Pride in Every Affirmation

Top Surgery in New York

Top surgery is a life-changing experience for many transgender and non-binary patients. Dr. Elizabeth Kiwanuka provides compassionate, specialized care to those looking to align their bodies with their gender identity. Dr. Kiwanuka developed the Enhanced Recovery After Top Surgery protocol to optimize healing, ensuring the highest standard of care in alignment with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines.

Surgical drains: None
Routine narcotics: None
Recovery protocol: Enhanced
Scar care: PhD-led
Standard of care: WPATH

Drain free
No tubes to empty and no drain removal visits.
No routine narcotics
A recovery plan built without routine narcotics.
Scar care
Planned by a PhD in wound healing.
Affirming care
In alignment with WPATH guidelines.

Candidacy

Am I a Good Candidate for Top Surgery?

The WPATH Standards of Care requirements for having non-binary or female-to-male top surgery include the following:

Persistent and well-documented gender dysphoria
Ability to make an informed decision and consent to treatment
Meet the age of majority in your country (otherwise, follow guidelines for children and adolescents)
Medical or mental health concerns must be reasonably well-controlled
Hormone supplementation is not required

Surgery Without Drains: Why I Don’t Use Them

Enhanced Recovery After Top Surgery

Rapid Recovery Top Surgery in New York

Dr. Kiwanuka meticulously crafted the Enhanced Recovery After Top Surgery protocol to enhance the post-operative journey for top surgery patients. This patient-centered, evidence-based approach minimizes tissue damage and incorporates innovative strategies such as no drains, no narcotics, and advanced scar management. Enhanced Recovery After Top Surgery is designed to optimize healing, minimize pain, and expedite the return to daily activities, all while reducing the risk of complications.

No Drains: Traditional top surgery procedures often require the use of surgical drains to prevent fluid accumulation in the chest area. During top surgery, a space can be created between the chest wall and the overlying tissues, which may fill with fluid during the healing process. Drains are typically placed to remove this fluid and prevent the formation of a seroma, an uncomfortable swelling caused by fluid accumulation. Dr. Kiwanuka has adopted a no-drain technique as part of the Enhanced Recovery After Top Surgery protocol. Instead of relying on drains, her surgical approach reduces the potential for fluid buildup by suturing the tissues together to promote natural healing. Dr. Kiwanuka uses specialized internal sutures that effectively close off the space where fluid could collect, reducing the risk of seroma formation. These absorbable sutures dissolve naturally over time, leaving no trace. This innovative approach streamlines the recovery process, allowing for increased comfort post-surgery.
No Narcotics: Dr. Kiwanuka has implemented specialized techniques to minimize post-operative pain for top surgery patients. These techniques reduce tissue trauma and include the administration of a long-lasting local block to keep you comfortable after surgery. Dr. Kiwanuka’s approach prioritizes a narcotic-free pain management protocol, favoring safer, non-addictive alternatives that enhance comfort without the side effects of traditional pain medications.
Advanced Scar Care: Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after gender-affirming top surgery. Dr. Kiwanuka’s "Advanced Scar Care" program combines scar minimization surgical techniques with active scar management post-op. Dr. Kiwanuka is a distinguished alumna of the prestigious Laboratory of Gene Transfer and Tissue Repair at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. With a Ph.D. in wound healing and tissue engineering, Dr. Kiwanuka’s quest for excellence has made her a leader in scar treatment and tissue recovery.
Holistic Plastic Surgery: Good healing starts before surgery. Dr. Kiwanuka focuses on nutrition, preparation, early movement, and thoughtful scar care to support your recovery and long-term results. You receive clear instructions and personalized follow-up throughout the healing process.

Learn More About Our Philosophy

What Actually Happens at a Plastic Surgery Consultation?

Initial Consultation Process

The initial consultation with Dr. Kiwanuka is crucial in your top surgery process. She will discuss your medical history, expectations, and surgical options during this appointment. This is also the opportunity to clarify your questions or concerns. Next, Dr. K will examine your chest to explore the most suitable technique for your body type. She may also take photographs for preoperative planning and documentation. Finally, our team will provide a quote and a detailed procedure plan. This will include information on anesthesia, preoperative preparations, and postoperative care. Remember, the initial consultation is your opportunity to establish a trusting and open relationship with Dr. Kiwanuka. Being honest and transparent about your expectations and concerns creates an optimal surgical experience.

Book a consultation

Why Choose Dr. Kiwanuka for Top Surgery in New York?

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, M.D., Ph.D., offers an impressive academic background, including training at renowned institutions such as Harvard Medical School and Brown University, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in plastic surgery. Dr. Kiwanuka is dedicated to providing compassionate, holistic care, ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality gender-affirming treatment tailored to their individual needs.

Dr. Kiwanuka empowers her clients by listening to and understanding their unique goals and preferences. She emphasizes patient education, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kiwanuka stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in top surgery, using cutting-edge techniques and equipment to ensure optimal results.

In choosing Dr. Kiwanuka and the Kiwanuka Plastic Surgery team for your top surgery in New York, you can trust that you’re placing your care in the hands of a dedicated, skilled professional. Contact our New York office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you align your body with your true self.

Meet Dr. K

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Kiwanuka | NYC Plastic Surgeon, Breast & Body Surgery

HarvardPostdoctoral Research · Wound Healing
PhDScar Biology and Tissue Engineering
BrownPlastic Surgery Residency
MSKMicrosurgery Fellowship
60+Scientific Presentations and Publications

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Surgery

Is top surgery done without drains?

Yes. Dr. Kiwanuka performs top surgery without surgical drains, as part of the Enhanced Recovery After Top Surgery protocol. You go home without tubes to empty and without drain removal visits.

What are the risks?

As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, changes in nipple sensation, differences between the two sides, and visible scarring. Your health history is reviewed before surgery, and Dr. Kiwanuka goes through the benefits and tradeoffs with you at your consultation.

Recovery

How is pain managed after top surgery?

Your recovery begins before surgery with a personalized plan to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort. By combining different non-narcotic medications, we aim to keep you comfortable, clear-headed, and walking from the first day. Stronger pain medication is available if needed. This approach avoids many of the side effects associated with narcotics, including nausea, constipation, fatigue, and brain fog. Most patients describe their recovery as soreness or tightness rather than severe pain.

What does holistic recovery mean?

Good healing starts before surgery. Dr. Kiwanuka focuses on nutrition, preparation, early movement, and thoughtful scar care to support your recovery and long-term results. You receive clear instructions and personalized follow-up throughout the healing process.

Scars and Healing

Will I have visible scars?

Yes, top surgery leaves scars. Their quality is a central focus here. Every incision is planned and closed to reduce tension, and scar care is included.

How do you care for the scars?

Your scars are reviewed at every follow up visit, and scar care continues as you heal. Scars continue to soften and fade over the first year.

Cost and Location

Do you offer financing?

Yes. CareCredit financing is available.

Where is your practice?

30 Central Park South, Suite 13A, New York, NY 10019, on Central Park South in Manhattan. Call (212) 440-1700 to book a consultation.