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FTM Top Surgery » Surgeons

Dr. Christopher Salgado

Highly Experienced Surgeon for Top Surgery in Florida

Dr. Christopher Salgado, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has more than a decade of experience performing gender-affirming Top Surgery in Miami, Florida. More than 75% of Dr. Salgado's patients are transgender and he is committed to not only providing top-notch trans surgical care but also getting insurance coverage for his patients. After many years in academic practice, Dr. Salgado launched his private practice, Constructive Surgery, in Miami in 2019. All of Dr. Salgado's staff has completed comprehensive training in transgender health care and follow WPATH guidelines for patient care.

Dr. Salgado performs Double Incision, Keyhole, Inverted-T and Buttonhole methods of Top Surgery. When performing Double Incision Top Surgery, Dr. Salgado extends the incisions to under the arms to help avoid Dog Ears. He keeps patients in the hospital for one night after Top Surgery and uses drains (which are removed about one week later.) After surgery, patients wear a compression binder for up to 6-8 weeks to prevent the build-up of fluid and allow the chest to adjust to its new shape. Patients return to work after approximately 3-4 weeks.

Dr. Salgado is affiliated with Palmetto General Hospital and Coral Gables Hospital, in Miami, Florida. Top Surgery takes place at Sky Surgery Center in Miami.

Patient Testimonials

"I had a really good experience with him and his staff, and everything was done really smoothly and efficiently. I was able to have it covered with insurance so that was one of the best parts for me. All in all, I definitely recommend him." Source: Patient review on Reddit (includes photo of results)


"This is family forever now."


"A really good experience from start to finish."


"Extremely happy with the results, I couldn't have asked for better."

Education, Training and Experience:

  • Bachelors in Anatomy and Physiology, Boston University
  • Medical Degree and General Surgery training, Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
  • Plastic Surgery residency, University of Rochester
  • Fellowship in Microsurgery, I-Shou University, Taiwan
  • Served as a reconstructive surgeon in the U.S. Army for 4 years
  • Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey, 2005-2007.
  • Assistant Professor of Surgery in Department of Plastic Surgery at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, 2008-2010.
  • Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami, 2010-2013.
  • Professor of Surgery and Interim Chief of Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami, 2013-2019.
  • Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Surgery Costs
Dr. Salgado will do what he can to get insurance coverage for your Top Surgery. He accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Florida Blue, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Molina, AvMed and Medicare. If you don't have insurance your costs will include the facility fee, anesthesiologist fee, and surgeon fee. Dr. Salgado also accepts medical financing (CareCredit) which can help bridge costs if you're paying out-of-pocket. Exact pricing can only be determined following a consultation.

Surgery Requirements

  • One support letter from a qualified mental health professional.
  • Medical clearance if there are significant co-morbidities.
  • Because Dr. Salgado works in a large hospital, he is able to accept patients with high BMI and co-morbidities.

Booking a Consultation
Dr. Salgado offers virtual and in-person consultations for a fee of $200. The wait time for a consult is 2 months, with surgery dates booked 4-8 months after consultation. To book your consult, please contact Dr. Salgado here. Se habla español. Falando português.

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