What to Expect for Your Female-to-Male Top Surgery
When you are on your way to aligning yourself to the physical body that you feel comfortable in as a person who identifies as male, you will most likely be considering a top surgery. This operation helps trans men feel more like their authentic selves.
Female-to-male top surgery is specifically designed to provide patients with an expertly flattened and contoured masculine chest. The surgery provides you, a trans man, with a male torso and chest appearance to help better represent your gender identity.
What Happens During a Top Surgery?
Top surgery generally involves the removal of most of your existing breast tissue. In some cases, a nipple graft is performed so that your areolae can be reshaped and positioned correctly. The excess breast tissue can be eliminated using a traditional breast-reduction technique or by liposuction to sculpt a chest that looks more masculine.
Though the purpose of top surgery is quite straightforward, the methods used to perform this operation vary depending on your unique anatomy. Female-to-male surgery on the chest ranges from being a minimally invasive operation to being a complex procedure that requires substantial recovery time.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Female-to-Male Top Surgery?
Top surgery is usually recommended for people who have a history of gender dysphoria. This means that they feel that their current physical shape does not reflect their identity and this causes them great discomfort. If you are experiencing gender dysphoria, female-to-male surgery can help you feel more comfortable in your body.
To be an ideal candidate for this surgery:
- You need to be in good physical and mental health.
- You should be a current non-smoker, as smoking dramatically increases your risk of surgical complications and can delay your healing process. If you smoke, you will need to quit smoking for at least three weeks before and three weeks after your surgery.
- You will need to get a medical examination done to check your overall health before you opt for a female-to-male top surgery.
What Role Does Testosterone Play?
Testosterone plays an important role in female-to male top surgery. Testosterone will significantly improve the aesthetic results of your surgery, as it helps in redistributing fat deposits and stimulating a male hair-growth pattern.
There is no requirement, however, for testosterone supplementation. If you are interested in surgery, you can seek consultation and treatment with or without hormone therapy.
Is Female-to-Male Top Surgery Covered by My Insurance?
These days, there are insurance carriers who frequently cover top surgery. Before your consultation with Mr. Inglefield, you are advised to contact your insurance carrier to discuss the requirements for approval. Many carriers require important documentation from other health providers before approval can be given.
To Learn More, Contact Mr. Inglefield
The road to self-discovery as a transgender person can be very difficult. It is vital that you select a plastic surgeon who will consider your feelings and help you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. Plastic surgeon Mr. Chris Inglefield is committed to helping you in this journey. To speak with Mr. Inglefield regarding your goals, contact us today.