For transgender patients, the journey of aligning the outward appearance with the gender identity is filled with a lot of uncertainty, hope, determination, and not a small amount of nervousness or even fear. Aligning one’s appearance with their gender identity is the most successful treatment for gender dysphoria. Having top surgery is just one step toward reaching your gender affirmation goals, and at Longwood Plastic Surgery, we’d be honored to walk part of your journey with you.
FTM (Female to Male) Top Surgery
A flat, masculine chest is one of the first goals many FtM patients set for themselves. FTM top surgery shows off a defined collarbone over a broad expanse of the chest without extra breast tissue, something many trans men or gender-neutral patients aspire to. Your LPS physician will provide details of nipple-sparing subcutaneous mastectomy or a subcutaneous mastectomy with free nipple grafting (double incision) so you can decide together which option will help you achieve your best individual results. Both options remove excess breast tissue and skin to create the masculine chest you should have had all along. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can aid in building muscle before your procedure, it is not a requirement for subcutaneous mastectomy procedures.
MTF (Male to Female) Top Surgery
For MtF top surgery patients, HRT is a requirement for 1 year prior to your top surgery procedure, also called an augmentation mammaplasty. This is to give hormones time to develop some breast tissue and expand the skin of your chest to receive the implants you’ll eventually choose. Your LPS physician can then determine where your inframammary fold will meet your chest, and the best implant size and shape to give you the breasts and curves you desire most.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for top surgery are those for whom the procedure will have a positive impact on their mental and physical health. The results are most optimal for those in general good health who don’t smoke and have realistic goals for the outcome. If you would like more feminine or masculine contours to align with your gender identity, schedule a consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery for more information.
Recovery and Results
Both procedures involve incisions to access the location where implants will be added or breast tissue will be removed. MtF patients are generally cleared to return to work or school after 1 week, while FtM patients may have more extensive recovery of up to 2 weeks before work clearance can be given. Compression bandages or support bras are used to help minimize swelling and keep bandages in place. Your results will be immediately visible in your profile, and the swelling may take 2-3 months to fully subside and your new chest to settle into place.
How Much Does Top Surgery Cost?
The total cost of top surgery is difficult to quantify, because your mental health has more than monetary value. Massachusetts is generally more advanced in insurance coverage for gender affirmation procedures, so your top surgery may be partially or even completely covered. For FtM patients, the range is between $3,000-$10,000, through keyhole and periareolar techniques may be as much as $2,000 less than double incision top surgery. MtF patients experience a typical cost between $5,000-$10,000. There may also be hospital and anesthesiologist fees for in-hospital procedures.
The staff at Longwood Plastic Surgery have helped many people achieve their gender identity goals through top surgery. We embrace who you really are and your gender affirmation is a part of our compassionate standard of care for any treatment you seek through our offices. Let us help you be the you that you were always meant to be.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about FtM or MtF 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.