Female-to-male (or FTM) transsexuals will generally undergo FTM chest surgery in order to remove their breasts and undergo chest reconstruction. This can be done through the Double Incision/Bilateral Mastectomy method, or the Keyhole/Peri-areolar method. Both require a surgeon experienced with surgery specifically for FTM transsexuals.
In order to become a legal male, many states require at least one surgery. Since "top surgery" is the least invasive (and most obvious) surgery, it is the most common surgery done as part of the female to male transition. While not all transgender men undergo this surgery, many feel that it is a necessary step to completing their full transition. Most often, testosterone therapy is done before the surgery, which requires a psychological evaluation and sign-off before therapy will begin.
One of the most popular surgeons in the United States for FTM chest surgery is Dr. Michael Brownstein. Dr. Brownstein is based out of San Francisco, California - and is one of the most noteworthy and known FTM surgeons.
Double incision/Bilateral Mastectomy
The double incision (also known as bilateral mastectomy) is the most common FTM chest surgery technique used for people with medium to large breasts. (B to C cup). Large incisions are cut across the individuals chest below the breasts, and the muscle is all left intact. The skin is then pulled back and the fat is sucked out via liposuction. From there, the excess skin and fat are cut with a scalpel and the wound is closed.
References
Fast Facts
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Cost
In the United States, chest surgery can cost anywhere from $1,500 - $10,000.
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Fact:
Scarring is a very real issue for chest surgery. Your doctor will give you medications to minimize scarring.
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Fact:
Chest surgery is not an option chosen by all transgender men
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Fact:
Recovery time is generally around 6-8 weeks, but scarring will occur.
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Fact:
Medical insurance does not generally cover FTM chest surgery, unless approved by a doctor for medical needs (such as breast cancer)
