Gender Affirming Top Surgery in Reston, VA

What Is Gender Affirming Top Surgery?

Gender affirming top surgery supports individuals in transitioning to their desired gender. FTM top surgery, or female-to-male top surgery, is for transgender men and non-binary patients seeking to remove their breasts for a more masculine appearance. This procedure involves the removal of extra breast skin and tissue to create a more masculine (or androgynous) chest appearance. During the surgery, the nipples are removed, resized, reshaped, and repositioned on the chest. MTF top surgery, or male- to-female top surgery, is a procedure that involves enhancing the size and shape of your breasts. It involves either the placement of silicone or saline breast implants, fat grafting to the breasts, or a combination of both implants and fat grafting.

Is Top Surgery Right for Me?

• Patients should be in good physical health.
• Patients must be at least 18 years old.
• You should have well-documented and persistent gender dysphoria.
• You must be able to provide a letter of recommendation supporting your decision to undergo surgery from a qualified mental health professional.
• Patients seeking MTF top surgery should have had at least 1 year of hormone therapy.
• If you smoke or vape, you must quit for at least six weeks before and after surgery to avoid healing complications.
• Patients should have any significant mental health concerns well under control.

What Are the Benefits of Gender Affirming Top Surgery

• Treatment or alleviation of gender dysphoria
• Allows a patient’s body to match their gender identity
• Improve mental health conditions
• Positive emotional effects

The Recovery Process

Recovering after FTM top surgery is generally well tolerated by most patients. In the days after surgery, patients may have bruising, swelling, redness, and pain. This is normal and most major side effects cease within two weeks or so. Dr. Gottlieb will prescribe medications to make your recovery more comfortable. Patients usually need two weeks off from work depending on the physicality of their job. Some may require more. Dr. Gottlieb will limit strenuous activities and exercise for six weeks.

Recovering after MTF top surgery is generally well tolerated by most patients. Patients are generally back to work within a week. Strenuous activities or heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks.