New York, New york

Female-To-Male Top Surgery

FTM top surgery, or chest masculinization, can be a life-changing procedure for transgender and gender non-conforming patients. Dr. Jonathan Keith and Dr. Drew Marano are world-renowned experts in transmasculine procedures who frequently performs FTM top surgery to help patients overcome gender dysphoria.

transgender person posing with sunglasses in front of a yellow wall with a black and white checkered purse and black shirt

What Is Female-To-Male (FTM) Top Surgery?

FTM top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure performed to masculinize the chest area. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals for treatment, FTM top surgery may involve:

Removing unwanted breast tissue
Reshaping, resizing, and/or repositioning the nipples
Removing excess skin
Adjusting the skin to complement the patient’s new chest shape

FTM top surgery requires advanced techniques and should only be performed by a board-certified, qualified surgeon with experience in transmasculine procedures.

FTM Top Surgery Surgical Techniques

At your consultation with Dr. Keith and Dr. Marano, based on your anatomy and specific goals of surgery, you will decide as a team what technique is best for you.

This is the most frequently performed chest masculinization procedure. A horizontal incision is made on either side of the chest area to allow for the removal of breast tissue and excess skin. The nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is then removed and placed back down as a graft, in a more masculine size, position, and shape.

(concentric-circle technique)

Periareolar top surgery can be an effective technique for patients whose treatment goals can be accomplished with the removal of minimal to moderate volumes of breast tissue and skin. This technique involves an incision around each areola. This technique is limited in its ability to resize and reposition the nipple-areolar complex.

- This is the most frequently performed chest masculinization procedure. A horizontal incision is made on either side of the chest area to allow for the removal of breast tissue and excess skin. The nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is then removed and placed back down as a graft, in a more masculine size, position, and shape.
- (concentric-circle technique)
  
  Periareolar top surgery can be an effective technique for patients whose treatment goals can be accomplished with the removal of minimal to moderate volumes of breast tissue and skin. This technique involves an incision around each areola. This technique is limited in its ability to resize and reposition the nipple-areolar complex.

Ideal Candidates for FTM Top Surgery

FTM top surgery is ideal for patients who want a flatter male chest aesthetic. Non-smokers in good overall health are ideal candidates for FTM top surgery. Candidates have realistic expectations and have considered having a more masculine chest area for a long time. FTM top surgery is a great solution for patients who are using compression garments to have a flatter chest area and are at risk of potential complications such as skin damage, breathing shortness, discomfort, and even broken ribs. Candidates are at a relatively stable body weight with no plans for a significant weight change.

What to Expect During Your FTM Top Surgery Consultation

Your consultation in New Jersey will be personally handled by Dr. Marano or Dr. Keith. He will ask about your goals and aesthetic preferences regarding your chest area. He will conduct a physical exam. Your medical history will also be evaluated to determine potential health risks. Dr. Keith and his team will design a personalized FTM top surgical plan. He will explain every detail of the surgery to you, including the preparation, recovery process, and cost estimate. You will also see photos of potential results. You can raise any concerns you may have, and Dr. Keith will properly address each of them. A date will be chosen for your surgery.

What Happens During FTM Top Surgery?

FTM top surgeries usually last 3-5 hours depending on the surgical plan. Anesthesia will be administered. Targeted incisions will be performed according to the chosen surgical technique. Skin and breast tissue will be removed to create masculine contours.

The areolae and nipples will be resized and repositioned to aid in this process. The incisions will be sutured, and the chest area will be bandaged to complete the surgery.

FTM Top Surgery Recovery

You can go home once your condition has stabilized. You will be required to wear a compression garment during the recovery period. Drains may also be inserted to prevent potential fluid buildup. Prescription medications and recovery instructions will be provided. You will have to sleep on your back during recovery. Pain, swelling, and discomfort may be experienced for the first few weeks. You must properly rest and avoid actions that can affect the chest area such as lifting and reaching. The compression bandage must be regularly replaced according to the instructions. Top surgery recovery requires you to restrict your activities for several weeks to support the healing process and avoid compromising your results. The length of your recovery will depend on the extent of your procedure, your body’s natural rate of healing, and how closely you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon. There may be potential complications that you may experience after the FTM top surgery. To help avoid these complications, it is important to choose a highly skilled surgeon who has years of experience performing FTM top surgery, such as Dr. Keith in New Jersey.

Costs

The Cost of Ftm Top Surgery in New Jersey

Since every patient’s case is different, FTM top surgery varies in price due to a number of factors. The exact techniques employed for a patient’s FTM top surgery can affect the overall cost of the procedure. The amount of tissue removed can impact the price, as can the anesthesia fees and the total time required to perform the surgery. The cost of FTM surgery is usually covered by a patient’s health insurance provider. It will be important to contact your health insurance provider prior to the procedure in order to learn more about your coverage.

Learn More about FTM Top Surgery

Dr. Keith, Dr. Marano, and their talented team frequently perform gender-affirming procedures like FTM top surgery. They understand the highly personal nature of transmasculine procedures and are passionate about honoring each patient’s unique vision for their body. To learn more about FTM’s top surgery in New Jersey, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

For informational purposes only: A link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public.

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