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Transgender Breast Surgery: Why It’s Important
The feeling that your inner identity does not match the gender that you were born with is most often a painful, distressing experience that frequently is associated with anxiety and depression. This condition is often referred to as gender dysphoria. Transgender breast surgery, also known as top surgery, helps address this dysphoria by providing for FTM (female to male) or MTF (male to female) breast procedures.
Making Your Decision
Deciding to undergo transgender top surgery should be based on valid, real and immutable reasons especially since the results can’t be fully reversed. This is particularly true regarding FTM situations. Documentation and a supportive letter from a qualified professional such as a psychologist, therapist or counselor are often needed or recommended to proceed, particularly if insurance coverage is sought. For a majority of his patients, Dr. Turkeltaub will require written documentation that you are prepared for surgery and are an appropriate candidate as per guidelines of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
What to Expect
Once you have decided to undergo surgery, you should consult with a reputable board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in top surgery. During your consultation, you can openly discuss any concerns or questions you have about the procedure.
FTM Top Surgery
Female to male (FTM) top surgery involves the removal of female breasts (mastectomy) to facilitate a masculine-appearing chest. Breast tissue and excess skin are removed, and the nipples and areolas are reshaped and repositioned. This procedure is also sometimes combined with liposuction to better enhance the contours of the chest wall.
MTF Top Surgery
Male to female (MTF) top surgery is basically the same as breast augmentation surgery, though some different issues need to be considered and appropriately addressed. Breast implants are used to create more feminine-looking breasts. These implants can be inserted either above or below the pectoral muscles, depending on a variety of factors.
Benefits of Top Surgery
Top surgery has an overwhelmingly positive impact on one’s transitioning – mentally, emotionally and physically. The aligning of one’s selected gender with the appropriate overt physical traits can go a long way in resolving anxiety, stress, and depression and allow one to live an essentially normal life.
No matter what your gender identity is, Dr. Turkeltaub specializes in both FTM and MTF top surgeries. He and his staff will help you devise a surgical plan that is tailored to your unique wishes and anatomical needs. We truly care about our patients and want to ensure that you receive the best possible experience and results.
If you are interested in transgender breast surgery and would like to learn more about your options, fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.