FTM Top Surgery in Thailand

Why Thailand for FTM Top Surgery

1. Surgical volume and specialization. Thai surgeons perform hundreds top surgeries annually at specialized gender-affirming centers. This volume means surgeons have seen every chest type and complication, perfecting techniques for natural, masculine results.
2. Cost savings of $5,000-$10,000. Complete top surgery in Thailand costs $3,000-$5,000 all-inclusive (surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, follow-ups, compression garments). In the US, this often costs $8,000-$15,000 for surgery alone, then adds $2,000-$3,000 for anesthesia and facility fees. UK private clinics cost £6,000-£10,000. Australia $7,000-$11,000 AUD. Savings cover your flights, accommodation, and 2-week recovery stay.
3. All techniques available with expertise. Thailand offers double incision, keyhole, periareolar, inverted-T, and buttonhole techniques. Western surgeons often specialize in 1-2 methods. Thai surgeons perform all variations regularly, selecting the best technique for your specific chest size, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals rather than defaulting to what they know best.
4. Immediate scheduling without referral delays. Book consultation today, fly to Bangkok in 2-3 weeks. No insurance pre-authorization battles, no 6-12 month surgeon wait lists.
5. JCI-accredited facilities with transgender-focused care. Hospitals like Kamol and Yanhee maintain Joint Commission International accreditation—the same standards as top Western hospitals. Nursing staff trained specifically in transgender care, English-speaking coordinators, recovery apartments on-site.

FTM Top Surgery Techniques in Thailand

Double Incision with Free Nipple Grafts ($3,500-$5,000)

What it is: Two horizontal incisions below pectoral muscles. Surgeon removes all breast tissue, excess skin, resizes/repositions nipples as grafts. Creates completely flat, masculine chest contour.

Best for: Medium to large chests (B cup and above), patients prioritizing flatness over minimal scarring, those with significant skin excess or poor elasticity.

Scarring: Two horizontal scars across chest (typically 4-6 inches each). Scars fade to thin white lines over 12-18 months but remain visible. Most trans men consider this acceptable trade-off for guaranteed flatness.

Nipple sensation: Reduced sensitivity in 60-70% of cases because nipples are completely detached and regrafted. Some sensation may return over 12-24 months as nerves regenerate, but full erogenous sensation unlikely.

Recovery: 2-3 weeks before light activities, 6-8 weeks before exercise, 3 months for scars to stabilize. Drains removed after 3-7 days.

Results: Most predictably flat outcome. Surgeon has complete control over nipple size, placement, chest shape. Minimal revision rate (under 5%).

Keyhole Technique ($3,000-$4,000)

What it is: Small incision along lower edge of areola. Breast tissue removed through incision, excess skin minimal. Nipples remain attached (not grafted).

Best for: Very small chests (A cup or smaller), excellent skin elasticity, minimal breast tissue, patients prioritizing nipple sensation and minimal scarring.

Scarring: Tiny scar around lower areola border, typically invisible after healing. Best cosmetic outcome of all techniques.

Nipple sensation: Fully preserved in 90%+ cases because nerves remain intact. Erogenous sensation maintained.

Recovery: 1-2 weeks before light activities, 4-6 weeks before exercise. Fastest recovery, no drains typically needed.

Results: Less predictable flatness—depends on skin retraction. 10-15% need revision if skin doesn't contract well. Nipple placement cannot be adjusted. Not suitable for most patients due to strict candidacy requirements.

Periareolar Technique ($3,200-$4,500)

What it is: Circular incision around entire areola. Breast tissue removed, excess skin gathered and removed, areola repositioned. Nipples stay attached.

Best for: Small to medium chests (A-B cup), good skin elasticity, patients wanting better flatness than keyhole with less scarring than double incision.

Scarring: Circular scar around areola. More visible than keyhole but less than double incision. Scars can pucker if significant skin removed.

Nipple sensation: Preserved in 70-80% of cases. Better than double incision, not quite as good as keyhole.

Recovery: 2 weeks before light activities, 6 weeks before exercise. Drains sometimes needed (50% of cases).

Results: Good compromise between flatness and scarring. 15-20% may need minor revision for complete flatness or scar improvement.

Inverted-T Technique ($3,500-$4,800)

What it is: Combines vertical incision down chest center with horizontal incisions under breast crease. Creates T-shaped scar. Preserves nipple blood supply.

Best for: Large chests with significant sagging, patients prioritizing nipple sensation over minimal scarring, those unsuitable for other techniques due to anatomy.

Scarring: T-shaped scars more visible than double incision. Trade-off for preserved sensation.

Nipple sensation: Best preservation of all techniques for large chests (80-85% maintain sensation). Nipples stay attached with blood/nerve supply intact.

Recovery: Similar to double incision (2-3 weeks light activities, 6-8 weeks exercise).

Results: Achieves flatness for large chests while maintaining sensation. Less common technique—ensure surgeon has specific experience.

Partner Hospitals & Surgeons

Kamol Cosmetic Hospital

Dr. Kamol Pansritum, M.D.
Thousands of gender-affirming procedures since 1997, board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Performs all top surgery techniques regularly with specialized gender-affirming surgical team.

Training: Khonkaen University (M.D. 1986), Chulalongkorn University (Plastic Surgery diploma 1997). Member of WPATH, International Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Techniques offered:

• Double incision with free nipple grafts (most common, $3,800-$5,000)
• Keyhole ($3,200-$4,000)
• Periareolar/U-scar ($3,500-$4,500)
• Combined techniques for complex cases

Hospital features:

• JCI-accredited since 2015
• Luxury recovery apartments on 7th floor (included in package)
• Specialized post-op compression garments custom-fitted
• 24/7 English-speaking nursing staff
• All-inclusive packages: surgery + anesthesia + 2-night hospital stay + follow-ups + garments + transfers

Pricing (Kamol Hospital):

• Keyhole/U-scar: 126,000 THB (~$3,700)
• Periareolar/O-scar: 146,000 THB (~$4,300)
• Double incision with grafts: 156,000 THB (~$4,600)
• Optional nipple reduction: 25,000 THB (~$730) if needed

Recovery timeline: 14-day minimum stay in Bangkok recommended (2 nights hospital, 12 nights hotel for follow-ups).

Yanhee International Hospital

Surgical team with gender-affirming experience. Primarily known for MTF procedures but performs FTM top surgery regularly.

Pricing: $3,000-$4,200 depending on technique.

Package includes: Surgery + 1-2 night stay + follow-ups + free airport transfers + meals.

Best for: Patients seeking larger hospital environment (250+ beds), multiple specialist consultations under one roof.

Your 2-3 Week Journey

Pre-Arrival (2-4 Weeks Before)

Virtual consultation through Konkai. Submit chest photos (front, side, arms raised) and medical history. Surgeon assesses which technique suits your chest size, skin quality, aesthetic goals.

Preparation:

• Stop testosterone 1-2 weeks before surgery (surgeon advises)
• Discontinue blood thinners, aspirin, vitamin E (2 weeks before)
• Arrange 2-3 weeks off work
• Pack comfortable button-up shirts (can't lift arms over head post-op)

Week 1: Surgery Week

Day 1-2: Arrive in Bangkok, adjust to climate and time zone. Pre-op consultations with surgeon, anesthesiologist. Blood work, chest X-ray, EKG. Surgeon marks incision lines, confirms final technique choice, sets nipple placement.

Day 3: Surgery day. Check-in morning of procedure. Surgery under general anesthesia, 2-4 hours depending on technique. What happens: breast tissue removed, chest contoured to masculine shape, nipples resized/repositioned (or grafted for double incision), drains placed if needed.

Post-op: Recovery room 2-4 hours, then private room. Chest wrapped in compression bandaging. Drains (if placed) monitored. Pain managed with IV first 24 hours, then oral medications. Sleep propped up 45 degrees.

Day 4-5: Hospital stay. Daily wound checks, drain output monitoring, pain management. Nursing staff teaches drain care, compression vest use. Light walking encouraged (prevents blood clots). Most patients feel groggy but not severe pain (4-6/10 on pain scale).

Day 6-7: Discharge to hotel, pain controlled with oral meds, walking independently. Drains may still be in (removed at follow-up when output drops below threshold).

Week 2: Early Recovery

Hotel near hospital. Regular follow-up appointments. Surgeon checks incisions, monitors for hematoma/seroma, removes drains when ready (typically day 3-7 post-op), adjusts compression vest.

Restrictions: No lifting arms above shoulders. No lifting anything heavier than phone. Sleep propped up. Sponge baths only (no showers until cleared). No driving.

Activities: Short walks, light meals, rest. Swelling and bruising peak days 3-5, then improve. Chest feels tight and numb—this is normal.

Compression vest: Worn 24/7 for 4-6 weeks (removed only for wound cleaning). Critical for shaping, reducing swelling, preventing fluid buildup.

Flying home: Minimum 10-14 days post-op, ideally 14-21 days. Surgeon provides clearance. Long flights increase swelling—compression vest must be worn, frequent walks required.

Weeks 2-3: Final Clearance

Final follow-up appointment week 2-3. Surgeon removes external sutures (internal dissolve), assesses healing, provides long-term care instructions.

Scar care: Start silicone gel/sheets once incisions fully healed (week 3-4). Massage scars daily after 6 weeks. Avoid sun exposure 12 months (causes darkening).

Trip Cost Breakdown

Budget Approach

• FTM top surgery (double incision): $4,000
• Round-trip flights (economy from US/Australia): $1,200-$1,800
• Accommodation (14 nights at $60-80/night): $840-$1,120
• Meals (14 days at $40-60/day): $560-$840
• Travel insurance with medical coverage: $200-$350
• Ground transportation, medical supplies: $200-$400

Total: $7,000-$8,510

You save $5,000-$10,000 compared to US costs of $12,000-$18,000 (surgery + anesthesia + facility fees).

Mid-Range Approach

• FTM top surgery (Kamol Hospital, periareolar): $4,300
• Premium economy flights: $1,800-$2,200
• Accommodation (14 nights at $90-120/night): $1,260-$1,680
• Meals (14 days at $60-80/day): $840-$1,120
• Travel insurance: $250-$400
• Supplies, transport: $300-$500

Total: $8,750-$10,200

Still $7,000-$10,000 cheaper than Western countries for complete experience.

How Konkai Helps

FTM top surgery involves comparing surgeons you've never met, understanding technique differences that affect your entire future, coordinating 2-3 week international trip during recovery, and navigating WPATH requirements across countries.

We provide free personalized quotes from multiple hospitals with technique recommendations based on your case, all-inclusive pricing, expected results for your anatomy.

We coordinate your journey: Schedule surgery date, recommend hotels near hospital, and answer any questions that come up.

Support during each Thailand visit. English-speaking team via WhatsApp or email. Valued highly by those traveling to Thailand alone for extra peace of mind.

Honest guidance, not sales pressure. We do not push you towards certain hospitals, surgeons or procedures. We provide the information for you to make an informed choice and assist with scheduling and coordinating your travel and care.