Gender Affirming Top Surgery in Gig Harbor, WA
Gender affirming chest surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Gender Affirming Top Surgery
Top surgery is a surgical procedure that modifies the chest to better align with a patient's gender identity. Dr. Larsen offers both chest masculinization for transmasculine and non-binary patients, and breast augmentation for transfeminine patients. As with all procedures at NordHavn, the approach is individualized — focused on your anatomy, your goals, and the result that feels most right for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Top surgery may be appropriate for patients who:
Are seeking chest masculinization or feminization to better align with their gender identity
Are at a stable weight and in good overall health
Have realistic expectations about the outcome and recovery
Are prepared for the commitment of surgery and postoperative care
During consultation, Dr. Larsen listens carefully to your goals and evaluates your anatomy to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your individual case.
Procedure Overview
Top surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility. The procedure differs depending on the type of surgery:
Chest Masculinization (Transmasculine / Non-Binary)
Surgery typically takes 2–4 hours
Performed under general anesthesia
Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour
The nipple and areola are resized and repositioned as part of the procedure
Incision technique — including double incision or periareolar approaches — is selected based on chest size and skin laxity; Dr. Larsen will recommend the most appropriate approach for your anatomy during consultation
Breast Augmentation (Transfeminine)
Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours
Performed under general anesthesia
Silicone or saline implants, or fat grafting, are used to create fuller, more feminine breast contour
Implant type, size, and placement are individualized based on your anatomy and goals
Patients return home the same day.
Recovery
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery performed.
Chest Masculinization
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and tightness across the chest are normal. A compression garment is worn. Rest is important and light activity around the home is encouraged.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising fades and swelling gradually improves. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities. Avoid lifting or any upper body strain.
Weeks 3–4 Chest contour continues to improve. Light lower body activity may resume as directed.
Week 6+ Most normal activities and exercise can resume. Dr. Larsen clears upper body activity based on individual healing progress.
Breast Augmentation
Week 1 Swelling and tightness are common. Light activity is encouraged. Most patients are comfortable at home.
Weeks 1–2 Swelling gradually improves. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities.
Weeks 3–4 Light exercise may resume as directed.
Week 6+ Most normal activities and workouts can resume.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits throughout recovery.
Results
Chest Masculinization A flatter, more masculine chest contour is achieved, with the nipple and areola repositioned to a natural male position. Swelling resolves over several weeks and final results are typically fully apparent at 3–6 months. Scars fade considerably over 12–18 months and are positioned to remain within the chest contour.
Breast Augmentation Increased breast volume and a more feminine chest contour are achieved. Implants gradually settle into their natural position and final results are typically fully apparent at 2–3 months.
Many patients describe top surgery as one of the most meaningful and affirming experiences of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide any documentation before surgery? Dr. Larsen discusses surgical readiness during your consultation. Requirements and preparation are reviewed on an individual basis.
Will I have visible scars after chest masculinization? Scarring is a natural part of chest masculinization surgery. Incision placement and technique are selected to minimize visibility, and scars fade significantly over time. Dr. Larsen will discuss realistic scar expectations for your specific anatomy during consultation.
Can breast augmentation be combined with other feminizing procedures? Yes. Breast augmentation can be discussed alongside other body contouring goals during consultation. Dr. Larsen will advise on what can be safely combined or staged.
What does top surgery cost? Pricing depends on the type of surgery and your individual surgical plan. Financing options are available
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if top surgery is right for you.