For many on a gender-affirming journey, top surgery marks a profound step toward living authentically. In Chicago, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Ellis blends refined surgical artistry with an inclusive, patient-centered approach to female-to-male top surgery. With years of advanced training, an active practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and a reputation for natural, masculine results, Dr. Ellis has guided countless patients in aligning their chests with their identities — with precision, discretion, and genuine compassion every step of the way.
Understanding FTM Top Surgery
Female-to-male (FTM) top surgery is a chest masculinization procedure that removes breast tissue and sculpts the chest into a flatter, more traditionally masculine contour. The procedure also includes resizing and repositioning the nipple-areola complex for a balanced, proportional appearance. As one of the most requested gender-affirming procedures, top surgery is often a pivotal milestone — restoring comfort, confidence, and a deeper sense of alignment between body and identity.
Techniques Tailored to You
Dr. Ellis offers several techniques tailored to your body type, chest size, and aesthetic goals. The double-incision method is best suited for medium to larger chests and delivers maximum tissue removal with a clean, defined contour. The keyhole and periareolar approaches work beautifully for smaller chest sizes, helping preserve sensation while minimizing visible scarring. During your consultation, Dr. Ellis will review each option in detail, share personalized recommendations, and discuss expected outcomes so you feel fully informed and confident in your decision.
Your Experience and Recovery
Top surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and takes between two and four hours. Most patients return to light daily activities within one to two weeks, with full return to vigorous exercise around the six-week mark. Our team provides personalized aftercare guidance — including scar care, drain management when applicable, compression garment instructions, and dedicated follow-up visits — to ensure your healing progresses smoothly. We’re committed to making every step of your recovery as comfortable, predictable, and supported as possible.
What Sets Our Approach Apart
Beyond surgical results, Dr. Ellis prioritizes the human side of your experience. From your first consultation to your final post-op visit, you’ll be treated with respect, dignity, and warmth. Our Chicago practice is designed to feel welcoming and affirming, where your goals are truly heard, and your questions are answered without judgment. We believe gender-affirming care should feel as elevated and thoughtfully considered as any premier aesthetic procedure — because it is.
Why Choose Dr. Marco Ellis?
Dr. Ellis is widely recognized for impeccable technique and beautiful, natural-looking outcomes, paired with a warm, inclusive environment. Our Chicago team prioritizes your comfort, privacy, and confidence at every stage — from your first consultation through full recovery — so you feel genuinely supported in becoming your truest self. With Dr. Ellis, you gain a partner who understands that this is more than a procedure; it’s a meaningful step forward.
Schedule Your Private Consultation
Ready to take the next step? Contact (312) 695-6022 today to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Marco Ellis and begin your journey toward a chest that reflects who you truly are.