When most people think of top surgery, they imagine a flat chest—tissue removed, incisions closed, done. But what if your chest could have natural masculine definition, with visible pectoral contours and dynamic movement, instead of just being flat?
That's the fundamental difference between traditional top surgery and the Cornélio 3D Chest Sculpting Protocol™. One removes tissue. The other sculpts it.
Watch Dr. Cornélio Explain
"Why My Patients Love the Cornélio Chest Sculpting Method"
The Traditional Approach: Tissue Removal
Traditional top surgery follows a straightforward protocol:
- Remove breast tissue through double incision or periareolar techniques
- Flatten the chest by eliminating projection
- Close incisions and place drains
- Optional liposuction (charged separately at $3,500-4,000)
The goal is simple: create a flat chest. The result? A chest that's flat—but often lacks the natural masculine contours that cis men have. No pectoral definition. No lateral borders. No dynamic movement.
For many patients, this is enough. But for those seeking passability, athletic definition, or a chest that looks naturally masculine, traditional approaches fall short.
The 3D Sculpting Protocol™: Reconstructive Transformation
Masculinization is not flattening. It's reconstruction.
The Cornélio 3D Chest Sculpting Protocol™ doesn't just remove tissue—it reconstructs the thoracic form through four integrated pillars:
Pillar 0: Anatomical Pre-Operative Mapping
Before surgery, Dr. Cornélio evaluates your anatomy, oncologic risk, posture, and musculoskeletal structure. This determines how much tissue to preserve, where to place vectors, and which outcome pathway aligns with your goals.
Pillar 1: Selective Tissue Volume Design
Instead of removing all tissue uniformly, Dr. Cornélio selectively preserves volume in the superior chest to create natural projection. Comprehensive liposuction (always included, never extra) sculpts lateral borders and eliminates excess tissue along the sides.
Pillar 2: Internal 3D Vector Fixation™ + Lateral Axis Remodeling™
Proprietary internal sutures guide chest projection and stabilize the sculptural form. Lateral Axis Remodeling™ defines the axillary-to-lateral chest transition, creating clean masculine borders. Central Chest Midline Sculpting™ creates the natural shadow between pectorals.
Pillar 3: Postoperative Form Stabilization Protocol™
Custom molding, directed taping, progressive compression, and guided physiotherapy ensure your chest heals in its optimal 3D form. This isn't basic post-op care—it's sculptural maintenance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Traditional Approach | 3D Sculpting Protocol™ |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Flat chest | Natural masculine definition |
| Technique | Tissue removal only | Strategic tissue design + 3D contouring |
| Liposuction | Optional ($3,500-4,000 extra) | Always included as structural tool |
| Pectoral Definition | Minimal or none | Clear, natural contours |
| Lateral Borders | Limited refinement | Lateral Axis Remodeling™ for clean definition |
| Outcome Options | One-size-fits-all masculine | Identity-aligned pathways (Masculine/Neutral/Soft-Neutral) |
| Plus-Size Results | Often requires weight loss first | Excellent definition at any size |
| Post-Op Protocol | Basic compression and rest | Form Stabilization Protocol™ with physiotherapy |
Who Benefits Most from 3D Sculpting?
Transmasculine Individuals Seeking Passability
If you want a chest that looks naturally masculine with visible pectoral definition and athletic contours, 3D sculpting creates results that help you pass consistently.
Plus-Size Patients
Traditional approaches often fail to achieve definition on larger bodies. The 3D protocol's comprehensive liposuction and selective tissue design create clear pectoral borders regardless of body size.
Athletic Individuals
If you work out and want your chest to reflect that effort, 3D sculpting creates dynamic definition that moves naturally with your body and complements your physique.
Revision Surgery Candidates
If your previous top surgery left you with a flat but undefined chest, the 3D protocol can add sculptural definition through revision techniques.
The Bottom Line
Traditional top surgery removes tissue. The Cornélio 3D Chest Sculpting Protocol™ transforms it.
If you want a flat chest, traditional surgery works. If you want a masculine chest with natural definition, dynamic movement, and sculptural contours, 3D sculpting is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 3D sculpting cost more?
No. Dr. Cornélio's all-inclusive packages ($6,000-8,000) include comprehensive liposuction, which other surgeons charge $3,500-4,000 extra for. You're getting more advanced techniques at a comparable or lower total cost.
Is recovery longer with 3D sculpting?
No. Recovery timelines are similar—most patients return to light activities in 2-3 weeks. The Form Stabilization Protocol includes additional taping and physiotherapy, but this optimizes your results without extending downtime.
What if I want a neutral, non-masculine chest?
The 3D Sculpting Protocol includes a Neutral Outcome Pathway specifically designed for non-binary individuals. You can achieve a flat, androgynous chest without masculine definition—the protocol adapts to your identity.
Can I see the difference in before/after photos?
Yes. Visit our Results Gallery to see the difference between flat-chest results and sculpted definition. The visual difference is striking.