Dr. Bardia Amirlak provides gender affirmation surgery through a dedicated, respectful pathway built on academic medicine, clinical experience, and individualized care. As a board-certified plastic surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center, an active member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and a published author on advanced facial techniques, Dr. Amirlak combines surgical precision with a deeply patient-centered approach. His program is grounded in collaboration with endocrinologists, mental health professionals, and pediatric and adult specialists across UT Southwestern and Children’s Health — ensuring every patient receives comprehensive, evidence-based care at each stage of their journey.
Dr. Amirlak performs gender affirmation surgery for patients age 19 and older, offering both male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) top surgery, along with a full range of facial feminization procedures. All care is provided in accordance with WPATH Standards of Care.
FTM & MTF Top Surgery
Top surgery is one of the most requested gender affirmation procedures and an area of significant expertise within Dr. Amirlak’s practice.
- FTM (Female-to-Male) Top Surgery — Chest masculinization is performed with techniques selected to match each patient’s anatomy and goals, with careful attention to scar placement, contour, and nipple-areola aesthetics.
- MTF (Male-to-Female) Top Surgery — Breast augmentation for feminization is approached with a focus on natural proportion, soft tissue handling, and long-term outcomes.
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
Dr. Amirlak offers a comprehensive range of facial feminization procedures, many of which may be covered by insurance when clinically appropriate. Procedures include:
- Endoscopic forehead lift
- Open forehead lift
- Endoscopic frontal bossing reduction
- Frontal bossing reduction (open)
- Forehead reduction
- Hairline advancement
Dr. Amirlak was the first to publish on the endoscopic approach to frontal bossing reduction — a minimally invasive technique that allows reshaping of the forehead with smaller incisions, hidden scars, and a refined recovery profile. This work represents an academic innovation in facial feminization surgery and reflects his broader contributions to peer-reviewed plastic surgery literature.
Preparing for Your Consultation
If you plan to use health insurance for your procedure, the following documentation is typically required:
- Documentation of hormonal therapy (when applicable)
- A letter from a qualified mental health professional confirming a diagnosis of gender dysphoria per WPATH criteria
- In some cases, letters from two separate mental health professionals, depending on insurance requirements
Dr. Amirlak is a member of WPATH and follows their guidelines for evaluation and surgical care. Our team collaborates closely with adult and pediatric endocrinologists, gynecologists, and mental health therapists to provide comprehensive, coordinated care from consultation through recovery.
What to Expect During Recovery
Following both FTM and MTF top surgery, patients are asked to avoid strenuous activity — including aerobic exercise, weight lifting, swimming, and sexual activity — for approximately 2–3 weeks. After FTM surgery, patients may wash the hair and lower body as long as the chest dressing remains dry. After MTF surgery, showering is typically permitted the same day. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks, with continued limitations on strenuous activity to support optimal healing. While some surgeons encourage earlier return to activity, Dr. Amirlak prioritizes aesthetic outcomes and minimized complication risk. In standard MTF breast augmentation, patients generally experience less discomfort than after FTM top surgery.
Cost & Insurance
Many insurance carriers now provide coverage for gender affirmation procedures. In cases of denial or when patients choose to pay out of pocket, surgical fees generally range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Each surgical plan is individualized, and costs will vary by patient.
Gender Affirmation Bottom Surgery
Dr. Amirlak’s practice offers a comprehensive team approach for facial and top surgery for gender affirmation patients. Bottom surgery, in our view, is best performed at a center with a dedicated microsurgery team and extensive experience in this specific area. While our institution includes recognized experts in each relevant discipline, we believe a fully cohesive and integrated bottom surgery program must be in place before offering it to patients. For now, we refer patients seeking bottom surgery to a trusted collaborating center whose team we believe delivers the highest standard of care. The UT Southwestern team is actively working toward developing a comprehensive bottom surgery program for the future. We welcome patients to visit our clinic for consultation regarding facial and top surgery and look forward to supporting the personal and aesthetic goals of every patient we have the privilege to care for.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Amirlak for Gender Affirmation Care
Dr. Amirlak’s gender affirmation program is built on academic medicine, surgical innovation, and respectful, individualized care. As a UT Southwestern plastic surgeon, WPATH member, and published contributor to advanced facial techniques — including the first published endoscopic approach to frontal bossing reduction — he brings both clinical depth and academic leadership to every patient relationship. Coordinated multidisciplinary support, evidence-based protocols, and a focus on natural, refined results make this a dedicated pathway designed around the patient at every step.
[cta]