What is top Surgery?
The procedure removes breast tissue and is customized to each individual’s body type, goals, and skin elasticity. For people living with gender dysphoria, it can be life-changing, not just in the mirror, but in daily comfort and mental health. Here, we’ll walk through the main surgical procedures, what recovery is like, and how costs are determined.
Patients want a chest that feels right, whether that’s a flat chest under a T-shirt or a male chest with definition across the pectoral muscles. For some, it means finally saying goodbye to the weight of chest tissue and the discomfort it brings.
Gender affirming chest surgery can make everyday life easier. Sometimes there’s excess skin to address, sometimes not. That’s why the first step is a thorough consultation. We look at skin elasticity, body shape, goals, and any mental health concerns that might need attention along the way.
We’ll also go over the practical side. If your insurance requires it, a letter from a mental health provider may be needed, and certain WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) standards will apply. The goal is a plan that fits your body and your life, so you feel ready walking into the operating room and confident walking out.
Who is a Good Candidate for Top Surgery?
During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate several factors to determine if you’re a good candidate for FTM top surgery. They’ll examine your mammary tissue, breast size, skin elasticity, as well as other health factors to see if you would benefit from FTM top surgery. During the planning process, you’ll gain a detailed understanding of the surgery procedure, allowing you to make an informed decision about your body.
When you meet with your surgeon to discuss top surgery, bring your questions, even the smallest ones. This is when you’ll cover your goals, any mental health concerns, and what you hope your chest will look and feel like afterward. Expect a conversation about possible changes in nipple sensation, technique choices like the double incision, and the risks, from blood clots to the chance of a surgical revision down the road. The aim is simple: leave that room with a clear plan and confidence in your procedure.
Types of Top Surgeries
There’s no single “right” approach to top surgery. The best method depends on your goals, your chest shape, and how your skin moves and heals. Some patients want to keep as much nipple sensation as possible. Others need a technique that removes more mammary tissue or extra skin. Your surgeon will walk through each option so you can decide what feels right for you.
Inverted T
With the Inverted T, the surgeon makes an anchor-shaped set of incisions to take out tissue and reshape the chest. It’s often chosen for larger chests or when skin elasticity isn’t ideal. Because part of the nipple’s connection to the body is kept, there’s a better chance of holding on to some sensation.
Keyhole Top Surgery
The Keyhole method works through a small incision along the edge of the areola. It’s suited to patients with smaller chests and skin that will naturally tighten after surgery. There’s usually less scarring, and nipple placement stays close to where it was before. For the right body type, it can give a clean, masculine-looking chest without extra skin removal.
Double Incision
The double incision technique is common in FTM top surgery. It’s the go-to option for medium to large breast sizes or when excess skin needs to be removed. The surgeon makes two horizontal cuts to remove breast tissue and contour the area. A free nipple graft can be used to place the nipples in a natural position. It does leave more visible scarring, but it also offers the most control over shaping the chest.
Top Surgery Recovery
The first few days after FTM top surgery are usually the slowest. You’ll leave with dressings over your incision lines, possibly with drains to prevent fluid buildup from causing pressure, and clear instructions from your surgeon on how to rest, move, and keep the area clean. You’ll notice swelling and bruising early on, most patients do, but those fade with time.
Lifting your arms too high or reaching for heavy things is off-limits for a while. Even small pulls can disrupt healing. Give your chest tissue and skin the chance to settle into their new shape. As the weeks pass, you’ll start to see the outline of a masculine-looking chest, though final results take longer.
Follow-up visits matter. They’re not just quick check-ins; they’re where we make sure your blood supply to the nipple area is healthy, that scars are softening, and that nothing points to a complication. Sensation changes are normal, and your surgeon will help you understand what’s temporary and what might need extra care. Many patients say these visits help ease lingering gender dysphoria because they see steady progress toward the chest they’ve wanted.
Top Surgery Before and After
When doing research about top surgery for yourself, it’s important to know how to find the right surgeon for you. Examining a surgeon’s before-and-after photos can provide a valuable indication of their skill and capability. When reviewing their top surgery before and after photos, look for a good mix of results to ensure they can achieve excellent results for your body type.
Top Surgery Cost
Costs vary depending on the technique, surgeon, and facility. Quotes are provided during consultation. Several factors influence the cost of the surgical procedure. For example, the type of surgery method required, the surgeon’s base rates, the copays for required medication, and whether a future revision is needed all affect the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Surgery Near Me
Search for qualified surgeons in your area who specialize in chest surgery and follow WPATH standards.
What is FTM Top Surgery?
A gender affirming surgery that removes breast tissue to create a male chest or flatter contour.
What is MTF Top Surgery?
A procedure that adds volume and shapes the chest for a feminine appearance, often using implants or fat transfer.
Is Top Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Some plans have surgery covered if it’s medically necessary for gender dysphoria. Most insurance companies have their own approval process.
Top Surgery Recovery Timeline
Initial recovery takes a few weeks, with full healing over several months, depending on the healing process and procedure type.
How Old Do You Have to be to Get Top Surgery?
Many surgeons require patients to be 18 or older; some may operate on minors with consent, depending on the given country and regulations.
How Long Does Top Surgery Take?
Most surgery procedures last 2–4 hours, depending on breast size and chosen technique.
References
- https://healthcare.utah.edu/transgender-health/gender-affirmation-surgery/transmasculine-top-surgery
- https://www.denverhealth.org/services/lgbtq-services/gender-affirming-surgery/chest-reconstruction-surgery
- https://www.folxhealth.com/library/top-surgery-101-procedures-cost-and-safety
- https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/top-surgery
Experience Aesthera
Take control of your future by taking this significant step towards transitioning genders through our expert care at Aesthera Plastic Surgery. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate support, personalized solutions, and exceptional care throughout your top surgery journey. Schedule an appointment with us today so that we can guide you through each phase of this complex procedure designed to align your physical appearance with your authentic self.
Experience Aesthera
Take control of your future by taking this significant step towards transitioning genders through our expert care at Aesthera Plastic Surgery. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate support, personalized solutions, and exceptional care throughout your gender affirmation surgery journey. Schedule an appointment with us today so that we can guide you through each phase of this complex surgical procedure designed to align your physical appearance with your authentic self.
