What You Need to Know About FTM Top Surgery
By Beverly Fischer on January 1, 1970
Gender Affirmation
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You Need to Know A
If you or a loved one is considering female-to-male (FTM) top surgery, we are here to help! The field is evolving, and we can provide you with the latest information to help you navigate your options. As you’re aware, FTM top surgery is a big decision, and keeping all the dos and don’ts straight can feel overwhelming. Dr. Fischer and the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) team have helped many clients achieve the bodies that they were meant to have, and as your partners in this journey we are here to guide you along every step of the way.
What is FTM Top Surgery?
Female-to-male (FTM) top surgery creates a more masculine-looking chest. It is typically performed on transgender men (men who were assigned female at birth but are now reclaiming their correct gender identity). It removes fat from your breasts and chest area to create a more muscular top. Top surgery is an important step in the transformation, and helps patients relieve their gender dysphoria and prevents the health problems caused by chest binding, an alternate solution.This procedure is considered a gender-affirming surgery, and it can help alleviate gender incongruence and the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany it.
How to Prepare for FTM Surgery
FTM Top surgery is considered major surgery, so there are several steps you must follow before undergoing the procedure. You will need to first meet the specific guidelines outlined by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). As part of this process, you will need to receive a mental health evaluation(s) from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist that will serve as proof that you understand the procedure you will be undergoing. You will also likely already be on gender-affirming hormone therapy testosterone treatments, and be seeing a therapist regularly. As with any procedure of this type, you’ll also need to enlist the help of a board certified surgeon so that the surgery is as safe and effective as possible.
The entire process can take upwards of a year, and it involves many physical changes, so it’s important to approach it with this in mind. Both FTM top surgery as well as FTM bottom surgery and facial masculinization have many different options. When you meet with Dr. Fischer, she will make sure that you’re aware of all potential gender reassignment surgeries to ensure you’re receiving the surgery that makes the most sense for you and your goals.
What to Expect During FTM Surgery
There are several types of FTM top surgeries. At ACPS, Dr. Fischer performs periareolar surgery and double-incision surgery, both of which leave minimal scarring and can be performed on almost all breast sizes. Periareolar surgery is best suited for those with small to moderate sized breasts with good elasticity. Double-incision surgery is best suited for those with larger breasts. During your consultation, Dr. Fischer will discuss your medical history and evaluate your breasts to determine which surgery is optimal for you. Whichever surgery you’re prescribed, you can expect that:
- Both of your breasts will be removed with a double mastectomy.
- The excess skin around your breasts will be removed along with the underlying tissue.
- Your areola and nipple will be repositioned to sit in a more natural space on your chest.
- Other changes may be made to create a more flat-looking, natural chest.
Dr. Fischer will go through these steps with you in greater detail leading up to your surgery.
FTM Surgery Recovery
Luckily, recovery from FTM top surgery is easier than the surgery itself. After you receive top surgery, you will need to place compression bandages on your chest for three to six weeks. This will prevent any fluid from pooling and causing infections, as well as reduce scarring. You will also need to sleep on your back for the length of the recovery period and take it easy. Resting and taking pain medications will help you recover as quickly as possible. Expect to need two full weeks of rest and six to eight weeks before you can raise your arms over your head and perform heavy exercises or activities.
Before and After
After your gender affirmation surgery you will no longer have breasts, but will have a masculine chest instead. FTM top surgery has an excellent outcome; the hardest part of recovery is that it can take several months for the scars and pain to completely dissipate. However, those who go through the procedure report an increased quality of life and satisfaction with their gender congruence.
FTM Top Surgery, Periareolar Surgery Before and After:
FTM Top Surgery, Double-Incision Surgery Before and After:
Getting Started
If you or a loved one is about to undergo this process, you may be feeling overwhelmed and that is completely normal. Dr. Beverly Fischer and her team are here to help. When you meet with her, you’ll receive realistic expectations, answers to any questions, and the confidence and reassurance you need to move forward. With over 20+ years of experience as a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fischer is committed to offering the very best transgender care.
Don’t spend time searching for “gender reassignment doctors near me.” Contact Dr. Fischer and start your gender affirmation process today with an expert in the plastic surgery industry, and a team that is committed to ensuring that our patients feel as good about how they look on the outside as who they are on the inside.
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Dr. Beverly A. Fischer is passionate about her role as a leading female plastic and cosmetic surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland and beyond. She believes that plastic surgery makes a positive, life-changing difference, whether you’re renewing your body, face, and skin or embarking on an entire gender transition.
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