As a plastic surgeon whose practice is dedicated to providing gender affirming procedures, “top surgery” is one of the procedures I commonly perform. Top surgery can include both breast augmentation or chest masculinization. It’s the most common procedure performed for transwomen, transmen, and gender non-binary individuals, and it’s now often covered by commercial insurance, so more individuals now have access to this life-changing (and often lifesaving) procedure.

While top surgery is a physically and emotionally liberating procedure for many, there are, as with any surgery, health implications you should be aware of when researching your options. So, if you’re considering top surgery, here are a few things to keep in mind throughout the process.