Transmasculine Top Surgery
Conveniently located to serve the Twin Cities
The goal of transmasculine top surgery is to remove the breast tissue (mastectomy) from both breasts and create a masculine appearance to the chest.
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. The procedure is also called transgender mastectomy.
Am I a Good Candidate for Transmasculine Top Surgery?
The best candidates for transmasculine top surgery are individuals who have been diagnosed with persistent gender dysphoria. Since the procedure is permanent, a letter of recommendation from a mental health professional must be provided to become eligible for the procedure.
Transmasculine top surgery candidates must have already transitioned socially. Most patients undergoing the surgery are 18 and older, but the procedure can be performed on younger candidates who have consent from legal guardians and mental health professionals.
Candidates with medical or mental health conditions must have them well-controlled to qualify for surgery. Before undergoing transmasculine top surgery, it is important to consult with family doctors and surgeons to ensure the safety of the patient’s overall health.
Like all surgical procedures, candidates must quit smoking for at least four to six weeks before the procedure. Drinking alcohol is prohibited for at least 48 hours beforehand. These lifestyle habits can risk a slower recovery process.
Transmasculine top surgery candidates must also have realistic expectations. The procedure is highly individualized to meet each patient’s appearance goals. It is highly recommended to have a positive outlook and a healthy support system before considering the procedure.
Your Transmasculine Top Surgery Consultation
A transmasculine top surgery consultation will begin with an in-depth conversation about your appearance goals. You are encouraged to be specific in discussing details to make sure that your desired results are achieved. This will also help you set realistic expectations and visualize the possible results of the procedure.
Be ready to discuss your complete medical history, including prescriptions and allergies. You may need to undergo a few lab tests to determine your eligibility for transmasculine top surgery. Your surgeon will use the information gathered to help plan a safe and effective procedure.
The possible surgical techniques will be discussed in detail. You may be asked to choose which surgical approach is more comfortable and preferable for you. Feel free to ask questions at any time.
A list of special instructions will be provided to help you prepare before your transmasculine top surgery. Please follow the surgeon’s directions carefully. Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners can lead to excessive bruising and bleeding, and so your dosage schedule may need to be altered for a time.
How to Prepare for Transmasculine Top Surgery
To prepare for the procedure, transmasculine top surgery patients must request time off from work or school in advance.
Prepare meals ahead of time for at least one week after the procedure. This will help patients avoid exhausting grocery runs and any excessive movement.
A comfortable sleeping area is key to a quick and smooth recovery period. Arrange enough pillows to support you. The surgeon will recommend the correct sleeping position to prevent adding pressure to the chest.
The recovery period for transmasculine top surgery will require dressing materials, compression garments, prescribed pain medication, and a cold compress. Be sure to gather everything you’ll need before the procedure.
General anesthesia will be used for transmasculine top surgery. Because of this, you’ll need to have someone drive and accompany you on the day of the procedure. Arrange for as much assistance as possible for the first 24 hours after the surgery.
The Procedure
General anesthesia will be administered before beginning the procedure. The patient will be unconscious for the duration of the surgery. It can take 24 hours for general anesthesia to wear off.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions will be made to reconstruct the chest area. Each reconstruction is unique for every patient. Those with smaller chests may only experience the removal of chest tissues. Individuals with more tissue may need to have nipples and areolae resized as well.
Compared to mastectomy, transmasculine top surgery involves specialized surgical techniques for contouring the chest, reducing the chest wall, repositioning the nipples and areolae, and minimizing post-surgical marks.
After the reconstruction, the incisions will be sutured closed. The whole procedure may take three to five hours to complete.
Transmasculine Top Surgery Recovery
You will be required to wear a compression wrap after the surgery. One or two small plastic tubes called drains will be placed to drain accumulated fluids after the surgery.
The initial recovery period for transmasculine top surgery is five to seven days. During this period, movement will be restricted to avoid tearing the sutures.
Proper nutrition and complete sleep are highly recommended to ensure a quick and smooth healing process. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol at all costs.
Make sure to elevate your torso when sleeping. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds.
Three weeks after the procedure, patients may begin light cardio. Patients are advised to avoid using their arms.
Normal exercise routines like lifting weights or running can be resumed six weeks after the procedure.
Transmasculine top surgery patients may experience a temporary loss of nipple sensation if the nipples and areolae are repositioned or removed. The sensation will likely return in six months or less after the procedure.
Transmasculine Top Surgery Cost
The total cost of transmasculine top surgery may depend on the exact techniques utilized to achieve your desired appearance. The time required to perform the procedure can also affect the total price, as can anesthesia fees and other factors.
Since transmasculine top surgery is considered a reconstructive procedure, medical insurance may cover the cost. Prescriptions after the surgery may not be covered. Speak with your insurance provider to confirm coverage on procedures and prescriptions.
Feel free to approach our financing department to ask about the available payment options.
Contact Us to Learn More
For more information on transmasculine top surgery in the Twin Cities region, contact HealthPartners Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will prioritize your needs and overall health.
