When the presence or absence of your breasts shows people the opposite of your true gender, it can be emotionally frustrating for you and mentally challenging to overcome. Binding or bra stuffing are temporary, not the end solution many transgender individuals really want.
At Longwood Plastic Surgery, our providers are experts in breast reconstructions of all types, including top surgery for trans men and women.
How Does Top Surgery Work?
Every top surgery shapes the chest to match the patient’s gender identity and ease the mental burden these patients experience in their everyday lives.
For trans women, Male to Female MtF top surgery (chest feminization) enhances feminine curves and adds volume to breasts to give that voluptuous, hourglass shape inherent in the female figure.
Female to Male FtM top surgery (chest masculinization) removes glandular and fatty tissue of the breasts and shapes the pectoral region for the strong, masculine physique trans men are striving for. The techniques of your procedure are individual to you, and your LPS surgeon can guide you through all the necessary details to maximize your gender identity goals.
Am I a Good Candidate for Top Surgery?
The best candidates for any surgical procedure are those who don’t smoke, as smoking interferes with healing.
In some cases, FtM patients under 18 may undergo chest-affirming surgery with the consent of a legal guardian. MtF patients must be 18 due to the FDA’s age restrictions on implants. Women who are 18 may have saline implants, whereas women desiring silicone implants must be 22. There are often other considerations as well. MtF patients must also be on HRT for at least 1 year before having top surgery at LPS.
When Should I Consider Having Top Surgery?
Aside from age, patients should consider other aspects of the procedure to determine if it’s a good fit.
Are you emotionally and mentally ready for top surgery?
For younger patients especially, this can be a hard question to answer. This is a major procedure, and many candidates who’ve never experienced a surgery before need to be aware of what to expect. Top surgery will leave permanent changes to your body. If you’re ready to experience those changes, and in fact, those changes are why you want the procedure, then you’re likely prepared for what having top surgery means. Feeling pressure to have the surgery before you’re ready in order to “pass” can have a negative mental impact.
Do I have the resources to undergo top surgery?
It’s an unfortunate reality in the US that cost factors into patients’ decisions regarding medical procedures. Luckily, Massachusetts has some of the most robust insurance coverage laws in the country for transgender patients regarding medical transition procedures. While your amount of coverage is unique to you, it’s possible you may have part or all of your top surgery covered. In many cases, you may be asked to provide up to two letters of support documenting your gender dysphoria and these may come from your primary care physician, therapist, psychiatrist, etc. If surgery is not covered, we have financing options to ease the payment process.
However, it’s not just the procedure itself you’ll need to consider, but also time off work, medical supplies at home, and unexpected expenses. The stress of budgeting can impact your recovery, so it’s wise to ensure you’re in a good position to undergo top surgery.
Am I healthy enough for top surgery?
Perfect fitness isn’t a requirement, but a generally healthy lifestyle can certainly help with your recovery. Greater strength and stamina will get you on your feet faster. Lower sodium foods can minimize swelling. Patients planning for weight loss after top surgery may find some of the results are not as expected, so it may be wiser to get close to a healthy weight first to maximize your sculpted results.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about top surgery? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.