Jay, a chef from Somerset, made headlines recently for the infectious joy and confidence he found after undergoing top surgery.
He described the moment as feeling like he’d “won the lottery” after years of struggling with gender dysphoria and self-doubt.
Emerging from surgery at our clinic in Newton-le-Willows, Jay says waking up with a flat chest was such a relief he was beyond words, marking the end of a long, dark tunnel and the beginning of a much brighter chapter.
Top surgery is a gender-affirming medical procedure designed for transgender men and non-binary individuals who wish for a flat, masculine chest. Surgeons remove chest tissue, reshape the chest, and often reposition the nipples and areolas to create a natural contour, however some patients opt for no nipples and have them removed entirely. This operation helps people match their physical appearance with their gender identity and relieves the discomfort of chest binding and/or taping. It’s deeply transformative and proven to alleviate gender dysphoria, providing lasting improvement in confidence, mental health, and physical comfort.
If you’re seriously considering this procedure, you’ll most likely be searching for ‘the best surgeon for top surgery’ or wondering ‘who is a skilled top surgeon in the UK'. It’s all about finding a name you can trust.
At Pall Mall Gender, surgical methods are carefully considered based on each individual’s skin quality, and personal goals, all delivered within a safe, supportive process.
Top surgery in the UK is performed by specialised, multidisciplinary teams at accredited hospitals and clinics. These teams typically include experienced gender specialists/psychotherapists, gender-affirming surgeons, mental health professionals, endocrinologists, and dedicated patient coordinators.
Before surgery, people undergo thorough consultations, receive tailored advice, and work with liaisons who help them prepare for every step of the process. Jay’s positive experience here at Pall Mall Gender highlights the difference made by compassionate surgeons like Chloe Wright and Kate Williams, and support from Mamuna, our Operational Delivery Lead, who became a trusted companion to Jay during his recovery journey.
No doubt you will have many questions, including:
Eligibility requirements for top surgery in the UK ensures people are ready for the procedure, both physically and mentally.
To be eligible, patients need to:
Being in generally good health, are also essential. Assessing patient safety is key, and working to ensure each person has thoughtfully explored their gender goals with clinicians before proceeding, to prioritise individual care and preparation for those who are thinking about top surgery.
The methods used in top surgery vary depending on individual anatomy. Generally, surgeons remove chest tissue and excess skin, reshape the chest, and reposition or remove the nipples entirely, all with meticulous attention to minimising scarring. Advances like drain-free techniques offer more comfortable recoveries, and many patients leave the hospital on the same day with thorough instructions for healing.
Wearing a snug compression vest for 8 to 14 days helps reduce swelling, and practical post-operative advice, like sleeping slightly upright and avoiding strenuous arm movement, helps recovery. Overnight stays, when needed, come with modern amenities to make healing easier. Patients are usually advised to take 2 to 3 weeks off desk work and 4 to 6 weeks off strenuous jobs.
Excellent gender-affirming care means much more than skilled surgery. It’s about ongoing support, clear information, and a team that recognises the emotional significance of every step. Jay's recovery shows how planned rest and a strong support network, including family and clinic staff, are critical not just for physical healing but for mental wellbeing.
At Pall Mall Gender we ensure patients feel listened to, respected, and ready to embrace their new journey with confidence.
Jay’s top surgery story has touched people, because it is more than a medical journey, it’s an affirmation that happiness and self-acceptance are within reach.
“When I woke up, I touched my chest and it was a big sigh of relief… I thought, finally, they’re gone,” he shared.
Since top surgery, Jay’s confidence and sense of freedom have soared.
“I was always a little bit conscious about going out… but now it’s like a switch has flipped. I feel like I can do what I want. My confidence has gone from zero to hero. I’m literally obsessed with myself and feel like I have won the lottery,” he said.
Simple joys, walking around shirtless, wearing white T-shirts, or going to the gym, have taken on powerful new meaning for the 24-year-old.
“I can finally breathe normally without anything restricting me,” he said.
For those still waiting for their “bright light at the end of the tunnel,” Jay offers encouragement.
“My advice to my younger self would be to just keep going and to remember that there’s a very bright light at the end of the tunnel… It was a hard time but now I can go into the gym, and I don’t care. I’m finally me and I’m happy.”
Jay’s story is living proof that there are solutions, answers, and the right clinical care for anyone ready to take this step toward authenticity and happiness.
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.