How is top surgery done?
Jackson Reed What is the top surgery process?
Top surgery, or male chest reconstruction, involves the surgical removal of breast tissue and tailoring of the remaining chest skin, when needed, to generate a masculine chest contour. Usually, the surgery involves reducing the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
How painful is top surgery?
It's encouraged that pain medication is used when needed, but patients typically find that pain during recovery is very minimal and subsides after a couple of days. Apart from some pain, patients will experience slight discomfort from the swelling and bruising of the chest, but this can be managed with ice packs.
Do they remove your nipples during top surgery?
This procedure is usually an outpatient surgery that takes between 3 and 4 hours for the surgeon to perform. In this procedure, the nipples are removed, typically decreased in size, and positioned on the chest to match a more male or masculine appearance.
What is the process for FTM top surgery?
The procedure involves removing excess fat and skin, and repositioning the nipples to create a natural-looking flat chest.
...
It involves:
- Making an incision along the bottom half of your areola, so it's semi-attached.
- Removing breast tissue and performing liposuction.
- Resizing your nipple if necessary.
LIVE SURGERY of Transgender FTM/Non-Binary DOUBLE INCISION Top Surgery Performed by Dr. Mosser
When can I shower after top surgery?
Some surgeons say you can shower after 24 hours, but you should shower with your back to the shower head to protect your healing incisions from the direct spray of the water. Afterward, gently pat the chest dry and follow any instructions your surgeon has provided regarding ointments and dressings.
How long after top surgery can I swim?
Keep your scars out of the sun (or wear strong sunscreen) for at least six months. Though you can splash around in the water as soon as 3 weeks after surgery, it is recommended to avoid swimming for exercise (because of the arms-over-shoulders requirement of most swimming strokes) for 6 months following surgery.
What BMI do you need for top surgery?
Surgery is safest when the BMI is between 24-36. I recommend that you have your surgery when your body is at the weight you plan on maintaining for the foreseeable future. If you gain or lose a lot of weight after surgery, the way your chest looks will change also, and not always for the better.
How long do I have to wear the binder after top surgery?
We advice you to wear a compression binder after Top Surgery, 24/7 for at least 4 weeks. The binder helps prevent fluid build up and aids the skin in adhering back to the chest wall.
Can you reverse top surgery?
Top surgery is permanent and cannot be reversed. Your chest will never look the same as it did before surgery. For this reason, it is important that you are sure of your goals prior to undergoing surgery.
How much does top surgery cost?
In general, the cost of FTM Top Surgery ranges from $5000 - $10,000 USD. This may or may not include consultation fees. A down payment is usually required to secure a surgery date. The amount of this down payment varies by surgeon but usually ranges between $500 - $2000, and up to 50% of the total Top Surgery cost.
How do you sleep after top surgery?
Plan to sleep on your back with several pillows to elevate the head of your bed. This is to lessen the amount of swelling you experience, which may worsen in the first few days after surgery before getting better. Plan to sleep on your back for the first 6 weeks after surgery while your chest heals.
Do you get a catheter during top surgery?
Some people describe the sensation as having jumped forward in time. Once you are under, the surgical team may or may not place a urinary catheter. The use of a catheter depends on the preferences of the surgical team and how long the surgery is expected to take. Your skin will then be cleaned and prepared for surgery.
Do you have to stop testosterone before top surgery?
Many Top Surgery surgeons require patients to stop testosterone 1-2 weeks before Top Surgery, and some surgeons also require that the next scheduled dose be delayed by an additional week or two after Top Surgery.
Is Top surgery a major surgery?
Top surgery is major surgery, so it's important to discuss your health with your doctor. If you have other health conditions that make treatment unsafe, you might have to delay top surgery.
Can I lay on my stomach after top surgery?
Talk to your doctor about ways you can keep your body safe while sleeping in this position. In most cases, sleeping on your stomach after surgery is not advised. This position could compromise the health of your spine and put too much pressure on your hips or other areas of the body.
How do you pay for top surgery FTM?
Consider these options to pay for gender-affirming surgery and care:
- Online personal loan.
- Credit union personal loan.
- Credit card.
- CareCredit.
- Home equity line of credit.
- Family loan.
Do you need gender therapy to get top surgery?
The WPATH Standards of Care requirements for having Top Surgery are pretty straightforward: Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria; Capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent for treatment; Age of majority in a given country (if younger, follow the SOC for children and adolescents);
Can you feel your chest after top surgery?
The degree of sensation after surgery is usually similar to the sensation of the upper chest before surgery. So, sensation is still present, but is diminished from the “hypersensation” of the nipples that is usually present before surgery.
When can I start scar treatment after top surgery?
You may begin scar therapy approximately 8-weeks after surgery.
How long after top surgery can I lift weights?
Regular exercise routines, including weight lifting, can usually be resumed 5-6 weeks after surgery. If you are a bodybuilder, or lift heavy weights, you may have to wait as long as three months before you can resume your normal workout.
How do you take care of your nipples after top surgery?
Avoid any heavy lifting or intense exercise that involves the upper body during this time. This can aggravate the chest. After the first week, if you have the double incision mastectomy, there will be daily dressing changes using an antibacterial ointment. Change your nipple dressing after showering.
Can you fly after top surgery?
How long do I need to stay in town following my FTM Top Surgery? Dr. Steinwald requires his patients to stay in town for one week post op. Barring any unforeseen complications, you will be cleared to travel at your one week post-op appointment.
What is top surgery recovery like?
It may be 1-2 weeks before you'll feel comfortable returning to work or school. Those with more strenuous jobs involving physical labor may require as long as 4-6 weeks. Pushing yourself before you're ready can lead to setbacks in recovery.
Can you get top surgery 14?
For patients who are younger than 18 years old, parental consent must be provided in order to undergo FTM top surgery. The WPATH also recommends a time period in which an adolescent can adjust to a masculine gender role prior to undergoing the procedure.
