Discover Your True Self
Embrace Your Authentic Identity with Mr Ardeshir Vahidi
At Transgendercare, we are dedicated to supporting your journey towards gender affirmation. Our specialised services are designed to help you align your physical appearance with your true identity, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Transform Your Life Today
Understanding FTM and Non-Binary Top Surgery
FTM and non-binary top surgery are transformative procedures that play a crucial role in gender affirmation. These surgeries help individuals who experience gender dysphoria by reshaping the chest to align with their gender identity. At Transgendercare, we are dedicated to delivering compassionate care and expert guidance, ensuring that each patient receives the support they need throughout their transition journey.
What Is Top Surgery, Really?
Top surgery is more than just a medical procedure—it’s a decisive step toward self-affirmation. For many trans men and non-binary people, it’s a way to reduce gender dysphoria and feel more at home in their bodies. It involves permanently reshaping the chest to reflect your gender identity better.
Understanding and Communicating Your Expectations for Top Surgery
Before undergoing gender-affirming top surgery, it’s essential to reflect on your realistic expectations—what you hope to achieve, and what outcomes you understand may be possible. This helps ensure you’re emotionally prepared and supports your surgeon in providing safe, ethical care.
Here are some questions to consider:
- What does a successful outcome look like for you? Is it about chest flatness, nipple placement, or simply feeling more aligned with your gender?
- Are you aware of potential limitations? For example, scarring, changes in sensation, or the possibility of needing revision surgery.
- How do you feel about the healing process and recovery time? Are you prepared for the physical and emotional journey post-surgery?
Being honest and open about your goals helps your surgeon tailor the procedure to your needs and ensures your expectations align with what surgery can realistically offer
Eligibility Criteria
Are You Eligible for Top Surgery?
FTM top surgery (female-to-male chest masculinization) and non-binary top surgery are gender-affirming procedures designed to help individuals feel more aligned with their gender identity. These surgeries are suitable for people who experience gender dysphoria related to their chest and are seeking a permanent, physical change as part of their transition.
To be eligible for transgender top surgery, individuals typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Persistent gender dysphoria related to chest anatomy
- Have been living socially in their affirmed gender for at least 12 months
- A psychological referral from a GMC or HCPC registered psychologist or psychiatrist
These guidelines are based on the internationally recognized WPATH Standards of Care (SOC 8), which outline best practices for gender-affirming healthcare. You can learn more about these standards here:
Exploring Hormone-Free Options
Top Surgery Without Testosterone
Yes, you can get top surgery without being on testosterone. While some healthcare professionals may recommend starting hormone therapy before undergoing FTM top surgery or non-binary chest surgery, it’s not a requirement. There is no single path to transition—many individuals choose not to take testosterone and still proceed with gender-affirming top surgery.
In fact, non-binary top surgery is increasingly common among people who are not on hormones. These patients do not experience worse outcomes than those who are taking testosterone. Everyone’s journey is unique, and your eligibility for transmasculine surgery or chest masculinization is based on your needs, not your hormone status.
If you are currently taking injectable testosterone, please inform Mr Vahidi. In some cases, patients may be temporarily switched to Testogel due to a small increased risk of blood clotting associated with injections.
Understanding Surgical Permanence
The Irreversible Nature of Top Surgery
Top surgery is a definitive step in gender affirmation, providing a permanent change to the chest’s appearance. This procedure involves the removal or reshaping of breast tissue to create a masculine or gender-neutral contour. Due to its irreversible nature, it’s crucial for patients to fully understand the long-term implications and make informed decisions. This permanent transformation is a significant milestone for those seeking congruence between their body and gender identity.
Patients are encouraged to discuss their goals and concerns with their surgeon to ensure the results align with their expectations and lifestyle. This commitment to permanence underscores the importance of thorough consultation and preparation.
Navigating Surgical Risks
Potential Complications of Top Surgery
Common Complications After Top Surgery
While gender-affirming top surgery is generally safe and has high satisfaction rates, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. These can vary depending on the surgical technique used (e.g., double incision, keyhole, periareolar) and individual health factors.
General Surgical Risks
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding may occur during or after surgery
- Infection: Though rare, infections can develop at incision sites
- Poor wound healing: Delayed healing or wound reopening (dehiscence) may require medical attention
- Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin that can cause swelling and pain
- Seroma: Fluid buildup under the skin, often managed with surgical drains
Procedure-Specific Risks
- Loss or changes in nipple sensation: Especially common with nipple grafting
- Nipple necrosis: Rare but serious, involving tissue death due to poor blood supply
- Scarring: All top surgery results in scarring; the extent depends on technique and individual healing.
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities: Uneven chest shape or nipple placement may occur
- Chronic pain: Some individuals experience long-term discomfort or nerve-related pain (e.g., Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome)
Anesthesia risks: Includes allergic reactions, airway issues, or heart complications