FTM top surgery
FTM top surgery is one of the first surgeries some trans men request. Removing the breasts is often one of the first steps to align their body contour with their gender identity.
WHAT IS FEMALE TO MALE (FTM) TOP SURGERY?
FTM top surgery, or trans mastectomy, is a gender affirming surgery that involves the removal of mammary gland tissue while preserving the areola and nipple, adjusting their size if necessary. There are three techniques for performing the mastectomy, with the choice primarily depending on the size of the breasts.
Additionally, the surgeon may recommend prior liposuction of the area to minimise scarring. The goal of this procedure is to achieve a smooth, symmetrical chest, resulting in the masculinization of the chest.
FTM top surgery before and after
This procedure achieves a smoother chest with areolas and nipples in harmony with the body.
THE TRANS MASTECTOMY
Three different techniques can be used to perform the mastectomy, primarily depending on the size of the breasts:
- The periareolar technique is usually chosen when the chest is small. It involves making an incision around the areola, through which the glandular tissue is removed. This technique results in minimal scarring.
- The extended periareolar technique is used when the breasts are large. It involves making the periareolar incision plus another extending towards the armpit through which the glandular tissue is removed. In this case, the scars are more visible than with the periareolar technique, although they can be concealed over time by body hair.
- The free nipple graft technique is used when the breasts are very large or when the patient is considered a “heavy” smoker. The surgeon opts for areola grafts during the surgery.
All these techniques can include reducing the size of the areola and nipple, which can improve the final result in some cases. Prior liposuction can also be used to reduce scar size and improve chest contour.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE OPERATION
Pre-surgery consultation
Before the surgery, it is important to have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history and any concerns. A comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood tests, a chest X-ray and an ECG, may be required to ensure you are in good health for the surgery.
Medication and diet
Inform your surgeon about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some may need to be discontinued before the surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying well-hydrated is important, along with following any specific dietary instructions provided by your surgeon.
Day before surgery
Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding fasting, typically avoiding food and drink after midnight. On the day of the surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off.
RECOVERY FROM FTM TOP SURGERY
What is the recovery like after female to male top surgery?
During the surgery, a drain is placed in each breast to facilitate the removal of retained fluids and prevent hematoma. These drains are removed after 48 hours. After that, you will need to wear a compression garment, band, or shirt for one or two weeks, as recommended by the medical team. This compression band prevents hematoma formation and helps shape and adapt the skin.
You can return to your usual life 24 hours after the surgical procedure, but you should avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects.
When can I return to sports after a trans mastectomy?
Consult your doctor about when it is appropriate to resume your sports routine and what type of physical activity is most suitable until you have fully recovered. Remember that during the first few days, you should not lift heavy objects or exert yourself with the upper body.
How should I sleep during the recovery?
It is highly recommended to sleep on your back for at least the first month after the trans mastectomy. However, this always depends on each patient’s recovery.
RESULTS OF FTM TOP SURGERY
The results are excellent and can be seen immediately, although you must wait for the swelling to go down before checking the final shape. Your breasts are smoother, while your areolas and nipples are in harmony with your chest’s new masculine appearance, which is aesthetically similar to that of a cis man.
Once the drains are removed, the patient’s recovery is much faster. After 10 days of FTM top surgery, the decrease in inflammation begins to be noticed.
Generally, you will lose erotic sensation, but after this FTM surgery you can expect your nipples to be sensitive to pressure sensation or temperature. Also, this surgery includes some tingling that will normally go away within a few weeks or months.
FAQS ABOUT FTM top surgery
Who can undergo this surgery?
All those trans men who want to achieve a smooth, flat and symmetrical chest, resulting in a masculinisation of the chest.
How long does the surgery take?
This gender affirmation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and usually lasts 2–3 hours.
How painful is FTM top surgery?
You may feel some pain for the first couple of days, but don’t worry! Your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.
How much is top surgery?
The price of a FTM top surgery can be different depending on the case of the person. It must also be taken into account if the chest operation is decided to be combined with other treatments. A first visit is recommended to assess the patient’s case to make a personalised budget.
TIPS AFTER FEMALE TO MALE top surgery
COMPRESSION GARMENT
You must wear a compression garment (such as a girdle, band or compression shirt) 24 hours a day, even sleeping during the first week or days, as advised by the medical team. You can only take it off to shower. Ensure it is thoroughly dried before putting it back on to maintain its effectiveness and prevent skin irritations.
DRAINS
You will wear drains for the first 48 hours to improve fluid removal. These drains will be removed by a member of the IM GENDER team. This is a simple, usually painless procedure that helps reduce postoperative swelling and accelerates recovery. Please, contact us if there are any signs of infection.
RETURN TO SPORTS
Before restarting your sport routine, consult your doctor when it is appropriate to start and what type of physical activity is the most appropriate until your complete recovery. Remember that during the first days you should not take on weight or make efforts with the upper part of the body.
Anna La Spisa28 Noviembre 2023Esperienza positiva chirurghi ottimi, infermiere molto preparate e dolcissime, Aida e Rosa super umane, ma la dottoressa Brandalisio ha fatto la differenza su tutti, preparata, umana, dolce, disponibile, un'amore di persona. Una critica costruttiva devo farla tutto lussuoso ma non pensato per stendere pochi indumenti lavati
Tone Vik31 Julio 2023I had GRS in May 2023. Here is a short summary of my experience. When you contact the clinic, you’ll get a personal patient coordinator that will answer and support you through the whole process, both before and after the surgery. The communication is professional, personal and efficient. WhatsApp is the main communication platform, and it works very well. The clinic is beautiful and top notch on all levels. You almost forget that you are in a clinic and might think of it more as a hotel (with surgery services). Please see the attached pictures, and you will understand what I mean. The staff is warm and friendly and really do what they can to make you feel comfortable, from the nurses to the cleaning personnel. It is really nice to be so well looked after, and I have such good memories from my week at the clinic. The surgeons, I was so fortunate to have Dr. Labanca, but they are all world class, which ensures that the results probably will exceed your expectations. Of course this is a very personal opinion, but for me it was like that. It’s hard to describe how happy I am now. You can bring a friend or a family member for no extra cost the week you are at the clinic. My best friend came down on the 5th day, and that was also one important factor when I chose this clinic. The support you get from having a friend or family member present is almost priceless. A short 5 minute walk from the clinic you’ll find apartments you can stay at for an additional week or two while you recover and heal. It was very reassuring and comforting to have the clinic so close the two weeks I stayed after checking out from the clinic. An important part of the healing process is to just move your body, and the beautiful city of Sant Cugat is a nice 20 minute walk from the apartment, where you can enjoy shopping, restaurants and just the nice relaxing atmosphere. The aftercare and regular follow up when you have left the clinic ensures that everything is working as it should, and if not, they will correct at no extra cost. The aftercare period lasts one year after the surgery. To sum up, you are really in the best hands and in the best place at IM Clinic. I highly recommend this clinic for GRS.
Victoria Timoniere24 Abril 2023Due mesi fa ho avuto la grande fortuna di affidarmi al team di IMgender , un esperienza indimenticabile che mi ha cambiata la vita facendomi rinascere finalmente nel corpo giusto . La clinica è super moderna è attrezzata , pulita e tutto lo staff è super gentile e accogliente .
Renn Love14 Abril 2023My experience with IM Clinic from the start to where I am today has been nothing but exceptional. From my initial contact with Aida, to my consultations with my surgeons Dr's Gómez, Herrero and Beltrán, my anaesthetist and care from the nurses. The cleaning staff were extremely discrete and the food for both myself and my wife, who was also looked after during my stay, was good. Myself and my wife were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. On the day of my surgeries my surgeons continuously re-assured me as they could see how nervous I was and it felt like nothing was too much trouble. My wife was also informed of my progress during surgery and reassured all was ok. I highly recommend IM Clinic and would not hesitate in returning, should I feel the need.
Sun Belardinelli11 Marzo 2023Ho aspettato qualche mese dopo l'operazione prima di scrivere questa recensione perché volevo essere sicuro dei risultati. La parola che mi viene in mente è PERFETTO, la clinica è perfetta, l'operazione è andata ancora meglio di quanto sognassi, il trattamento che ho ricevuto da TUTTI, medici, infermiere, tutto il personale, è stato impeccabile, caloroso e amichevole; mi hanno fatto sentire meglio che a casa (non solo a me, ma anche alla persona che mi accompagnava), ancora meglio di un hotel di lusso; mi hanno veramente trattato come un re, non solo come un paziente. L'operazione in sé è stata perfetta, il pre- e post- operatorio gestiti benissimo anche a distanza; mi hanno dato istruzioni chiare e medicinali appositi per curare le ferite e il dolore. Grazie a questo sono rimasto tranquillo per tutto il tempo, sapendo di essere nelle migliori mani. Un consiglio che mi sento di dare a chi vorrebbe operarsi da IM è: fate tutte le domande che vi vengono in mente e anche quelle che non vi vengono in mente! Soprattutto per chi viene dall'estero come ho fatto io è importante avere ben chiaro ogni dettaglio, e le persone con cui parlerete saranno felici di chiarire qualsiasi dubbio. Raramente ho trovato persone così pazienti, competenti e alla mano. Se e quando avrò bisogno di fare un'altra operazione la farò sicuramente da IM. Ormai ho trovato il posto dei sogni e non lo lascio più!
Alexa Valianatos10 Agosto 2022Hey, I am Alexa Valianatos and on 14th June i had my vaginoplasty surgery at IM Clinic. Here i found a greate, super friendly and profesional team which whose totally prompt answering to all my needs. Viewing my research before surgery and my experience in the clinic and after that, i can say that IM Clinic I'd the best clinic in Europe at least regarding my surgery tipe and my needs, i can say 100% that i found the 5* clinic . After two months from my surgery i already decide to make the next steps for next surgery in the same clinic . Many worm thank to doctor Ivan Mañero and entire clinic team . You are the best .
Aaron O'Donnell19 Julio 2022Thank you IM Clinic!!! I had FtM Top Surgery (double mastectomy/gender reassignment) at IM clinic in July 2021. As I was travelling from the UK I was weary about the procedure, however their standard of care goes above and beyond to accommodate their patients and ensure maximum comfort. I had surgery with Dr Herrero, who was an absolute pleasure to meet and a brilliant surgeon. The team were a delight and made me feel genuinely safe and as comfortable as possible. The procedure I had is not very common and is somewhat hard to acquire in the UK, but the team at IM Clinic took me in with ease and listened to my worries and requests. The care i received at IM Clinic was impeccable - between the food, the staff, the surgery and everything else - i cannot fault it. I am forever grateful to Dr Mañero, Dr Herrero and the entire care team at the clinic. Thank you so much!! I am now one year post-op and happier than ever.
NEWS ABOUT FTM TOP SURGERY
IM GENDER team
At IM GENDER we have been specialising in the care of transgender people for more than 20 years. Two decades of experience, professionalism, research and training endorse our medical team.
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