Your Guide To A Successful FTM Top Surgery | ENBYNYC
Author: Pedro Santos
Date: 08-November-2022
If you are considering FTM top surgery, you want to ensure that you are doing everything possible to ensure a successful outcome. This guide will help you prepare for surgery and recover properly so that you can feel confident about your results.
Table Of Content
What Is A FTM Top Surgery?
Types Of FTM Top Surgery
- Double Incision
- Peri-Areolar
- Buttonhole
- Keyhole
- Inverted-T
How To Prepare To Have A Successful FTM Top Surgery?
- Choose the right surgeon
- Get in shape
- Mental preparation
- Get organized
What Is The Recovery Time For FTM Top Surgery?
Post Care For A Successful FTM Top Surgery
What Are The Risks Of FTM Top Surgery?
Infection
Bleeding
Necrosis
Asymmetry
Poor Scarring
Final Words
What Is A FTM Top Surgery?
FTM Top Surgery is a procedure that some transgender men undergo to remove their breasts. This is done by surgery surgeons who are experienced in this type of procedure and can give you the results you desire.
The goal of this top surgery is to create a more masculine-looking chest. It is a gender-affirming surgery that can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life. In addition, this procedure can also reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by removing excess breast tissue. This is a major surgery and you need to undergo mental health evaluation and physical preparation before going through with it.
Types Of FTM Top Surgery
Here are the most common surgical techniques that are used for FTM top surgery:
1. Double Incision
Double incision top surgery is the most common and versatile type of FTM surgery and is often recommended for patients with larger chests. This procedure involves making two incisions along the chest, which allows the surgeon to remove excess tissue in the breast and skin. Surgery recovery times for this procedure are typically longer than for other top surgery techniques, but the results are very effective.
2. Peri-Areolar
The peri-areolar breast lift also called a donut mastopexy, is ideal for women with small- to medium-sized breasts. It involves making an incision around the edge of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). This technique can be used to slightly reposition the nipple and areola, as well as to remove excess skin and tighten the breast tissue.
3. Buttonhole
The buttonhole technique of top surgery is a variation of the peri-areolar lift that can be used for patients with very small breasts. It involves making a small incision around the edge of the areola and then using a special needle to create a tunnel underneath the skin. This technique can be used to reposition the nipple and areola and remove excess skin.
4. Keyhole
The keyhole top surgery is a variation of the double incision that is often recommended for patients with smaller chests. This procedure involves making an incision around the edge of the areola and then using a special needle to create a tunnel underneath the skin. This technique can be used to reposition the nipple and areola and remove excess skin.
5. Inverted-T
The inverted-T top surgery is a variation of the double incision that is often recommended for patients with large chests. This procedure involves making an incision along the chest, which allows the surgeon to remove excess breast tissue and skin. The nipple and areola are then repositioned and the skin is tightened.
How To Prepare To Have A Successful FTM Top Surgery?
A gender-affirming surgery is a life-changing event. Whether you are considering top surgery or any other type of gender-affirming surgery, it is normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. The key to a successful surgery is preparation— both physical and mental.
Here are some suggestions for having a masculine-looking chest:
1. Choose the right surgeon
This is the most crucial choice you will ever make. Conduct research and choose a surgeon who has performed FTM top surgery before.
2. Get in shape
Be sure to follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions regarding diet and exercise. It is important to be as healthy as possible before undergoing top surgery.
3. Mental preparation
Surgery can be a big change, both physically and emotionally. It is important to be prepared mentally for the changes that will occur after surgery. Talk to your surgeon and mental health professional about your expectations and concerns.
4. Get organized
There is a lot of paperwork and prep work that needs to be done before surgery. Make sure you have everything ready ahead of time so there are no surprises later on. This includes filling out any necessary medical forms, gathering all of your insurance information, and getting pre-authorization from your insurance company if necessary.
What Is The Recovery Time For FTM Top Surgery?
The recovery time for this top surgery varies from individual to individual. This gender-affirming surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital. You will be able to go back home on the same day as the surgery. The majority of individuals take two weeks off from jobs or school to recover.
During a surgery recovery period, it is important to avoid strenuous activity, lifting anything heavy, and exposing the chest to direct sunlight. It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions for a successful recovery.
Post Care For A Successful FTM Top Surgery
You and your surgery surgeon should be aware of the importance of post-care for a successful FTM top surgery. Here are some tips:
- Follow your surgeon's instructions carefully and completely. This is the most crucial step you can do to assure a successful outcome in having a masculine chest.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry. Be sure to wash them with soap and water daily, and apply any ointments or creams as directed by your surgeon.
- Take all of your antibiotics as prescribed. This will help to prevent infection.
- Do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of complications, including infection and poor healing.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least six weeks. This will allow your incisions time to heal properly.
- Follow up with your surgeon as scheduled. This is important to ensure that you are healing properly and to catch any problems early on.
With these tips, you can help ensure a successful masculine-looking chest and a positive surgical outcome.
What Are The Risks Of FTM Top Surgery?
Transgender health is an emerging and rapidly changing field, and as such, there is still a lack of long-term data on the safety and efficacy of FTM top surgery. However, the vast majority of patients who undergo the procedure are satisfied with their results and report high levels of satisfaction with their new appearance.
The entire process of FTM top surgery is considered to be very safe. As with every surgical operation, there are risks involved with this one as well. Some potential complications that can occur are:
Infection
This is a complication that can arise after having any kind of surgery performed. It is important to make sure you do everything your surgeon tells you to do to avoid getting an infection. These recommendations may include taking antibiotics and ensuring that your wounds are kept clean and dry.
Bleeding
Another common complication associated with surgery is bleeding. Bleeding can occur both during and after the procedure. It is vital to be sure that you follow all of your surgeon's instructions for preventing or managing bleeding.
Necrosis
Necrosis is a rare complication that can occur when the blood supply to the nipple is cut off during surgery. This can cause the nipple to die and fall off. However, this complication is very rare and can usually be avoided by taking care not to damage the blood vessels during surgery.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is a common concern for many patients undergoing FTM top surgery. However, it's crucial to remember that your chest will likely be asymmetrical before surgery, and that perfect symmetry is not always possible to achieve.
Poor Scarring
Poor scarring is another common concern for patients undergoing FTM top surgery. However, most surgeons are very skilled in techniques that minimize scarring.
These are just some of the potential risks and complications that can occur with FTM top surgery. It is important to discuss all of the risks and complications with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Final Words
Having a top surgery is a huge decision and an even bigger surgery. It's not something to be treated lightly, but if you feel that it's right for you, then go for it! You will never regret making the decision to transition, and your top surgery will be a big part of that journey.
Successful FTM top surgery is a matter of finding the right surgeon with significant experience performing the procedure. There are many ways to secure funding for top surgery, and there is a variety of resources available to assist trans males during their transition. Make sure that you do your research and make sure you are making the best decision for yourself.
Pedro Santos is a professional fitness coach, founder, and CEO of ENBYNYC, He is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for trans people and amplifying their voices. To learn more about him visit his bio.
