Many transgender individuals – and others whose gender identity is not the same as the sex assigned to them at birth – are distressed by the presence of physical characteristics that do not align with their identity. Surgical alignment of their appearance with their correct gender can help make these individuals feel more comfortable in their own skin.
The most common of these gender-affirming surgeries is top surgery, which alters the size, shape, contour and overall appearance of the chest. At Longwood Plastic Surgery, we offer several types of top surgery for transwomen, transmen, and non-binary individuals – with unique considerations for each individual’s personal plan for treatment and aesthetic preferences.
What Are My Options?
There are several options for Top Surgery, including breast augmentation and subcutaneous mastectomies. Many Massachusetts insurance policies are fairly progressive and may cover this procedure as reconstructive surgery. For some patients, optimal results will be achieved with hormone therapy for at least 1 year before the surgery, though Longwood Plastic Surgery currently does not offer hormone therapy as a treatment.
MTF Top Surgery
Overview
MTF (Male-to-Female) Top Surgery refers to a range of breast augmentation procedures for transwomen and non-binary transgender people which results in a fuller chest and more feminine appearance (chest feminization). Silicone or saline implants in a variety of shapes and sizes can be used. Alternatively, in a few cases, fat harvested from other parts of the body may be injected into the breasts. Implant placement and type, and incision type and location above or below the muscle are a few of the factors which will affect the ultimate outcome.
Results
One great benefit to MTF top surgery is the immediate result of fuller breasts and a feminine chest presentation – a physical change that can immediately affirm your gender identity. Over the next several weeks to several months, you will see a reduction in post-operative swelling, and most breast implants finish “settling” over the course of the next year.
FTM Top Surgery
Overview
FTM (Female-To-Male) Top Surgery is a procedure that results in a more masculinized chest. There are different options based on initial chest size, need for excess skin removal, and aesthetic preferences. Generally, most patients will undergo nipple-grafting procedures that remove breast tissue along with excess skin for flatter chest contours, though some smaller individuals may be eligible for nipple-sparing procedures with no skin removal (chest masculinization).
Results
FTM Top Surgery produces the immediate, visible result of a more masculine and contoured chest. There will be continued improvement as swelling subsides. Scars will begin to lighten and fade over the next few months to a year. Most transmasculine people that undergo top surgery report being happier and more active after this procedure.
Top Surgery at Longwood Plastic Surgery
Our physicians are skilled in a range of gender-affirming surgeries to help you feel like your best self. Top surgery can be one of the most effective of these, with immediate results that make you feel more relaxed and confident in your appearance. The team of Longwood Plastic Surgery would love to consult with you to see which of these options is right for you.
Went there for consult about top surgery, saw Dr. Reformat. Seemed like he knew what he was doing. He was super nice and gentle and described his work as an art form, which, as a creative type myself I found very comforting. He was very considerate of my identity and wasn’t weird or rude. Was recommended by a good friend, and was genuinely happy. I have yet to have surgery with him but I have high hopes that it will be amazing.
Take the Next Step
Would you like to learn more about Top Surgery? To schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page or call (617) 383-6250 and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Longwood Plastic Surgery will reach out to you promptly.
Longwood Plastic Surgery serves Brookline, MA and the greater Boston area.
*Individual results may vary.