Gender dysphoria is a word that refers to an individual’s pain as a result of a discrepancy between their expressed gender and the gender assigned at birth. Transgender Top surgery is a surgical treatment used to remove breast tissue from females transitioning to males (subcutaneous mastectomy) in order to achieve a more masculine physical appearance.
Why undergo top surgery?
If you’re transitioning, it’s critical to understand what makes you feel comfortable in your own body and what doesn’t. For some, top surgery is a natural — and necessary part of the transition process.
Others may not need surgery to feel happy with their chosen gender. If you’re contemplating top surgery, be certain you’re doing it out of want, with no obligation or pressure.
Additionally, your doctor may have something to say about the procedure, advising against it if you have:
1 – An unmanaged mental health problem
2 – Serious health problems, such as heart or renal illness, a bleeding condition, or a family history of deep vein clotting
3 – Any condition that impairs your capacity to agree to the operation in an informed manner
Transgender Procedures and recovery after major surgery
Top surgery necessitates the use of specialized procedures to shape and decrease the chest wall, place the nipples and areola, and minimize scarring.
If your breasts are smaller, you may be eligible for a subcutaneous nipple-sparing mastectomy. The treatment reduces scarring, promotes healing, and often retains nipple sensitivity.
If your breasts are bigger, the surgeon may need to remove your nipples and areolas, which he then resizes and grafts back into place to create a masculine chest look. It results in increased scarring and a loss of nipple sensitivity, although the latter may recover months to years later.
You may need further treatments to address scarring, nipple and areola positioning, and chest shape following top surgery.
For many weeks after surgery, you must wear a compression garment on your chest. Additionally, plastic tubes may be put in the area where your breasts were removed to drain any fluids that gather after surgery.
Preparing for top surgery
Masculinizing procedures are often reserved until adulthood, allowing the patient sufficient time to evaluate their change and the maturity to provide informed permission.
To be eligible for transgender top surgery, you must satisfy specific conditions. First, your doctor assesses your health to rule out any diseases that would make therapy contraindicated, such as those mentioned above. The assessment may involve the following:
Your own and your family’s medical history
A physical examination, which will involve an examination of your internal reproductive organs.
Lipids, blood sugar, blood count, liver enzymes, and electrolytes are all measured in the laboratory.
An examination of your vaccinations
Age- and sex-appropriate screenings
Tobacco use, drug or alcohol misuse, as well as HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses, must be identified and managed.
A discussion on contraception techniques and potential fertility
Additionally, the majority of surgeons and insurance companies need a mental health examination by transgender health professionals. This person will ascertain if you fulfill the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care.
This condition involves the presence of chronic, well-documented gender dysphoria and the ability to make an educated treatment choice. You must be of legal age (18 in the U.S) to make health care choices and have a background record of effectively managing any severe physical or mental health concerns.
Because cosmetic surgery results in permanent physical changes, you must offer informed permission after a detailed discussion of the following:
Benefits
Complications and risks
Cost
Additional treatment possibilities
Consequences social and legal
Irreversibility of procedure
Conclusion
If you’re contemplating top surgery to help with your transition, it’s critical to see a specialist. The specialist will guide you throughout the procedure.
