Dr. Cassie Nghiem
Highly Skilled Top Surgery Surgeon in Washington D.C.
Dr. Cassie Nghiem, MD is an exceptionally trained plastic surgeon in Washington D.C. who specializes in Top Surgery. Known for her surgical skill and artistry, she also possesses a very caring bedside manner. Dr. Nghiem is dedicated to providing the highest quality of gender-affirming surgical care for her patients, more than half of whom are transgender or non-binary.
Dr. Nghiem attended Dartmouth College for undergraduate studies, Georgetown University for a Master's degree in Physiology, and the University of Michigan for her medical degree. She completed her plastic surgery residency at the University of Rochester, serving as Chief Resident, followed by an additional year of fellowship training in aesthetic plastic surgery.
Types of Top Surgery
There are several different ways to perform Top Surgery but the most common techniques are Double Incision, Peri-areolar, Keyhole and Inverted-T. Key factors to consider when choosing a technique are chest size, skin elasticity and nipple sensation. Individuals with medium to large sized chests are usually best served by the Double Incision technique, while those with smaller sized chests with good skin elasticity are candidates for Peri-areolar or Keyhole. Inverted-T is a technique that's similar to Double Incision but retains more nipple sensitivity. These are all topics that Dr. Nghiem will be happy to describe in more detail during your in-person, phone or virtual consultation. Your Top Surgery goals and preferences will also guide that discussion.
Body Contouring
Dr. Nghiem also offers Body Contouring. Using liposuction, she can minimize curves to create a more traditionally masculine body contour when diet and exercise have fallen short. Areas that are commonly treated include the abdomen, hips and inner and outer thighs. The procedure can often be combined with Top Surgery.
Dr. Nghiem performs surgeries at George Washington University Hospital and Glen Echo Surgery Center.
After your surgery, you'll see Dr. Nghiem for regular follow-up appointments to ensure optimal results. If you're coming from out-of-town, it's best to stay in the area for the first one to two weeks after surgery.
Dr. Nghiem requires her patients to stop smoking at least one month before and after surgery and may require blood tests and a mammogram based on age and medical history.
Paying For Surgery
If you're paying out-of-pocket, you'll receive a detailed estimate that will include the cost of your procedure, plus anesthesia and operating room fees, and any needed post surgical compression garments. If you need to bridge a gap between your savings and the cost of your surgery, Dr. Nghiem accepts CareCredit and United Medical Credit, which are medical financing plans that work much like credit cards.
Dr. Nghiem accepts insurance from most commercial health insurance companies, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Federal, Cigna and United Health Care. If you're using insurance, you'll need to provide a letter of support from a mental health provider to get insurance approval.
Dr. Nghiem does not accept Medicaid at this time.
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