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Keyhole Top Surgery

Keyhole Top Surgery

Keyhole Top Surgery is a great option for individuals with smaller chests. This minimally invasive procedure involves making a small incision along the bottom of the areola, through which the breast tissue is removed using liposuction.

The nipple stalk is typically left intact, preserving sensation, and in some cases, the nipple may be resized for a balanced appearance. The areola itself is not resized, keeping changes to the chest subtle and natural-looking.

Keyhole Top Surgery is typically an outpatient surgery that lasts 1.5-3 hours. General anesthesia is used, but patients are rarely catheterized.

Top Surgery Post-Op Care

After surgery, patients are sometimes left with two medical drains — small tubing that lines the length of the incisions, under the skin, that exit through a small incision under each arm, with a reservoir bulb attached at the ends to collect excess blood and lymphatic fluid. These drains are left in for several days to a week, and need to be emptied by the patient or an assistant a few times a day. Many surgeons also have patients wear a compression binder after surgery, for anywhere from 1-6 weeks. The binder helps prevent fluid build up, aids the skin in adhering back to the chest wall, and also helps with minimizing scars.

Top Surgery Healing

Healing times vary, but many patients can return to desk jobs and light work after two weeks. There should be no heavy lifting, regular lifting of your arms over your head or weight training for 4-6 weeks. Light physical activity, such as walking, is recommended.

View more Top Surgery results from Dr. Angela Rodriguez »

What to discuss with your surgeon:

  • Will a nipple reduction be included?
  • Will the inframammary fold be removed?

Also see: 

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Last updated: 01/23/25

FTM Surgery