Top Surgery in Arkansas
Being transgender in Arkansas presents unique challenges, especially concerning healthcare access due to the political climate. In 2021, Arkansas became the first state to pass legislation banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Although a federal court blocked the law from taking effect, its passage has created uncertainty and barriers for transgender individuals seeking care. In 2023, Arkansas passed SB199, allowing individuals who received gender-affirming healthcare as minors to file malpractice lawsuits against their doctors up to 15 years after turning 18. This has led many providers to hesitate in offering such care, including for adults.
For those seeking gender-affirming hormone therapy, services like Plume Health offer virtual care, including video appointments with healthcare providers and prescription management. However, due to state regulations, continuing certain treatments like testosterone may require a referral from an in-person clinician.
Not surprisingly, Arkansas has only a handful of surgeons performing Top Surgery, and just one accepts employer-sponsored and private insurance. While Medicaid coverage isn’t explicitly banned, no policies protect coverage for gender-affirming care, leaving no surgeons in the state who accept Medicaid. Likewise, no surgeons in Arkansas take Medicare for Top Surgery. As a result, many trans people seek surgical care out of state, often self-paying for surgery in nearby Texas, where more surgeons are available.
Top Surgery Surgeons
All of the Top Surgery surgeons in Arkansas require a letter from a therapist recommending surgery. They also charge a non-refundable consultation fee of $75-$100. Typically, this is applied to the cost of your surgery if you choose to proceed.
Dr. Joseph A. Kelamis, MD
Kelamis Plastic Surgery
1792 E. Joyce Blvd., Suite 1A
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703
Dr. Melanie Prince, MD
8201 Cantrell Rd., Suite 150
Little Rock, Arkansas 72227
Dr. Heath Stacey, MD
Northwest Arkansas Center for Plastic Surgery
3721 S Champions Dr.,Suite 210
Rogers, Arkansas 72759
Takes insurance.
Dr. Eric Wright, MD
Wright Plastic Surgery
1701 Center View Dr., #201
Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
Last updated: 03/22/25