Also referred to as “top” surgery, chest feminization and chest masculinization surgery for the breasts are extremely helpful in aligning a person’s external anatomy with his/her gender identity.
Dr. Marco Ellis understands that every patient is unique and has specific wishes and desires for their gender-affirming surgery. He is committed to providing personalized, compassionate, welcoming care to meet each patient’s goals. He will help every patient weigh the risks and benefits of the available treatment options and select the approach best suited to the patient’s needs.
Chest Feminization Surgery
Chest feminization surgery enlarges the breasts through the placement of implants. While feminizing hormones (estrogen) can stimulate breast growth, many transgender women desire breast augmentations to achieve bigger and fuller breasts.
Often the use of a tissue expander device is needed prior to surgery to slowly stretch the skin and tissues so they can later accommodate the implants. The tissue expander is then removed and the implants are placed.
The incisions for breast augmentation are made in an area of the skin that is as inconspicuous as possible. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and scar preference, the incisions could be created around the edge of the areola (dark skin surrounding the nipple), the crease where the breast meets the torso, or the armpit.
The implant type, size and shape are carefully selected based on the patient’s wishes and desires. Some patients desire round implants, which have equal projection on the upper and lower “pole” (part) of the implant for more cleavage, whereas others prefer the slightly sloped and anatomically correct shape of teardrop implants.
Chest feminization surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia. Bruising, swelling, tightness in the chest, and soreness are common in the weeks following surgery. Patients wear a support bra to help support the healing tissues and reduce swelling. Most are able to resume work approximately one to two weeks after surgery and exercise four to six weeks after surgery.
Chest Masculinization Surgery
Chest masculinization surgery, or cosmetic mastectomy, removes the breast tissue to create a flatter and more masculine looking chest. Depending on the size of the breasts and the amount of skin, the surgery involves directly excising tissue and excess skin with or without liposuction, and repositioning the remaining tissue to create a masculine chest contour. The nipple-areolar complex can be reduced or relocated on the chest if needed.
Like chest feminization surgery, mastectomy is performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia. Bruising, swelling, tightness in the chest, and soreness are common in the weeks following surgery. Patients wear a binding garment after surgery to reduce swelling and help the chest tissues heal. Most resume work approximately two weeks after surgery and can gradually return to other physical activities like exercise and sports in the following weeks.
Contact Dr. Marco Ellis
It is common to have many questions about transfeminine or transmasculine top surgery. To request an appointment for further information and to schedule a consultation, please call or email us today.