If you are a female-to-male transgender person, you may be considering undergoing a top surgery procedure. Top surgery is a gender affirming procedure that involves the removal of breast tissue and the reshaping of chest contours to create a male-looking chest. While the decision to undergo Ftm top surgery is highly personal and should not be taken lightly, having an understanding of what this procedure entails can help you make an informed decision.
Types of FTM Top Surgery Procedures
There are two main types of top surgery procedures – double incision and periareolar. The type of surgical technique used will depend on your individual situation (e.g., body type, amount of breast tissue, etc.).
Double incision: This type of surgery involves making two incisions along the chest wall in order to remove the excess breast tissue and sculpt the new male-looking chest contours. This technique also involves moving some underlying muscles from the breast area up towards the shoulder area in order to create a more masculine appearance. Generally speaking, this technique is recommended for those with larger amounts of breast tissue or for those who have been on hormone therapy for longer periods of time as it provides better results than other techniques.
Periareolar: This technique involves making an incision around the areola (the dark area around the nipple) in order to remove excess breast tissue and reshape the chest contours. It is usually recommended for those with smaller amounts of breast tissue or those who have been on hormone therapy for shorter periods of time as it provides less scarring than other techniques.
Recovery and Aftercare after FTM Top Surgery
It is important to remember that recovery times vary depending on individual factors such as age, health status, smoking habits, etc., so it’s best to speak with your surgeon about what you can expect in terms of recovery times. In general though, most people can expect some swelling and bruising during their recovery period which typically resolves within 2 weeks post-surgery although full healing may take up to 6 months . During this time it is important to follow any instructions provided by your health care team such as taking medications as prescribed and avoiding strenuous activities or exercise until cleared by your doctor . You may also need to wear compression garments or drains for several days post-surgery in order to help reduce swelling . In terms of follow up care , many surgeons will recommend follow up appointments at several points following your procedure in order to check your progress . These appointments are important in order for your doctor to monitor any potential complications such as infection or excessive scarring .
Conclusion: Deciding whether or not FTM top surgery is right for you is a deeply personal decision that should not be taken lightly. When making this decision it’s important to research all available options carefully and speak openly with your health care provider about any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process. Having an understanding of what types of surgeries are available, what kind of recovery times can be expected , as well as any potential risks associated with undergoing this type of procedure can help ensure that whatever decision you make regarding FTM top surgery is one that best suits both your physical and emotional needs!
