Female to male (FTM) top surgery is a surgical procedure meant to masculinize the chest. Nipple and areola resizing and reshaping may also be necessary. Top surgery changes a persons physical appearance to better represent the gender they already are. For many trans men and nonbinary individuals, this may be the only surgery they choose to undergo as part of their transition.

People who are assigned female at birth but identify as male or gender-nonconforming may benefit from FTM top surgery in Tarzana. We believe your gender is valid no matter what attributes your body has, but for some, this change is critical to their transition. As you contemplate top surgery, we are available to support you through your transition.

FTM Top Surgery Procedure

The removal of breast tissue is called a mastectomy. There are various methods available to perform a mastectomy and masculinize the chest, but the overall procedure is the same. The surgeon will remove breast tissue, excess skin, and the inframammary fold or the line where the lower portion of the breast meets the chest wall. After removing the excess tissue, the surgeon will reshape and reposition the nipple-areolar complex and contour the chest. 

Tarzana surgeons will choose the method of FTM top surgery based on various physical attributes like chest size and skin elasticity. In some instances, revision is necessary, especially if the skin is lacking elasticity. The following are types of FTM top surgeries a surgeon may consider. 

•        Buttonhole

•        Double incision

•        Inverted T or T anchor

•        Peri-areolar

•        Keyhole

•        Minimal Scar

What to Expect

FTM surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that can take two to four hours and requires the patient to be under general anesthesia. The patient will receive a compression bra that helps to control swelling and holds the bandages in place. Prescribed medication can usually manage the pain during the early days. 

The patient should sleep on their back to avoid pressure on the surgical site and limit lifting their hands above their head to avoid pulling at the incisions. After about a week, the surgeon will remove the bandages and assess healing. At this appointment, the patient is usually cleared to begin showering again. Most of the swelling declines over two to three weeks but may take up to six months for some individuals. After six to eight weeks, most who undergo FTM top surgery can resume their regular activities. 

Finding the Right Clinic in Tarzan for FTM Top Surgery

The goal for FTM top surgery is more than just removing breast tissue and flattening the chest. The goal is to provide a masculine appearing chest by removing breast tissue, contouring the chest, and reshaping the nipple. This procedure is the most common gender confirmation surgery performed on trans men and also frequently requested by nonbinary individuals. 

Many nonbinary people choose not to receive hormone treatment, so FTM top surgery is the one way they achieve greater congruence between physical appearance and their experienced gender. If you have been considering FTM top surgery in Tarzana, attentive staff and experienced surgeons are here to support you, answer questions, and ensure realistic expectations while meeting your unique needs.