Gender confirmation surgery gives patients the opportunity to make changes that align their physical appearance with their individual goals. Whether a patient is considering top surgery, breast augmentation, facial procedures, or body contouring, treatment is tailored to their priorities with a focus on thoughtful, respectful care.
Compassionate, Comprehensive, Specialized Care at SVIA® Sacramento
Dr. Liu is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and fellowship-trained in aesthetic plastic surgery. His experience includes a range of chest, body, and facial procedures that may be relevant to gender confirmation surgery in Sacramento.
SVIA® Sacramento has also developed a care team with experience supporting transgender patients. Kelly, the Sacramento Patient Care Coordinator, has more than 20 years of experience in dermatology and plastic surgery and provides specialized guidance to the practice's transgender patient community. Gráinne, an OR nurse and coordinator with extensive PACU experience, also brings direct experience with gender-affirming surgical care. Together, the surgical team and support staff provide continuity throughout the patient experience.
What Is Gender Confirmation Surgery?
Gender confirmation surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to bring physical characteristics into closer alignment with a patient's gender identity. Treatment can address the face, chest, body, or a combination of these areas.
There is no requirement to address every area at once. Some patients pursue one procedure, such as top surgery, while others choose to address multiple areas through a staged surgical plan based on their goals, readiness, and recovery preferences.
Why Choose SVIA® Sacramento for Gender Confirmation Surgery?
SVIA® Sacramento provides facial, chest, and body procedures within one practice. For patients who want to address multiple areas, this can provide the opportunity to work with the same surgical team rather than coordinating treatment between different offices.
The practice is also transparent about its surgical scope. Dr. Liu is a non-contracted provider with insurance companies and does not perform rhinoplasty or bone-shaving procedures as part of facial feminization surgery. These limitations are discussed during the consultation process so patients understand which procedures are and are not offered.
FTM Top Surgery
FTM top surgery removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest to create a flatter, more traditionally masculine contour. It is a common gender confirmation procedure for transgender men.
The appropriate surgical technique depends on factors such as breast size, body type, and skin elasticity:
- Double incision technique: Often selected when a larger amount of breast tissue needs to be removed. The procedure typically includes a nipple graft to reposition the nipple and areola on the reshaped chest.
- Peri-areolar technique: May be appropriate for patients with smaller amounts of tissue and good skin elasticity. Incisions are made around the areola, which can result in less visible scarring.
- Keyhole technique: Generally reserved for patients requiring minimal tissue removal who have significant skin elasticity. Of the three approaches, it leaves the smallest incision.
Dr. Liu determines the technique according to each patient's anatomy and goals, with attention to creating a masculine chest contour while limiting unnecessary scarring. Recovery generally includes wearing a compression garment for several weeks, limiting arm movement during the initial recovery period, and gradually resuming normal activities over one to two months.
MTF Breast Augmentation
MTF breast augmentation increases breast volume and enhances shape to create a more traditionally feminine chest contour. Patients at SVIA® Sacramento have access to the same implant options available for other breast augmentation procedures, including:
- Natrelle INSPIRA® SoftTouch implants
- OPUS Luxe® implants
- Form-stable "gummy bear" silicone implants
- IDEAL IMPLANT®
- Preserve™ by Motiva®, a tissue-conscious option designed to preserve natural anatomy while enhancing breast shape
Implant size and placement are customized to the patient's chest wall and existing anatomy. Because chest anatomy can differ from that of cisgender women, these differences may influence implant positioning and the creation of the implant pocket.
The timing of surgery in relation to hormone therapy is considered individually. Breast development associated with hormone therapy may influence when augmentation is most appropriately performed. Recovery is generally similar to that of standard breast augmentation, with many patients able to resume non-strenuous activities within one to two weeks.
Transgender Body Contouring
Body contouring can also be part of gender confirmation surgery in Sacramento. Established body procedures can be adapted to support either masculinizing or feminizing goals, depending on the patient's desired outcome.
- Liposuction: Can remove excess fat from areas such as the waist, hips, and thighs. Depending on the treatment plan, it may be used to create a more angular, traditionally masculine physique or enhance curves for a more traditionally feminine silhouette.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a flatter, more defined midsection. It may be incorporated into either masculinizing or feminizing body contouring plans.
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): Transfers a patient's own fat to the buttocks to increase volume and alter shape, often using fat collected through liposuction elsewhere on the body.
Body contouring procedures may sometimes be performed alongside chest surgery or planned as separate stages. The appropriate approach depends on the patient's health, goals, and preferred recovery timeline.
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
Facial feminization surgery is designed to soften or reshape masculine facial characteristics to create a more traditionally feminine appearance.
- Cheek Feminization: Implants or fat transfer can add volume and modify cheek contours for a fuller, rounder appearance.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Removes or reshapes excess skin and fat around the eyes to create a more open, feminine appearance.
- Facelift: Tightens lax facial skin and can redefine the jawline as part of a more feminine facial aesthetic.
Dr. Liu does not perform rhinoplasty or bone-shaving procedures as part of facial feminization surgery.
Non-Binary Surgery
Non-binary surgery allows treatment to be customized for patients who do not identify exclusively as male or female.
Dr. Liu works with non-binary patients to develop individualized treatment plans that may combine masculine and feminine characteristics, pursue a more gender-neutral appearance, or address specific areas of concern without seeking a fully binary transition.
The chest, body, and facial procedures discussed above can be individually adapted to support each patient's goals.
Discover Why Patients Trust SVIA® Sacramento With Gender Confirmation Surgery
At SVIA® Sacramento, Dr. Liu's approach to gender confirmation surgery is supported by Kelly and Gráinne, team members with specialized experience working with transgender patients. Their experience helps make gender-affirming care an established part of the practice rather than an occasional area of treatment.
From the initial consultation, patients can expect an open discussion of treatment options and the procedures Dr. Liu does and does not perform. Readiness is evaluated in relation to the WPATH Standards of Care and the patient's individual surgical goals. Because facial, chest, and body procedures are available through the same practice, patients pursuing multiple stages may also have the opportunity to continue working with the same surgical team.
If you are considering gender confirmation surgery and want to explore which procedures may align with your goals, Dr. Liu and the SVIA® Sacramento team can discuss your options and help develop an individualized surgical plan.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover gender confirmation surgery?
Do I need to complete hormone therapy before surgery?
Can I combine multiple procedures in one surgery?
What are the risks?
Does insurance cover gender confirmation surgery?
SVIA® Sacramento is a non-contracted insurance provider. Patients should contact their insurance company directly to verify coverage, benefits, and potential reimbursement options before scheduling surgery.
Do I need to complete hormone therapy before surgery?
The timing of hormone therapy depends on the procedure being considered. Some procedures may be performed after a period of stable hormone therapy, while others may not require hormone therapy beforehand. Dr. Liu reviews this on an individual basis.
Can I combine multiple procedures in one surgery?
Certain procedures can be combined when appropriate, while other combinations may be better performed as separate stages. Dr. Liu will evaluate the proposed procedures, overall health, and recovery considerations when developing a surgical plan.
What are the risks?
Potential risks depend on the specific procedure and may include infection, changes in sensation, asymmetry, and the need for revision surgery. Procedure-specific risks and considerations are reviewed during consultation.
