Will my chest look natural?

Yes. The procedure is carefully designed to create a smooth, proportionate chest that feels aligned with your body. The focus is on natural contour and balance, so the result looks and feels like a natural extension of you.

What technique will I need?

This will depend on your individual anatomy, including chest size, skin elasticity, and your desired outcome. During your consultation, the most suitable approach will be recommended to achieve the best possible result for you.

Will sensation be affected?

Some temporary changes in sensation are common after surgery. In many cases, sensation improves over time, although this can vary depending on the technique used.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients return to light daily activities within one to two weeks. It’s normal to experience some swelling, tightness, or sensitivity in the early stages, with gradual improvement as healing progresses.

Chest Masculinisation | The Maercks Institute

Chest Masculinisation

Chest masculinisation is a gender-affirming surgical procedure designed to create a flatter, more defined, and masculine chest contour.

By removing excess tissue and reshaping the chest, this treatment helps align physical appearance with identity creating structure, proportion, and a more confident silhouette.

At The Maercks Institute, we want to help you be yourself. Dr. Rian Maercks specializes in performing chest masculinization surgery for trans men who want to remove their natural breasts in order to connect their physical appearance with their gender identity.

What is Chest Masculinisation?

Chest masculinisation (often referred to as top surgery) is a procedure that removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest to create a more masculine appearance.

The procedure may also involve repositioning and resizing the nipple and areola to achieve a natural, proportionate result.

The goal is not simply flattening but creating a chest that reflects masculine anatomy, with appropriate contour, symmetry, and balance.

For many patients, this is a significant step in aligning their physical appearance with their identity.

Structural approach

This procedure is based on precision, contour, and anatomical balance.

Chest masculinisation differs from standard breast surgery due to the need to create a defined, masculine chest shape. The focus is to:

Remove breast tissue while preserving natural contours
Reshape and position the nipple–areola complex
Manage excess skin depending on anatomy
Create a smooth, symmetrical chest profile

Different techniques are selected based on chest size, skin elasticity, and desired outcome — ensuring results that feel natural and proportionate.

Your Treatment Journey

Consultation

A detailed assessment of your anatomy, skin elasticity, and goals to determine the most appropriate technique.

Procedure

A personalised surgical plan designed to remove tissue, reshape the chest, and achieve a natural masculine contour.

Recovery

A structured recovery period, with most patients returning to light activities within one to two weeks and continued refinement as healing progresses.