Miami, FL

Double Incision Top Surgery

Introduction to Double Incision Top Surgery

At Dr. Gallagher’s Miami practice, we offer a range of gender-affirming procedures to help our patients feel confident and comfortable in their bodies.

One of the most common procedures we perform is the Drain-Free Double-Incision Top Surgery with Free Nipple Graft, also known as Masculoplasty®. Dr. Gallagher has published on and taught this procedure widely.

Dr. Gallagher, wearing a surgical cap and mask, is shown from the back of the head and shoulder, dressed in a blue surgical gown, looking down toward a bright operating area. - Double Incision Top Surgery in Miami, Fl A bright, minimalist, and artistic photo with a white corner wall against a turquoise sky, featuring the strong, diagonal shadow of a palm frond cast on the wall and a dark green palm frond hanging into the frame from the top.

What is Double Incision Top Surgery?

A major reason patients travel from all over the world to have Dr. Gallagher perform their top surgery is her innovations in drain-free top surgery.

Drains can cause a lot of confusion. Most surgeons still place them for double incision-type top surgery.

This procedure involves the removal of extra breast skin and tissue to create a more masculine (or androgynous) chest appearance. The nipples are resized, reshaped, and repositioned on the chest (if the patient opts to keep their nipples). This procedure requires the removal and replacement of the nipples.

Typically, if the patient requests a natural, masculine look, we place the scars beneath the pectoral muscles. Patients with larger or closely placed breasts may require a single incision across the chest to ensure no lumps are left behind. The sides of the chest are just as important as the front, and every effort is made to eliminate “side boob,” avoid “dog ears,” and achieve a smooth, natural look.

How does Masculoplasty / Drain-free Surgery Work?

If there is no space left behind, there is no need to place a drain. To simplify, we eliminate the space by using a technique that involves placing multiple internal stitches to “tack down” the tissue and eliminate dead space.

This technique has been shown to effectively eliminate the risk of significant seromas and reduce the risk of hematoma in Dr. Gallagher’s scientific publications.

What Are the Benefits of Double Incision Top Surgery?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman with long curly hair, is seated at a desk in her office with a large window overlooking a cityscape. She is smiling and looking off to the side while holding documents and a pen.

Double Incision Top Surgery helps Dr. Gallagher’s patients achieve a flatter, more masculine or androgynous chest contour with natural definition and balance. By removing excess breast skin and tissue, this procedure can eliminate the need for binding, making everyday movement and breathing easier.

Dr. Gallagher’s drain-free Masculoplasty technique also makes recovery smoother, with less discomfort, fewer office visits, and a lower risk of fluid buildup or hematoma.

High Body Mass Index Patients

In an effort to be as inclusive as possible, we do not have an absolute BMI cut-off requirement for patients interested in undergoing top surgery. Sure, in an ideal world, a patient should not be obese before surgery. This, however, is not always possible, and Dr. Gallagher’s philosophy is that the benefits of surgery often outweigh the risks. These benefits not only include relieving dysphoria but also the physical problems such as back pain and binding problems. Dr. Gallagher specializes in providing top surgery to patients with higher BMIs, ensuring safe, natural results. Masculoplasty – Dr. Gallagher’s drain-free technique has been proven safe in patients with higher body mass indices, and she has published on this topic. With the utmost regard to your safety, we will do our best to accommodate all body types.

Often, patients with higher BMIs may require the scar to go all the way across the chest and out to the sides in order to avoid unnatural-looking lumps or “dog-ears”.

When removing larger amounts of tissue, some patients may understandably experience a slightly longer recovery, and therefore, a few extra days in the area may be beneficial.

Patients with a BMI of over 45 will need to have surgery in one of our facilities that allows an overnight stay. All patients with sleep apnea should bring their CPAP machine on the day of surgery.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Double Incision Top Surgery?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman in a white lab coat over a grey dress, is seated and smiling warmly while speaking and gesturing with her hands to a patient in a light blue patterned hospital gown. They are in a well-lit exam room next to a wall with a pink and blue abstract painting.

This surgery is ideal for individuals with larger chests or skin that has lost some elasticity who want a masculine or gender-neutral chest shape.

Dr. Gallagher is recognized for her inclusive approach to top surgery, working with patients of diverse body types, including those with higher BMIs.

What’s the First Step?

Your Double Incision Top Surgery Journey with Dr. Gallagher

The first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gallagher at Gallagher Plastic Surgery in Miami, either in person or virtually.

You’ll talk about your goals, review your medical history, and discuss which surgical plan will best match your anatomy and desired results. If you’re coming from out of town, the first consultation can often be done virtually, and our team will help coordinate travel and recovery details.

To take that first step toward surgery, call (305) 204-9598 and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

What to Expect on the Day of Double Incision Top Surgery

Once asleep, Dr. Gallagher will remove the breast tissue and excess skin to create a smooth, masculine chest contour. The nipples are resized, reshaped, and repositioned based on your anatomy and preference. The drain-free technique utilizes internal sutures to eliminate dead space, eliminating the need for drains.

After surgery, your chest will be carefully dressed and a compression garment applied to support healing and reduce swelling.

Most of our patients are discharged on the same day.

Recovery & Healing

Your Guide to Post-Double Incision Top Surgery Care

Most patients feel sore and tired for the first few days, but can move around the house and take care of themselves shortly after surgery. The drain-free technique allows patients to shower and remove the binder, usually within 48 hours.

Light activity can usually resume within a week or two, but it’s best to avoid lifting anything over ten pounds or reaching overhead until cleared by Dr. Gallagher. Most people are back to work within 2 weeks and working out within 6 weeks.

How Much Does Double Incision Top Surgery Cost in Miami?

The cost of Double Incision Top Surgery at Gallagher Plastic Surgery in Miami varies based on each patient’s anatomy and surgical needs. During your consultation, Dr. Gallagher and her team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate that includes all fees.

For pricing details or information about financing options, contact Gallagher Plastic Surgery at (305) 204-9598.

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Why Choose Dr. Gallagher?

Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher is double board-certified in both general and plastic surgery and is internationally recognized for her expertise in gender-affirming procedures. She has developed and published her drain-free Masculoplasty technique, which reduces pain and complications, shortens recovery time, and provides natural, lasting results.

At Gallagher Plastic Surgery in Miami, patients receive individualized care that prioritizes both safety and aesthetic outcomes. Dr. Gallagher will always take the time to understand each of her patients’ goals, anatomy, and lifestyle to design a surgical plan that fits their needs. Her approach is inclusive, precise, and compassionate, making her one of the most trusted surgeons for transgender and non-binary patients seeking top surgery.

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Double Incision Top Surgery FAQ’S

See what our Patients Say

Patient Reviews

  • Dr. Gallagher, wearing a surgical cap and mask, is shown from the back of the head and shoulder, dressed in a blue surgical gown, looking down toward a bright operating area.

    I had an amazing experience with Dr.Gallagher and her team, the whole experience from the procedure (top surgery) to the post-op care has been fantastic. Dr.Gallagher was able to address any concerns I had with my chest before the procedure and made me feel comfortable the whole way through, and then the attentiveness post-op is all the better.

    Alfio Oliveira (Jay)

  • Dr. Gallagher (left), in a white lab coat, and a blonde patient (right), in a blue patterned hospital gown, smile and look up at the camera. The patient is holding up a peace sign with one hand. A piece of art with the colors of the transgender flag is visible on the wall behind them.

    Thank you so much Dr. Gallagher for your amazing work! I appreciated the great support from your team at the surgical centre and your office. Everyone was so wonderful! I am extremely happy with my results and had a very positive experience. I had followed Dr. Gallagher for several years on Instagram prior to my surgery, and learned so much from her detailed explanations about various aspects of the surgical procedures, what to expect on the day, recovery, etc. I had complete trust, felt safe, felt listened to. I also appreciate the follow-ups, and answers to all my questions. The support, warmth, care is top notch!

    Gill B.

  • Dr. Suzanne Gallagher, a blonde woman in light green scrubs, stands next to a patient lying on a bed (only the patient's arm is visible) behind a blue curtain in what appears to be a clinical or operating room setting. She is smiling and gesturing with her right hand while her left hand is on her hip.

    Dr. Gallagher and her whole team, from Neasa to Daryl Ann and everyone else in between, are absolutely fantastic, kind hearted, hard working people. Dr. Gallagher truly amazed me and I’m so grateful to have had her on my team.

    I was able to get keyhole top surgery about three weeks ago and I’m loving my results already! I’m muscular and heavier set as well but always had a smaller chest, and I’m so glad Dr. Gallagher was the one who could do this for me.

    Right now I am still experiencing swelling, but I am using compression dressings every day, throughout the day which helps tons! I know that when the swelling subsides months from now, and everything is “back to normal”, I am going to love even more what I see in the mirror because I can finally see me.

    Morgan F.

  • Dr. Gallagher, wearing a surgical cap and mask, is shown from the back of the head and shoulder, dressed in a blue surgical gown, looking down toward a bright operating area.

    So glad I found Dr. Gallagher. I would not have elected to pursue my surgery had I not found a qualified and competent medical provider that I felt I could trust and have confidence in their ability to offer a high-quality, low-risk result. As a result of my initial contacts and consultations with Gallagher Plastic Surgery practice, I was willing to pursue my desired surgery and even travel half-way across the country to their offices. I’m so glad I did. The results are outstanding, more than I even anticipated. This was the 3rd practice I had dealt with and so I was learning what to look for and knew Dr. Gallagher was a good fit. The medical expertise and professionalism are what I based my decision on to proceed. They were calmly confident for a reason. I realized at the surgery event and through to the 3 week post-op checkin the excellence in their personal care (bed side manner). The office and Dr. Gallagher communicated very well. Everything went smoothly and as planned. As nervous as I was about an unnecessary surgery, Dr. Gallagher and her team were able to build enough trust that I was able to receive a very beneficial result.

    Tim F.

  • Dr. Gallagher (left), in a white lab coat, and a blonde patient (right), in a blue patterned hospital gown, smile and look up at the camera. The patient is holding up a peace sign with one hand. A piece of art with the colors of the transgender flag is visible on the wall behind them.

    Dr. Gallagher and her team are the absolute best! She completed my brachioplasty on Tuesday and when I saw the initial results at my post op appointment two days later I literally had tears of joy streaming down my face. My weight loss journey has been a road of many ups and downs, and I was so nervous about whether this surgery could even work for me. Even with the swelling that is normal after brachioplasty, there is an enormous difference, and I am still in disbelief that even this early on, my arms look this great. My husband was even in disbelief, and we’re so excited to see what I’ll look like in two weeks time. Dr. Gallagher is so kind and patient, and walked me through all of the phases of healing/expectations, and was great to call and check in. If you are looking for a highly skilled surgeon that will give you optimal results along with a compassionate approach, it is well worth your time and money to consider a consultation with her. I am forever thankful for her and for her team! This is life changing for me. Thank you, Dr. Gallagher! I appreciate you so much!

    Melissa E.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re interested in the Drain-Free Double Incision Top Surgery with (or without) Free Nipple Graft or Masculoplasty®, contact Dr. Gallagher’s Miami office for a consultation.

Dr. Gallagher frequently works with patients outside of Miami and the state of Florida. If you are interested in discussing double incision top surgery in a discreet and comfortable setting, you can also schedule a virtual consultation with her to ask any questions you may have and learn more about proceeding with your surgery.