It may also be done with an overnight or short hospital stay.
This article specifically addresses surgery for trans men and nonbinary people who identify as transmasculine.
Trans women and transfeminine people may also get other types oftop surgery.
gorodenkoff / Getty Images
Gender Dysphoria
Top surgery is a procedure that may be used to addressgender dysphoriain some transgender individuals.
Many binary and non-binary individuals may also be uncomfortable with their chests.
Top surgery allows them to have a flatter, more masculine chest contour without the need forbinding.
While not all transmasculine people want top surgery, it is one of the more commongender-affirming procedures.
You will likely have yourvitalstaken.
You may be required to give a urine sample to check for pregnancy.
You will generally be asked to remove all metal body jewelry as well.
While you are waiting for surgery, anIVwill be started that will be used during your surgery.
You may also be able to listen to music or do other things on your phone while you wait.
The anesthesiologist and your surgeon will likely both come to talk with you before the surgery.
You may need to sign additional consent formsfor anesthesia or surgeryif you have not already done so.
If you have any remaining questions, this is a good time to ask them.
Do I Really Need a Pregnancy Test?
pregnancy test) prior to having surgery.
They may also think that its unnecessary if they are ontestosteroneor dont have any sexual exposure to semen.
However, testosterone is not a contraceptive, even though it does make pregnancy less likely.
During the Surgery
There are several different techniques that can be used for top surgery.
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
That means that you will be unconscious for the entire procedure.
Some people describe going under anesthesia as going to sleep, but that can be misleading.
Some people describe the sensation as having jumped forward in time.
Once you are under, the surgical team may or may not place a urinary catheter.
Your skin will then be cleaned and prepared for surgery.
The breast tissue will be removed along with the extra skin.
In these procedures, only a small amount of skin, if any, can be removed.
These are plastic tubes that are used to remove excess fluid from the surgical site during healing.
The amount of fluid will gradually decrease until it is safe for the surgeon to remove them.
The entire surgery usually takes between three to five hours.
The vest helps to keep you from having bleeding under the skin or fluid collection after surgery.
You should not attempt to remove or change these dressings.
They will generally be removed at your first post-operative visit, depending on timing.
When you go home, you may be given enough opioid pain medication to last you a few days.
The initial post-operative visit usually takes place at around day seven.
That is when the drains are removed and, if necessary, the nipple bolsters.
People generally feel much better after that visit and a common saying is, drains out, pains out.
It is important to follow the surgical restrictions given to you by your healthcare provider.
These usually involve restricting arm movements and avoiding lifting for four to six weeks.
When meeting with a surgeon toexplore top surgery, its good to ask about their complication and revision rates.
2020;8(11):e3184.
