are involved.

Is top surgery reversible?

Technically, chest reconstruction is not easily reversible. However, only a very small percentage of individuals ever regret the decision. Most report long-term satisfaction and improved mental health.