Back to Blog
Patient Education

Plus-Size Top Surgery: Achieving Definition at Any Size

How Dr. Cornélio achieves clear pectoral definition and lateral borders in plus-size patients when other surgeons say "lose weight first."

December 19, 20259 min read

If you're plus-size and researching top surgery, you've probably heard this before: "You need to lose weight first." Many surgeons require patients to reach a specific BMI before they'll perform surgery, citing concerns about complications or suboptimal results.

Dr. Cornélio takes a different approach.

With specialized techniques developed over 200+ plus-size cases, she creates clear masculine definition, clean lateral borders, and proportional results—at your current size. No weight loss requirements. No "lose 30 pounds and come back." Just expert surgical care that meets you where you are.

Watch Dr. Cornélio Explain

"Can You Get Top Surgery If You're Overweight?"

The Plus-Size Challenge: Why Traditional Approaches Fail

Traditional top surgery techniques were designed for smaller body types. When applied to plus-size patients, they often result in:

  • Lateral chest rolls: Excess tissue along the sides that creates bulges
  • Persistent "dog ears": Small bulges at the ends of incisions
  • Undefined borders: No clear separation between chest and sides
  • Flat but not sculpted: Tissue removed but no masculine definition created

This is why many surgeons require weight loss first—they don't have the specialized techniques needed to achieve excellent results on larger bodies. Rather than develop those techniques, they shift the burden to patients.

Dr. Cornélio's Specialized Approach for Plus-Size Patients

1. Comprehensive Liposuction (Always Included)

While other surgeons charge $3,500-4,000 extra for liposuction, Dr. Cornélio includes it as standard because it's essential for plus-size results. Comprehensive liposuction removes excess tissue along the lateral chest, creating clean borders and eliminating rolls.

"Without comprehensive lipo, plus-size patients are left with a flat center but bulky, undefined sides. That's not acceptable." — Dr. Cornélio

2. Lateral Axis Remodeling™

This proprietary technique specifically addresses the axillary-to-lateral chest transition—the area where "dog ears" typically form. By strategically contouring this region, Dr. Cornélio creates smooth, masculine borders that eliminate bulges and define where your chest ends.

200+ plus-size patients have achieved clean lateral borders with zero dog ears using this technique.

3. Selective Tissue Design for Proportional Results

Rather than removing all tissue uniformly, Dr. Cornélio uses selective tissue preservation to create pectoral definition that looks natural and proportional to your body type. The goal isn't to make you look like a smaller person—it's to create masculine contours that match your frame.

4. Extended Post-Op Taping Protocol

Plus-size patients benefit from an extended taping and compression protocol that helps refine contours during the healing process. This structured approach ensures your results maintain their definition as swelling resolves.

Real Results: Patient Testimonials

"Other surgeons said I needed to lose weight first. Dr. Cornélio gave me incredible definition at my current size. The lateral contouring is perfect—no dog ears, just a masculine chest."

— Jordan, 32, Texas

"I was terrified I'd have dog ears or lateral rolls. Dr. Cornélio's technique created clean borders and actual pec definition. I finally have the chest I always wanted—at the size I am."

— Marcus, 27, California

Common Questions from Plus-Size Patients

Do I really not need to lose weight first?

Correct. Dr. Cornélio specializes in creating excellent results at your current size. Her techniques are specifically designed for plus-size bodies, so you don't have to wait or change yourself before getting the chest you deserve. With 200+ plus-size cases, she has refined protocols that work.

Will I have "dog ears" or excess tissue on the sides?

No. The Lateral Axis Remodeling™ technique specifically prevents this. Comprehensive liposuction (always included, never extra) eliminates lateral chest rolls and creates clean borders. With 200+ plus-size cases, Dr. Cornélio has refined protocols to prevent dog ears and achieve smooth transitions.

Can you really create definition on a larger body?

Absolutely. This is Dr. Cornélio's specialty. The 3D Sculpting Protocol™ doesn't just remove tissue—it sculpts masculine chest contours with clear pectoral borders and natural definition. Strategic liposuction and selective tissue design create results that look natural and proportional to your body type.

How much does plus-size chest contouring cost?

All-inclusive packages range from $6,000-$8,000 and include comprehensive liposuction (which other surgeons charge $3,500-4,000 extra for). This covers surgery, hospital stay, accommodation, transportation, post-op care, and all necessary procedures for optimal results.

Is recovery different for plus-size patients?

Recovery timelines are similar to standard cases—most patients return to light activities in 2-3 weeks and full activities in 6-8 weeks. You'll receive an extended taping protocol to optimize contour refinement. You'll stay 7-10 days in Brazil for initial monitoring, then continue recovery at home with virtual follow-ups.

What if I lose weight after surgery?

Your results will only improve. The sculptural definition created during surgery becomes more visible as body fat decreases. Many patients find that having a masculine chest motivates them to pursue fitness goals—but it's not required for excellent results.

Why Plus-Size Patients Choose Dr. Cornélio

No weight loss required: Get excellent results at your current size

200+ plus-size patients: Proven experience and refined protocols

Comprehensive liposuction included: Never charged extra—always standard

Lateral Axis Remodeling™: Eliminates dog ears and creates clean borders

True definition, not just flat: Sculpted, proportional results that match your body

The Bottom Line

You shouldn't have to lose weight to access gender-affirming care. You shouldn't have to accept suboptimal results because of your body size. And you definitely shouldn't have to pay thousands extra for the techniques needed to achieve definition.

Dr. Cornélio's specialized approach creates clear masculine definition, clean lateral borders, and proportional results—at your current size, with comprehensive liposuction included, for a total cost that's often lower than US surgeons who require weight loss and charge extra for lipo.

Ready to Achieve Masculine Definition at Your Current Size?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your goals and see how specialized techniques can create the results you want—no weight loss required.