Top surgery refers to gender-affirming chest procedures that change the chest to a more masculine or feminine appearance. In the United Kingdom this covers a range of techniques used by clinicians to support a person’s gender identity.
The guide aims to help readers compare private treatment prices for 2026 and to explain what drives differences in cost. It looks at typical private packages and how to assess quotes safely, with a clear focus on safety and quality over the cheapest option.
There are two broad categories: FTM procedures and MTF procedures. The chosen approach affects total price, recovery planning and expected results, so the procedure type matters to planning and outcome.
Prices vary because this is not one single operation. Final plans depend on anatomy, chosen technique and what the clinical package includes. The next sections cover UK price ranges, a procedure breakdown, included versus extra charges, key cost factors and payment routes such as finance or NHS access.
Key Takeaways
- Top surgery covers chest procedures for both masculinising and feminising goals.
- Private cost varies widely; compare what is included in each quote.
- Procedure type (FTM or MTF) changes price, recovery and results.
- Prioritise safety, surgeon experience and outcome data over lowest price.
- Options include private pay, finance plans and possible NHS pathways.
How much is top surgery uk in 2026? Typical prices for private treatment
In 2026, private quotes for gender-affirming chest work fall into broad bands. These help people set realistic budgets before booking consultations.
Quick UK price ranges by procedure type
FTM chest surgery: typical market band £5,000–£8,000 for a gender-affirming mastectomy.
MTF chest augmentation: typical band £6,000–£9,000 for implants or fat transfer.
Example guide prices from UK clinics
To anchor expectations, some clinics publish starting figures. For example, Cadogan Clinic lists:
- FTM top surgery from £7,500
- FTM with free nipple graft from £10,000
- MTF implants from £5,900
- MTF fat transfer from £6,900
Why quotes vary between providers
Named procedures can sit at different points in these bands. Anatomy, chosen technique and whether chest liposuction is included affect the final figure.
Other drivers include surgeon fees, anaesthesia choices, theatre time and aftercare level. Clinics also differ in governance and follow-up policies, which change value.
Practical buyer takeaway: the best value quote matches the right clinical plan and includes thorough aftercare, not just the lowest headline price.
| Procedure group | Indicative private range |
|---|---|
| FTM chest (mastectomy) | £5,000–£8,000 |
| MTF chest augmentation | £6,000–£9,000 |
When comparing clinics, ask whether consultation fees, anaesthetist, theatre, garments, follow-ups and revision policies are included or charged extra.
Next: the biggest driver of cost is the specific technique and complexity required to achieve the desired chest result.
Top surgery cost breakdown by procedure: FTM vs MTF
Comparing quotes starts with choosing the correct procedure group; this choice shapes the likely budget.
FTM top surgery (gender-affirming mastectomy): typical UK costs
FTM top surgery commonly sits in the £5,000–£8,000 range for standard mastectomy packages. Some clinics list higher starters: Cadogan from £7,500 and CREO from £10,500. Prices vary with technique, included aftercare and surgeon experience.
Double incision technique and when it’s usually recommended
The double incision approach suits C-cup or larger breasts or where skin laxity exists. It allows removal of breast tissue, skin re-draping and nipple repositioning to create a flatter chest. Complexity and theatre time make this technique costlier than minimal-scar options.
Periareolar and keyhole approaches for smaller chests
Periareolar or keyhole methods fit A–B cups with little laxity. They give smaller scars but are unsuitable for larger volumes, so suitability directly affects the procedure plan and final cost.
FTM with free nipple graft and adding liposuction
A free nipple graft adds steps: nipple removal, resizing and grafting. That raises the fee. Chest liposuction is a common add-on to refine contour and reduce indentations; expect an extra charge for combined work.
MTF options: implants vs fat transfer
For feminising chest work, implants (Cadogan from £5,900) generally cost differently to fat transfer (from £6,900). Implant choice and placement change material costs. Fat transfer needs liposuction and grafting time, which affects pricing and expected results.
“Choose a plan that balances scarring, nipple sensation expectations and realistic results for your body.”
| Procedure | Typical UK range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FTM mastectomy (standard) | £5,000–£8,000 | Depends on technique and aftercare |
| FTM with free nipple graft | £9,000–£11,000+ | Extra graft steps and repositioning |
| MTF implants | £5,900+ | Implant type and placement affect cost |
| MTF fat transfer | £6,900+ | Requires donor-site liposuction |
What’s included in costs (and what may be charged separately)
A clear breakdown of package elements reveals whether a price covers the whole care pathway or just the operation.
Consultations and suitability assessment
Included: many clinics provide a personal surgical advisor and up to two in-person consultations. These appointments review goals, suitability and consent. Some clinics deduct the consultation fee from the final bill if patients proceed.
Pre-op tests, nursing assessment and theatre fees
Common split: surgeon and anaesthetist fees, hospital/theatre charges and nursing-led pre-op checks. Some providers bundle tests; others charge extra depending on medical needs.
Anaesthesia choices
Anaesthesia affects comfort, staffing and monitoring. That changes costs and the team required on the day.
Aftercare and outcomes
Value: 24-hour phone support, wound checks and scheduled follow-up appointments matter for results and peace of mind. Cadogan lists 24-hour aftercare and follow-up appointments as standard and reports lower infection (0.2%) and revision (2.4%) rates versus national averages.
“Good aftercare can reduce unexpected charges and improve recovery.”
| Included | Sometimes charged | Extras to budget for |
|---|---|---|
| Consults, theatre, 24-hour support | Pre-op tests for some patients | Prescriptions (£20–£30), travel, accommodation |
| Follow-up appointments | Additional nursing visits | Time off work (1–6 months depending on role) |
For clinic comparisons and trusted reviews, see discover top plastic surgeons.
Key factors that influence surgery cost in the UK
Price reflects real choices about care, not just a headline figure. Three main drivers explain most variation: who performs the operation, where it happens and how complex the chest anatomy is.
Surgeon experience, specialism and demand
Surgeon fees form a large part of the total. Highly experienced surgeons with focused gender practice and published outcomes charge more.
Demand for gender services also changes waiting lists and availability. When a surgeon has a strong track record, fees often rise to match demand and skill.
Clinic location, regulation and safety standards
Costs rise in city centres because of higher overheads and staffing ratios. Choosing a regulated clinic adds value through governance and audited outcomes.
Look for inspection by the CQC, Care Inspectorate Wales, Care Inspectorate Scotland or the RQIA. Verify individual credentials on the General Medical Council register for extra assurance.
Complexity: anatomy, techniques and theatre time
Complex cases need longer theatre time and more staff. Factors such as breast tissue volume, skin laxity and the need for nipple grafting increase the resource required.
That is why some patients are advised towards double incision techniques rather than smaller-incision options to achieve predictable, safer results.
Choosing value over the cheapest quote reduces the chance of complications and extra costs later.
For a clear primer on the procedure itself, see what is top surgery.
How to pay: finance options, insurance, and NHS access
Budgeting for gender care means weighing immediate cost against waiting time and predictability. Patients should view payment as part of the journey: the monthly figure matters, but the total payable, included aftercare and potential extra charges matter more.
Private finance plans and deposits
Many clinics offer loans with a deposit and terms over months. Short-term offers can be 0% APR for smaller amounts; longer plans usually carry interest.
Example: the Cadogan Clinic commonly asks for a £500 deposit. They offer 0% APR up to £6,900 repaid over six months. Loans >£6,900 or repaid over 12–60 months use a representative 14.9% APR. A sample: £6,900 with a £500 deposit over 24 months equals monthly payments of £307.19, total payable £9,024.46.
Other payment routes
Some patients pay from savings or split costs across family support. Crowdfunding is used by a minority to cover part of the fee.
Practical tip: ask the clinic about deposit size, credit checks, and policies if dates change.
Insurance cover
Medical insurance rarely covers gender-affirming treatment in the UK. Policies may pay if a clinician documents gender dysphoria and the insurer accepts medical necessity.
Always check policy wording and get written confirmation before booking; don’t assume cover.
NHS pathway and waiting times
The NHS provides referral routes and eligibility assessments for gender care. However, demand means waiting times can be long — often months or years — which affects wellbeing and planning.
Decision point: private care shortens time-to-treatment and gives scheduling certainty; NHS care may reduce direct cost but can increase waiting-related stress.
When comparing options, patients should prioritise predictability, total price exposure and what the clinic includes. For further reading on related procedure costs, see this guide to procedure pricing.
Conclusion
A final decision about chest procedures should balance surgeon skill, expected results and the full financial picture. Prioritise safety, outcomes, and clear package details when comparing options.
Price is driven by procedure type (FTM versus MTF), technique complexity and what the quote includes: consultations, theatre and aftercare. Compare like-for-like inclusions and published outcomes, not only the cheapest headline figure.
Shortlist providers by checking regulation status and surgeon credentials, then confirm the recommended technique during consultation. Budget for travel, accommodation, prescriptions and time off work as these can change the total spend materially.
Choose the pathway that best aligns safety standards, quality of care and realistic results for the person’s body and goals, whether private with finance or NHS with longer waits. For a related procedure pricing example, see procedure pricing example.
