Transgender Top Surgery at Plastic + Hand
Living in a body that doesn’t align with your gender identity can be deeply challenging – and how you look on the outside should reflect who you truly are.
There are two main surgical approaches, depending on chest size. Your surgeon will walk you through this and help you decide which approach will best meet your goals.
In most cases, insurance will cover top surgery once a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is established. We typically require letters of support from your primary care provider, mental health provider and endocrinologist (if applicable). Please note – we do not accept Medicare or MaineCare/Medicaid for this procedure.
As the most trusted Maine plastic surgery team, we specialize in transgender top surgery with the expertise and compassion to help you feel your best in your body.
Trained at the country’s top medical centers, Plastic + Hand surgeons have the depth of experience and skills necessary to perform your FTM top surgery safely and successfully…all right here in Maine.
What does top surgery involve?
FTM top surgery involves breast removal (subcutaneous mastectomy) and male chest contouring and can also include nipple grafts or nipple/areola resizing and repositioning. MTF top surgery involves breast augmentation.
How should I get ready for surgery?
Before your surgery, you will meet with your surgeon and discuss the limitations and risks of surgery, the indications and outcomes of surgery, and the placement of incisions during surgery.
As with all surgery, it’s important to discuss the following with your surgeon:
- Medications you take
- What your expectations are
- Previous surgery
- Family history and the results of any mammograms you may have had
What should I expect after top surgery?
Day 1 and 2 of recovery are often the most uncomfortable. This discomfort can be a result of the anesthesia wearing off as well as the compression binder or surgical bra, which is holding the dressing over the incisions or grafts tightly in place. To ensure there’s no added pressure or weight on the surgery site, you will have to sleep on your back for at least the first week after surgery.
About 6 or 7 days after surgery, you will have your postoperative appointment. This is often the first time the dressing comes off and many people get to see their chest.
The swelling usually decreases within 2-3 weeks, but for some, this can take up to 4-6 months.
You should be careful not to lift your hands above your head for at least 2-3 weeks after surgery. Movements such as reaching and lifting can increase scarring. After 6-8 weeks, you can typically resume physical exercise such as sports, lifting, and running.
Who are the best candidates for top surgery?
The best candidates for top surgery are both physically and emotionally healthy. During your consultation, it is important to provide details on your current health, including any current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or supplements you may be taking. Certain medications may interfere with blood clotting or other medications used during surgery. During the consultation your Plastic + Hand surgeon will let you know if any of your current medications must be discontinued prior to surgery.
Schedule time to talk with us
Each and every patient is unique. It’s important to us that we listen to our patients from the outset, so a consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator is the first step in determining whether top surgery is appropriate for you.
