Overview
Female to male top surgery is the procedure to create a masculine chest on transitioning men. The process involves removing fat and glandular tissue and sculpting a masculine upper chest. The breasts are removed with a mastectomy, with the female breast tissue removed so the upper chest appears sculpted and trim. For every transitioning transgender man, attaining physically masculine attributes is an important stage in a profound, all-encompassing journey and includes not just one’s body, but the mind, spirit and emotions as well.
FTM Top Surgery Reviews
Surgical Technique
Excess breast tissue is removed with a combination of surgical excision techniques. The areola complex is resized and repositioned for a more traditionally masculine appearance. Dr. Champaneria will select from the following techniques according to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Keyhole/Periarolar
An incision is made encircling the areolar complex, allowing the surgeon to easily remove breast tissue and reshape the chest. This approach is ideal for those transmen who require minimal breast reduction and are in possession of good skin elasticity.
Double Incision
For men who require a more significant level of breast reduction, we use two horizontal incisions in an elliptical fashion to remove the breast tissue and excess skin. The final incision line will rest at the lower border of the pectoralis muscle. The nipples and areolas are typically removed as skin grafts, resized, and placed in a more masculine position on the chest. The Double Incision approach is performed in the vast majority of patients seeking Top Surgery.
Inverted T
For those with medium to large chests and an abundance of skin, an inverted T incision is used that goes down to the inframammary fold and then horizontally across the bottom of the breast.
Buttonhole
This approach is similar to the double incision method, but resizes the nipple areolar complex in a way that preserves nipple sensation and sensitivity.
FTM Top Surgery Video
During/After Surgery
Top surgery is always done in an accredited surgical center or hospital under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The option to remain in the hospital overnight is possible. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. For the first several weeks, the surgeon will recommend the use of a compression vest to protect the chest and the nipples. Patients may go back to work within 7-10 days and may resume physical activities (such as exercise) between 6-8 weeks post-operatively. Results following top surgery are usually visible immediately after the surgery. Nipple sensitivity varies based on the surgical technique. If nipple grafts are performed, wound care such as antibiotic ointment and gauze may need to be performed.
Top Surgery (Mastectomy) FAQs
Benefits of top surgery?
- Increased sense of confidence in one’s appearance
- Alignment of inner and outer self-image
- Smooth, chiseled, masculine-looking chest
- Reduction in excess fat
- A better look in tight-fitting clothing
- Comfort taking one’s shirt off at the beach, pool or in the locker room
- Natural results
- Long-lasting outcome
Am I a good candidate for FTM top surgery in San Deigo?
Dr. Champaneria’s San Diego top surgery patients should be physically and emotionally healthy, with no major medical issues such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity that may impede the procedure or its recovery. Patients that smoke will need to quit prior to their surgery, as smoking can significantly delay and complicate recovery
Is FTM top surgery the right choice for me?
Like all surgical procedures, the decision to seek female-to-male top surgery is deeply personal and ultimately one only you can make. The process of aligning your external body with the internal identity you have always known is a brave one and may be full of questions. Dr. Champaneria is committed to assisting you on each step of your journey to help you achieve the masculine appearance you envision for yourself.
Do I need top surgery?
No. You are already the man you know inside, and surgery does not change the inner "you". Dr. Champaneri’a San Diego FTM top surgery simply aligns your physical appearance with the gender identity you have always known. The ultimate goal of female-to-male top surgery is to make you feel more at home in your own body.
