For many transgender patients interested in medically transitioning to align their body with their identity, sooner is always better. There are, however, some considerations to take into account before you undergo top surgery, whether you’re a trans man or a trans woman. We at Longwood Plastic Surgery understand it can be frustrating to wait, so we’re here to provide as much information as we can for your decision process.

FtM Top Surgery Boston

*Individual Results May Vary

How Does Top Surgery Work?

FtM top surgery is the masculine shaping of the chest and removal of excess breast tissue and skin to change a biologically female upper body into that of a man or a gender neutral individual. While the techniques used during the surgical procedure depend upon the patient’s body type, skin elasticity, and breast size, the goal is to bring the patient’s mental identity into alignment physically, allowing them to socially, and professionally present as their true gender.

MtF top surgery is the feminization of a masculine chest through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplied by an endocrinologist combined or complemented with breast augmentation. Trans female patients at LPS will need to have been on HRT for at least a year prior to undergoing top surgery. This is because estrogen can enact some impressive changes including breast development, which will impact on the size of implants you ultimately choose for your top surgery. Breast development also stretches the skin of the chest, which makes for a better breast pocket in which the implants will be situated.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Trans individuals most often have top surgery after they are 18. However, for some FtM patients, younger individuals may be considered for top surgery if their legal guardians and mental health providers believe the procedure is appropriate to their health and safety. The maturity level of the patient must be considered as well in such instances. Male chest reconstruction isn’t recommended for transmasculine or non-binary individuals with future plans to breastfeed, as the procedure interferes with the proper functioning of the milk ducts.

The situation is a bit different for trans women. Breasts will grow naturally for up to 18 months from the onset of estrogen treatment, and it’s best to wait until that growth has finished. In addition, the FDA has only approved the use of saline implants for women beginning at 18. You must be 22 to receive silicone implants per the FDA approval rules.

Your LPS surgeon can help you understand the timing of top surgery procedures as it applies to your specific case during a comprehensive consultation.

Top Surgery Consultations Available

What is the Procedure Like?

Your top surgery will be performed in our accredited outpatient surgical suite under general anesthesia with a highly experienced team of LPS professionals who are ready to help you achieve the physique you were always meant to have. The details of your top surgery will be discussed beforehand so you know what to expect of the procedure itself.

You’ll awaken with compression garments feeling unsteady and a bit groggy. This is completely normal, and is the reason you’ll need to arrange transportation to return home that day. You’ll be given thorough aftercare instructions to follow to make your recovery as easy as possible.

What Results Can I Expect?

The best part about top surgery is the immediate results. 

For trans men or gender neutral individuals, your chest will be flat, with no visible sign of the breasts that were removed. The compression garment may feel very much like a binder, but it’s only temporary as your recovery progresses. 

For trans women, your breasts will have an immediate and visible plumpness to them. It may initially feel heavy on your chest, but you’ll quickly acclimate. 

For any genders, your physique will be more in line with who you truly are right away, and that’s what matters.

I was recommended to Dr. Morris through my doctor at BID-Needham. Due to prior surgeries, I had some issues and Dr. Morris is the best. He has done a fantastic job with my abdomen core and I feel and look fantastic.

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.