Dr. Cassie Nghiem
Highly Skilled Top Surgery Surgeon in Washington D.C.
Dr. Cassie Nghiem, MD is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Washington D.C. who specializes in gender-affirming Chest Reconstruction. Dr. Nghiem is known for her surgical skill and artistry, gentle bedside manner and for being a great listener. More than half of her patients are transgender or non-binary, and she is dedicated to providing the highest level of gender-affirming care. Dr. Nghiem practices at District Plastic Surgery, where patients can expect a truly welcoming environment.
Education and Training
- Undergraduate honors degree, Dartmouth College
- Master's degree in Physiology, Georgetown University
- Medical degree, University of Michigan
- Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency, University of Rochester
- One-year fellowship training in aesthetic plastic surgery
Top Surgery in Washington DC
Dr. Nghiem offers multiple types of Top Surgery:
- Double Incision, with or without Nipple Grafts - For medium, large and very large chest sizes, Double Incision is the most effective method for creating a flat chest.
- Peri-Areolar and Keyhole - These techniques are reserved for small sized chests with good skin elasticity.
- Inverted-T - Similar to Double Incision, the Inverted-T procedure includes an additional vertical incision to reposition the nipple-areola complex without severing the nipple stalk and nerve, preserving more sensation compared to nipple grafts.
Based on your Top Surgery goals, chest size and skin elasticity, Dr. Nghiem will offer her recommendation as to which method would best suit your needs.
After your surgery, you'll see Dr. Nghiem at the following intervals: one day, one week, one month, three months, and one year. If you're coming from out-of-town, you'll be advised to stay in the area for the first one to two weeks after surgery.
"I'm a week and a half post-op with [Dr. Nghiem] and had a fantastic experience and am so far very pleased with my results!" - Top Surgery patient, reddit.com
You'll need to stop smoking at least one month before and after surgery to ensure optimal healing. Dr. Nghiem may require tests such as bloodwork and a mammogram based on age and medical history.
Dr. Nghiem performs surgeries at George Washington University Hospital and Glen Echo Surgery Center, a fully accredited outpatient surgical facility.
Booking Your Consultation
Dr. Nghiem offers in-person, phone and virtual consultations. From your first interaction with District Plastic Surgery through to your final post-operative appointment, you'll be supported by a highly trained staff that understands the importance of chosen names and correct pronouns. Dr. Nghiem looks forward to meeting you!
Surgery Costs and Financing
If you're paying out-of-pocket for Top Surgery, you'll receive a quote that will include the cost of the procedure as well as the anesthesia and operating room fees, and a compression garment, if needed.
Dr. Nghiem accepts insurance from most commercial health insurance companies, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Federal, Cigna and United Health Care. If using insurance, you'll need to provide a letter of support from a mental health provider for insurance approval.
Dr. Nghiem also accepts CareCredit and United Medical Credit, which are medical financing plans that work much like credit cards.
Dr. Nghiem does not accept Medicaid or Medicare at this time.
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