Frequently asked questions about FTM top surgery

FTM TOP SURGERY

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) recommends that FTM surgery should be done at or after the “age of majority”.
Most people who have undergone FTM top surgery are eighteen or older. However, a person of younger age is also a good candidate for the procedure if the patient, their legal guardians, and their mental health professional agree to perform the surgery.

Hormone treatment does not significantly affect breast size if the breasts are developed. Hormone treatment prior to surgery is therefore not essential.

Before stopping your hormone treatment you should talk to your endocrinologist, who will inform you of the risks, as if there are still traces of mammary gland after the operation you could have an enlargement of the gland. DO NOT QUIT YOUR TREATMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH YOUR ENDOCRINOLOGIST. It is important for your health.

The most common FTM top surgery is bilateral double incision chest reconstruction, where during this procedure two small incisions are made on both sides of the chest.
There are three different techniques in this gender affirming surgery that can be used to achieve a flatter or more masculine chest like:

• • Periareolar technique.
  • Extended periareolar technique.
  • Free graft technique.

This surgery usually takes around one or two hours, and depending on the case, it may be performed in less than an hour.

It is recommended that pain medication is used when needed. Fortunately, patients usually find that pain during recovery is minimal and goes away after a couple of days. Most trans people who have removed their chest, feel mild discomfort from the swelling and bruising of the chest, but this can be controlled with ice packs.

Yes, it is recommended to wear a compression garment for about four weeks.

You’re able to shower 8-14 days after surgery, when your bandage has been removed and you have received the after care instructions.

It will usually be necessary to wait approximately one month before starting to practise sports or making efforts such as lifting weights. However, it is essential to follow the surgeon’s advice.

After thorax masculinisation, which is performed on trans people, the risk of breast cancer is practically null, as the procedure involves the removal of the entire breast gland. However, very specific cases of breast cancer have been described in mastectomised patients (subcutaneous mastectomy), as only a very small percentage of breast gland remnants remain after the operation. Therefore, self-examination and consultation with your surgeon is advisable in the event of any tumour in the breast or axillary area.

The average cost range for FTM top surgery depends on the unique characteristics of each person.