FTM GENDER AFFIRMING SURGERY

Top Surgery in Thailand
FTM Mastectomy by Dr. Ae

APS Gender Care offers three mastectomy techniques for transgender men and non-binary individuals seeking gender-affirming chest surgery in Thailand. Dr. Ae tailors each procedure to your chest size and anatomy — so you get the flattest, most natural result for your body, in a single trip to Bangkok.

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Top Surgery in Thailand
What APS Offers and Who It’s For

Top surgery — also known as FTM mastectomy or chest masculinization surgery — is a gender-affirming procedure that removes breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine chest. For many transgender men and non-binary individuals, top surgery is one of the most meaningful steps in their transition. It eliminates the need for binding, reduces gender dysphoria, and allows for the freedom to live more fully in alignment with one’s gender identity.

At APS Gender Care in Bangkok, top surgery is performed by Dr. Phatwira Pattarajierpan (Dr. Ae), a specialist in gender-affirming surgery with extensive experience in both MTF and FTM procedures. APS offers three mastectomy techniques — each designed for a specific chest size range, with different approaches to nipple placement, sensation, and the number of surgical sessions required.

Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Ae assesses your anatomy during your free consultation and recommends the technique that will give you the most natural, masculine result with minimal visible scarring. Whether you have an A cup or a D+ cup, there is a mastectomy option designed specifically for your body.

Patients travel from over 30 countries to APS for top surgery in Thailand — supported by a dedicated international care team that handles logistics, recovery coordination, and aftercare every step of the way.

Comparing the 3 Top Surgery (Mastectomy) Techniques at APS

top surgery Thailand mastectomy nipple graft technique by APS Gender Care

Mastectomy
(Nipple Graft)

-Breast tissue removal
-Resized areolas & repositioned to male placement
-Best for C cup and above
-done in one surgery session
*results in minimal nipple sensation

top surgery Thailand mastectomy preserved nipple technique by APS Gender Care

Mastectomy
(Preserved Nipples)

-Breast tissue removal only
-Nipples remain in the same position
-Best for A and B cup only
*needs another surgery session for touch-ups

top surgery Thailand mastectomy full nipple removal technique by APS Gender Care

Mastectomy
(Full Nipple Removal)

-Breast tissue removal
-Full nipple removal
-Best for patients preferring maximum flatness

TOP SURGERY PRICING
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Top Surgery Techniques Explained

Mastectomy (Nipple Graft)

Mastectomy with Nipple Graft is the most common top surgery technique for patients with C-cup or larger breasts. In this procedure, all breast tissue is surgically removed through incisions under the chest. The nipples and areolas are then detached, resized to an appropriately masculine shape, and placed in a higher, more typically male position on the chest wall as free grafts.

Because this technique accommodates larger chest sizes with excess skin, it allows Dr. Ae to fully contour the chest and achieve a flat, masculine result in a single surgical session. The nipples are resized and placed at the same time — no return visit is needed for nipple work.

About nipple sensation after this technique: Because the nipples are detached and re-grafted, the nerve connections are severed during surgery. Nipple sensation will change — you will not be numb, but the sensation will feel different from before. The best comparison is touching the back of your hand: you can feel pressure and touch, but not the same erogenous sensitivity as before. This is a permanent change and should be factored into your decision.

BEST FOR

C cup, D cup, and larger

NUMBER OF SESSIONS

1 session

NIPPLE PLACEMENT

Resized + repositioned to male position

NIPPLE SENSATION

Changed — not numb, but different from before

ADVANTAGES

-Full chest contouring in a single session
-Handles larger chest sizes effectively
-Nipples resized and repositioned for male appearance
-No second surgery needed
-Flat, masculine result

CONSIDERATIONS

-Nipple sensation permanently changed
-Horizontal chest scars (fade significantly over time)
-Not suitable for A/B cup (excess technique for smaller chests)

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Mastectomy (Preserved Nipples)

Mastectomy with Preserved Nipples is designed specifically for patients with smaller chests — A or B cup. In this approach, the breast tissue is removed while keeping the nipples and areolas attached. Because the nipples remain connected during the first surgery, their nerve supply is largely preserved, and most patients retain a significant degree of nipple sensation after healing.

However, because the nipples are not repositioned during the first session, a second minor procedure is needed approximately three months later. This follow-up surgery repositions the nipples to a more masculine chest placement and makes any final aesthetic refinements. The two-session approach is the trade-off for keeping sensory function intact.

This technique is only suitable for A and B cup patients. Larger chest sizes involve too much excess skin and breast tissue for this method to produce a flat, aesthetic result — in those cases, the Nipple Graft technique is needed.

BEST FOR

A cup or B cup only

NUMBER OF SESSIONS

2 sessions (~3 months apart)

NIPPLE SENSATION

Mostly preserved

RETURN TRAVEL REQUIRED

Yes — for session 2 (or plan both visits in advance)

ADVANTAGES

-Best nipple sensation preservation of any mastectomy technique
-Less visible scarring for smaller chests
-Ideal for A/B cup patients
-Nipple repositioned for optimal male aesthetics in session 2

CONSIDERATIONS

-Requires two trips to Bangkok (~3 months apart)
-Not suitable for C cup or larger
-Longer overall process than a single-session technique

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Mastectomy (Full Nipple Removal)

Mastectomy with Full Nipple Removal is chosen by patients who want a completely flat chest with no nipple reconstruction. In this procedure, all breast tissue and both nipples and areolas are removed entirely. No grafting, repositioning, or follow-up work is involved — the result is a smooth, fully flat chest.

This technique is suitable for any cup size and is performed in a single session. It is the most straightforward mastectomy option in terms of surgical process. Patients who choose this technique often have personal reasons for preferring a nipple-free result — whether aesthetic preference, gender identity, or simply wanting the cleanest possible outcome.

Because there are no nipples or areolas after this procedure, there is no sensation to preserve. The scarring pattern depends on chest size — smaller chests may have minimal visible scarring, while larger chests may require the same horizontal incision pattern used in the Nipple Graft technique.

BEST FOR

Any chest size — patients preferring maximum flatness

NUMBER OF SESSIONS

1 session

NIPPLE OUTCOME

Fully removed — no reconstruction

NIPPLE SENSATION

N/A — nipples are removed

ADVANTAGES

-Maximum chest flatness — cleanest result
-Single session, no follow-up surgery
-No nipple placement decisions required
-Suitable for all cup sizes

CONSIDERATIONS

-Irreversible — nipples cannot be added back
-No nipple sensation (nothing to preserve)
-May not suit patients who want a naturalistic male chest appearance

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Top Surgery Recovery in Thailand:
What to Expect at APS

Top surgery at APS is performed under general anaesthesia with a 1-night clinic stay. Most patients are discharged the following morning and begin their hotel recovery.

For single-session mastectomy techniques (Nipple Graft and Full Nipple Removal), we recommend staying in Thailand for approximately 2 weeks. This allows time for initial wound checks, drain removal (if used), dressing changes, and a pre-departure assessment before flying home. The APS team provides daily nurse visits during your recovery stay so you are never navigating aftercare alone.

For the two-session Preserved Nipple technique, your first visit follows the same 2-week recovery timeline. The second session — the nipple touch-up — takes place approximately 3 months later and typically involves a shorter stay of 3–5 days.

General recovery milestones: Drains are removed within 7 days. Compression garments/binders are worn for 4–6 weeks. Stitches are typically removed at 10-14 days. Light activity resumes after 2 weeks. Full physical activity, including gym and lifting, is cleared from 6–8 weeks post-surgery. Scar care begins once wounds are fully closed.

APS provides a complete pre-op and post-op care guide, scar management instructions, and direct contact access to the nursing team throughout your healing process — including after you return home.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN APS RECOVERY SUPPORT

1-night hospital stay post-surgery
Daily nurse visits during Bangkok recovery
Drain removal and wound checks
Compression garment guidance
Scar care protocol
Pre-departure medical clearance
Remote follow-up after returning home
Airport pickup & drop-off
Accommodation recommendations around the clinic
English-speaking support staff throughout

RECOVERY TIMELINE AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Surgery + 1-night hospital stay
Days 2–3: Discharge, rest, drain monitoring
Days 3–5: Drain removal (if needed)
Days 7–10: Suture removal
Week 2: Light walking, gentle movement
Day 10–14: Pre-departure check — cleared to fly
Week 4–6: Compression garment discontinued
Week 6–8: Return to full activity, gym, lifting
3 months: Session 2 visit (Preserved Nipple only)
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Why Patients From 30+ Countries Choose APS for Top Surgery in Thailand

At APS Gender Care in Bangkok, top surgery is not a secondary offering — it is a core part of our gender-affirming surgical program. Dr. Ae brings the same precision, personalized assessment, and trauma-informed approach to FTM chest surgery as she does to all gender-affirming procedures at APS.

Every top surgery consultation at APS begins with a detailed assessment of your chest anatomy, cup size, skin elasticity, and goals. Dr. Ae explains the specific outcome you can expect from each applicable technique — including honest guidance about scarring, sensation, and the number of sessions involved — before you make any decision.

APS is an internationally serving clinic, and our team is experienced in supporting patients who travel from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and across Asia for surgery in Thailand. We handle visa invitation letters, hospital coordination, English-language communication, and full aftercare logistics so that your focus stays on your recovery and your results.

ℹ️ For all patients: Thai law requires two psychiatric evaluations before gender-affirming surgery. APS coordinates the psychiatric evaluation process for all patients online at no extra charge.

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APS Top Surgery (Mastectomy) Pricing

ProcedureTHBUSDAUDGBPCNY
Mastectomy (Nipple Graft)฿150,000~$4,550~$6,650~£3,450~¥31,500
Mastectomy (Preserved Nipples)฿150,000~$4,550~$6,650~£3,450~¥31,500
Mastectomy (Full Nipple Removal)฿150,000~$4,550~$6,650~£3,450~¥31,500
💱 Exchange rate note: THB is the base currency for all APS pricing. Conversions to USD, AUD, GBP, and CNY are approximate and calculated at current market rates. Actual amounts charged in your currency will depend on the exchange rate at the time of payment. All conversions on this page are updated periodically — please verify current rates before making financial plans.
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Interested in all MTF gender affirming surgeries offered at APS? Browse APS’s home page here.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Top Surgery in Thailand

What is the difference between the three top surgery techniques at APS?

APS offers three mastectomy techniques, each suited to a different chest size and nipple preference. Mastectomy with Nipple Graft is for C cup and above — breast tissue is fully removed, and nipples are detached, resized, and re-grafted in a male position in one session. Mastectomy with Preserved Nipples is for A or B cup — breast tissue is removed while keeping nipples attached to preserve sensation; a second session about three months later repositions the nipples. Mastectomy with Full Nipple Removal suits any chest size for patients who want maximum flatness with no nipple reconstruction. Dr. Ae will confirm which technique fits your anatomy during your free consultation.

Will I lose nipple sensation after top surgery at APS?

It depends on the technique. With the Nipple Graft technique, nipple sensation changes permanently — the nipples are detached and re-grafted, which severs nerve connections. Sensation is not absent, but it feels different: similar to touch on the back of your hand rather than erogenous sensitivity. With the Preserved Nipple technique (for A/B cup patients), nipple sensation is mostly retained because the nipples are not detached during the first surgery. With the Full Nipple Removal technique, nipples are removed entirely, so there is no sensation to consider. Dr. Ae discusses sensation outcomes in detail during every consultation so you can make a fully informed choice.

How much does top surgery cost in Thailand at APS?

Top surgery pricing at APS starts at approximately THB 150,000 (around USD 4,600), which includes surgery, clinic stay, and standard follow-up care in Thailand. The exact price depends on the technique chosen and any additional services. For the two-session Preserved Nipple technique, costs for the second session are separate. APS sends a full pricing breakdown before your consultation — no commitment is required to receive pricing information. Contact us to request the current price list.

How long do I need to stay in Thailand for top surgery?

For single-session mastectomy techniques (Nipple Graft or Full Nipple Removal), we recommend staying in Thailand for 10–14 days. This covers your 1-night hospital stay, initial recovery, wound checks, drain removal if needed, and a pre-departure medical clearance before flying. For the two-session Preserved Nipple technique, your first visit is 10–14 days; the second visit (nipple touch-up) is shorter at approximately 3–5 days. APS coordinates accommodation options in Bangkok and provides daily nursing support throughout your recovery stay.

What are the scars like after top surgery at APS?

Scar appearance depends on the technique and your chest size. The Nipple Graft and Full Nipple Removal techniques (typically for larger chests) involve horizontal incisions along the lower chest wall — these scars fade significantly over 12–18 months and are typically covered by a shirt or swimwear. The Preserved Nipple technique for smaller chests (A/B cup) involves less extensive incisions with less visible scarring. APS provides a scar care protocol after surgery, including silicone scar treatment and sun-protection guidance to support the best possible healing. Dr. Ae takes care to place incisions where they will be least visible based on your chest anatomy.

Does APS offer any other FTM surgery in addition to top surgery?

Currently, APS offers top surgery (chest masculinization / mastectomy) and hysterectomy / uterus removal as its FTM surgical procedures. FTM bottom surgery — including phalloplasty and metoidioplasty — is not yet available at APS, but is in development and will be offered in the future. If you are interested in FTM bottom surgery, APS can refer you to trusted partner clinics. For other gender-affirming procedures, APS offers a full range of MTF surgeries including vaginoplasty (four techniques), facial feminization surgery (FFS), and related procedures. Contact us to discuss your full transition goals and we will guide you on the best pathway.