chest reconstruction surgery

Chest Reconstruction Surgery

Chest Reconstruction surgery or as it is also referred to as top surgery.

When you have been on Testosterone for a number of months the next thing to think about is having chest reconstruction surgery (top surgery). This surgery is performed so that the chest has the contours of a male, giving a more masculine appearance.

Referral process for top surgery

By this time, you will have seen both the Doctor and the Therapist a number of times. During your appointments the topic of top surgery would have come up, discussing what types of surgeries are available and the choice of surgeons you have to pick from.

If you haven’t already given any thought to which surgeon to use, do some research into finding the right one. So, on your next visit to the gender clinic, you can let them know. Both the Doctor and the Therapist need to agree that you are ready as you need 2 signatures for the referral to go ahead. Once they have both agreed then the referral process to the surgeon of your choice can then begin.

How long do I need to wait before I can be referred?

This can be a difficult question to answer as each clinic has their own guidelines with which they work too. How long it actually takes depends solely on each individual case.

Preparing for Chest Reconstruction Surgery

Once the referral process is underway, the time it takes to having the surgery can vary. It could be as little as 6 months to over 12 months. It’s all down to the wait times for each surgeon. However, some surgeons try to make sure that the surgery happens within a 12-month bracket from the date the referral was made.

Take this time to try and quit smoking or try vaping if you can’t go cold turkey. If your weight was mentioned during your visits to the gender clinic, do your best to lose a little weight. It can help reduce the risk of dog ears (layers of skin under the armpits), and also safer when under anaesthetic. It is said that your BMI should be around 30 or as close to your ideal weight as possible. However, this is not always the case, it can depend on the Surgeon.

Chest reconstruction revisions are also available if needed.

Hospital stay check list

Having trouble on what to take with you when you stay at the hospital. Normally the surgery will last about 3 to 4 hours. Usually, the stay is only for one night, possibly two. You will normally go back a week later for the dressing and drains to be removed.

Things you may want to take with you:

  • Phone/Tablet
  • A long phone charger cable
  • Toiletries
  • Towel
  • Flannel Fleece shorts (if the weather hot)
  • Jogging bottoms so there’s no messing around with buttons and zips
  • Zipped fleece jacket
  • Buttoned shirts (didn’t wear)
  • Sleeveless t-shirts
  • V-shaped pillow
  • Headphones
  • Underwear etc.
  • Backed slippers, for walking down to the operating theatre.

Surgical Procedures Available

Double Incision

The double incision is often used for transmen with larger than a C chest. Horizontal or U-shaped incisions are placed under the line of the pectoral muscles to reduce visibility. This will involve removal and re-positioning of the nipple or in some cases removing the nipples altogether and having nipple tattoos instead.

Keyhole/Peri-Areolar

Keyhole and peri-areolar techniques are for those who are small chested. With keyhole a small incision is made along the bottom of the areola and tissue is removed using a liposuction needle. There is no need to for the nipple to be removed or resized.

Can I have top surgery without taking hormones?

Here in the UK, it may be possible for top surgery to happen without hormones. Information on doing it this way is very scarce. It would be down to you and your therapist at the GIC as to how the process works.

If you plan on going down the private route in the UK or Overseas for top surgery then some surgeons may still require a letter from a therapist. The most popular surgeons used are Mr Andrew Yelland here in the UK and Dr Charles Garramone in the States.

If you would like to see some before and after photos check out Mr Andrew Yelland website these will give you an idea on what to expect.

FtM Chest Reconstruction Surgeons

UK

  • Mr Andrew Yelland – Brighton
  • Mr Miles Berry – London
  • Professor Phil Drew – Cornwall
  • Miss Grit Dabritz – Manchester
  • Ms Catherine Milroy – London
  • Mr Peter Kneeshaw – Hull
  • Mr Morris – Plymouth

Overseas

  • Dr Charles Garramone – Florida
  • Dr Michael Brownstein – San Francisco