Gender-affirming top surgery in Korea at Evita Clinic

Top Surgery in Korea

FTM and MTF gender-affirming chest surgery in Seoul

Evita Clinic provides individualized FTM chest masculinization and MTF chest feminization surgery for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse patients. Every procedure is planned by Dr. Francis Jeon according to the patient’s chest anatomy, gender expression, preferred contour, scar priorities, and long-term surgical goals.

Dr. Jeon is a board-certified thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon and the founder of Evita Clinic. Since establishing the clinic in 2009, he has focused on chest and body-contouring surgery, including gynecomastia surgery, breast surgery, and gender-affirming top surgery.

FTM and MTF Top Surgery at a Glance

Top surgery is not one standard operation. The appropriate approach depends on whether the goal is chest masculinization or chest feminization, as well as the patient’s anatomy, tissue characteristics, health history, and personal priorities.

Comparison FTM Top Surgery MTF Top Surgery
Primary goal A flatter, more masculine chest contour A fuller, more feminine breast contour
Typical approach Breast-tissue removal, contouring, and skin reduction or nipple repositioning when needed Implant-based breast augmentation planned for chest width and existing tissue
Incisions Depend on chest volume, skin laxity, and nipple position Usually placed in the inframammary fold
Planning priorities Flatness, scar placement, nipple position, and sensation Proportion, implant coverage, projection, symmetry, and long-term stability
Initial recovery Varies considerably by technique Often approximately 1–2 weeks; individual recovery varies
FTM top surgery chest masculinization in Korea

FTM Top Surgery

Chest Masculinization Surgery

FTM top surgery removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest to create a flatter, more masculine contour. Depending on chest volume, skin elasticity, skin excess, and nipple position, options may include a minimal periareolar approach, circumareolar skin reduction, an inverted-T approach, or double incision with nipple grafting.

The choice of technique is based on anatomy and informed priorities—not cup size alone. Each option involves different trade-offs in contour control, scar length, nipple position, and the possibility of preserving sensation.

MTF top surgery chest feminization in Korea

MTF Top Surgery

Chest Feminization Surgery

MTF top surgery, also called transfeminine breast augmentation, creates a fuller and more feminine chest contour using breast implants. Planning takes into account chest width, rib-cage shape, pectoral muscle, existing breast tissue, skin quality, and the patient’s preferred size and projection.

Evita Clinic primarily uses a dual-plane approach to provide implant coverage and a natural upper-breast transition. Implant type, dimensions, projection, pocket design, and incision placement are selected individually.

How Top Surgery Is Planned at Evita Clinic

Individualized surgical design

Dr. Jeon evaluates chest anatomy, skin elasticity, tissue volume, nipple position, body proportions, previous surgery, health history, and the patient’s preferred contour. The consultation includes realistic discussion of scars, sensation, recovery, limitations, and potential complications.

Monitored anesthesia care—not general anesthesia

Top surgery at Evita Clinic is performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC), using tumescent local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. General anesthesia is not used. Vital signs are continuously monitored throughout surgery and recovery.

Same-day surgery with structured follow-up

Patients remain in the recovery area for several hours and are discharged only when fully alert and medically stable. A next-day examination is required, and further wound care, drain management, suture removal, compression, and scar care are scheduled according to the procedure and healing progress.

Planning for international patients

Private English consultation is available for surgical assessment, expected recovery, cost, accommodation, and travel planning. Recommended time in Korea depends on the operation: FTM minimal-incision surgery generally requires at least 5 days, while procedures involving skin removal or nipple grafting generally require about 2 weeks. MTF breast augmentation is planned individually according to recovery and follow-up needs.

Top Surgery – Frequently Asked Questions

What is top surgery?

Top surgery is gender-affirming chest surgery that changes the chest contour to better align with a person’s gender identity or expression. FTM top surgery creates a flatter, more masculine chest, while MTF top surgery creates a fuller, more feminine chest.

FTM top surgery removes breast tissue and may also reshape skin and reposition the nipples to create a masculine chest. MTF top surgery usually uses breast implants to create a feminine breast contour. The procedures, scars, risks, and recovery requirements are different.

No. Evita Clinic does not routinely require an adult patient to submit a psychiatric diagnosis or a referral letter from a mental health professional. Surgery proceeds through informed consent after reviewing the patient’s goals, medical history, understanding of the procedure, risks, limitations, and recovery requirements. Patients under 18 require the presence and written consent of a legal guardian.

Hormone therapy is not an absolute requirement for every top-surgery patient. Its relevance depends on the procedure, anatomy, health history, and individual goals. For MTF surgery, prior feminizing hormone therapy may affect existing breast development and surgical planning, but each patient is evaluated individually.

No. Evita Clinic performs top surgery under monitored anesthesia care (MAC), combining tumescent local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. General anesthesia is not used. Patients are monitored during surgery and remain in the recovery area for several hours before same-day discharge.

The recommended stay depends on the procedure. For FTM minimal-incision surgery, at least 5 days is generally recommended. FTM procedures involving skin removal or nipple grafting usually require about 2 weeks. The recommended stay after MTF breast augmentation is determined individually according to wound checks and recovery needs.

All surgical incisions leave scars. Their length and location depend on the technique, and their final appearance depends on healing characteristics and postoperative care. Scar placement is planned carefully, and structured tape, silicone, and other scar-care measures are introduced as healing permits.

Cost depends on whether the procedure is FTM chest masculinization or MTF chest feminization and on the selected technique or implant. Evita Clinic lists detailed Korean-won pricing on the relevant FTM and MTF procedure pages. Korean-won prices are controlling; any USD amount is an approximate reference that may change with exchange rates.

Yes. Top surgery may be appropriate for non-binary and gender-diverse patients as well as transgender men and women. Surgical planning is based on the individual’s anatomy, desired contour, scar priorities, and informed goals rather than requiring one standard masculine or feminine result.

International patients should bring a valid passport, relevant medical records, and an accurate list of medications and allergies. Their passport and immigration status must permit the planned stay in Korea. Visa requirements vary by nationality and length of stay, so patients should confirm the rules that apply to their travel.

Medical review: Francis Jeon, MD
Qualifications: Board-Certified Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeon; Founder and Surgeon, Evita Clinic
Last medically reviewed: July 18, 2026

This page provides general educational information and does not replace an individualized medical consultation. Surgical technique, recovery, risks, and results vary by patient.

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