FTM Top Surgery
FTM top surgery, or chest masculinization, can be a life-changing procedure for transgender and gender non-conforming patients. Dr. Jonathon Keith is a board-certified plastic surgeon and world-renowned expert in transmasculine procedures who frequently performs FTM top surgery to help patients overcome gender dysphoria.
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.
Chest Masculization:
View MoreIdeal 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 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 Consultation
Your consultation will be personally handled by 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 the 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.
FTM Top Surgery Surgical Techniques
At your consultation with Dr. Keith, based on your anatomy and specific goals of surgery, you will decide as a team what technique is best for you.
- Double incision: 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.
- Periareolar (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.
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 their 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.
The Cost of Ftm Top Surgery
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.
Patients Under Age 18
The team at ECAPS will consider candidacy for younger patients under age 18 who provide referral letters from a mental health professional and have parental consent.
“Dr. Keith is simply one of the most caring and compassion surgeons I’ve ever met. He explained my procedure and recovery very throughly. Pre and postop he was reassuring and attentive. Removal of breasts and chest masculinization (involving large breasts): outcome is even better than I expected. Virtually no pain and a speedy recovery. His staff works hard to handle insurance approval and claims. He is very supportive and proactive for his transgender patients. I can’t recommend him enough.”
Learn More about FTM Top Surgery
Dr. Keith and his 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 top surgery in New Jersey, contact our office to schedule a consultation.