Top surgery: the 3-step savings plan

What is top surgery?

Top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure. For trans men, it is the masculinization of the chest achieved through the removal of fat and/or breast tissue, and the reshaping and/or repositioning of nipples.

Step 1: Determine the Cost

To find out how much you need to save for top surgery, start by gathering information. Reach out to surgeons for consultations and quotes, or look up reviews from people who have already undergone top surgery. Many share details about their procedures, costs, results, and surgeons.

Ask the surgeon about the following:

Pre-op lab tests (compare prices from different testing labs)
Pre-op and post-op medications (compare prices from different pharmacies)
Surgeon's professional fee (PF)
Anaesthesiologist's PF
Operating room
Post-op appointments (usually 1-2 appointments after the surgery to remove stitches and drains)

Note: Some surgeons offer a "package" rate that includes their PF, the anaesthesiologist's PF, operating room cost, and post-op appointments.

Additional expenses to plan for:

Transportation
Airfare and hotel stay (if traveling for surgery)
1–2 months of living expenses (in case you need time off work to recover)

Sample cost estimate: (all values in PHP)

Consultation fee: 1,000 (some offer it for free, others charge more; some offer teleconsults)
Airfare: 12,000 (varies; can be cheaper with promos)
2-week hotel stay: 35,000 (assuming 2,500/night)
Transportation (e.g., taxi): 3,000 (varies; lower if staying nearby)
2-months living expenses: 40,000 (assuming 20,000/month)
Pre-op lab tests: 5,000 (depends on required tests)
Pre-op medication: 500 (usually minimal)
Surgeon’s fee: 80,000 (ranges widely from 30,000–200,000; often negotiable)
Anaesthesiologist’s fee: 40,000 (usually 50% of surgeon’s fee; often negotiable)
Operating room fee: 50,000 (depends on hospital and procedure length; complications)
Post-op medication: 5,000 (includes antibiotics, pain relief, wound dressings)
Post-op appointments: usually free (confirm with your surgeon; often negotiable)

Estimated total: 271,500 (224,500 if you don’t need to travel)

Suggested savings goal: 315,000 (260,000 if you don’t need to travel)

Tip: Save more than the estimate. Costs can increase due to rate changes, energy crises, economic instability, or unexpected complications.

Step 2: Set Your Timeline

Once you know your target amount, decide how long it will take you to save. This depends on your income and how much you can realistically set aside. Because of inflation, it’s ideal to aim for a 1–3 year timeline. Costs will likely rise over time, so delaying too long may make the goal more expensive.

For a savings goal of 315,000:

Save 26,250/month → reach goal in 1 year
Save 13,125/month → reach goal in 2 years
Save 8,750/month → reach goal in 3 years

Tip: If saving within 3 years isn’t realistic, consider focusing on increasing your income first.

Step 3: Review Your Budget

Review your monthly income and spending habits. Small, everyday expenses can add up quickly. We often spend on things we don't really need.

Examples of things to cut back on:

Daily Starbucks → save ~6,000/month
Regular alcohol purchases → save ~1,500/month
Junk food, candy & sugary drinks → save ~1,500/month & be healthier

Things we can swap out with cheaper options:

Coffee from a popular café → instant coffee or free office coffee
Branded toilet paper → no-brand toilet paper
Daily taxi rides → switch to public transport and save ~4,000/month
Ordering Grab Food frequently → cook simple meals instead
Branded medication → generics

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