For example, if you’re transitioning FTM/N, you may feel a strong desire to hide, bind, or remove your breasts. If you’re MTF, you might strongly wish that you had more prominent breasts and you might do things to enhance their appearance, like wearing padded bras. Many surgeons and insurance companies require that you have “persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria” before they will approve you for any kind of gender reassignment surgery, including top surgery. Talk to your doctor and your therapist (if you have one) about how you feel about your body and how long you’ve felt that way.
Try writing up a list of specific ways that you think your quality of life could be improved by top surgery. For example, you might include things like, “My self-esteem would be improved,” or “I wouldn’t have to deal with pain from my binder anymore. ”
For example, you might ask a family member if they can come with you to the hospital to be an advocate during your surgery and recovery, or find a friend who’s willing to be a supportive listener if you’re dealing with any anxiety or stress about the procedure. If you don’t have any supportive friends or family, ask your doctor or therapist to recommend a support group for transgender people or people experiencing gender dysphoria.
Being transgender or having gender dysphoria does not mean you are mentally ill. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source However, transgender people often struggle with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety due to the unique challenges they face. [7] X Research source If you’re dealing with one of these conditions, remember that you are not alone and there are treatment options available to you. A therapist can help you set positive, realistic goals for your transition. They can also talk to you about what to expect emotionally from the surgery and recovery process, and how to cope with any related stress.
Some surgeons and insurance companies won’t approve the procedure until you’ve been living as the gender with which you identify for a full year, though this is more common for “bottom” (i. e. genitalia) surgery. If you’re struggling with severe gender dysphoria, waiting even a short time to make an important change like this can be very difficult. Work with your counselor, doctor, and any supportive friends and family you may have to help you cope and stay positive during that time.
“What do you wish someone had told you before you got your top surgery?” “What was your recovery like?” “Do you feel satisfied with how your surgery turned out?” “Were there any social problems or discrimination issues that you had to deal with after the surgery?”
Information about your dysphoria, including how long you have been experiencing it Details about any mental health conditions you have, and how they are being treated A discussion of whether you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, and how top surgery is likely to improve your quality of life Information about your current support system
In some cases, your insurance provider may cover some or all of the costs of your procedure.
The decision to have surgery or not is yours alone, and it’s okay for you to change your mind. Give yourself time to think, and try not to let others pressure you into doing anything you’re not comfortable with.
Top surgery is a serious procedure that has a variety of risks and potential complications. The risks of chest reconstruction surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring, and accumulation of blood or other fluids under the skin at the surgery site. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Breast augmentation surgery can come with similar complications, as well as asymmetry of the breasts, creases in the breasts, or leaking or displacement of the implants. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Ask your doctor to recommend a surgeon who is board-certified and experienced with the kind of top surgery you are hoping to get.
Some of the most common incision types for top surgery include double, keyhole, and periareolar incisions.
Let your doctor know if you have any major health problems or if your family has a history of conditions such as heart disease, blood clotting disorders, or breast cancer. If you have any serious medical conditions, it’s important to make sure that you’re treating or managing them well before you have your surgery. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re currently taking, since this can also affect whether or not you can safely have surgery. [14] X Research source
Blood sugar tests A basic “chemistry panel” Complete blood count Tests of your liver enzymes
You should also avoid alcohol and any other recreational drugs, legal or illegal, in the weeks before and after your surgery. Using drugs or alcohol can affect how you react to anesthesia and increase your chances of developing serious complications. [17] X Research source
Eating healthy meals and getting plenty of exercise before your surgery can help ensure that you’ll have an easier recovery process.
Some hospitals or surgeons may be willing to perform top surgery on adolescents with parental consent.
