Topic: What Is Top Surgery?

Subtitle 1: An Overview

Top surgery is a procedure used to modify the chest to better align with one’s gender identity. It is a gender-affirming surgery that involves changing the shape of the chest to either remove the existing breast tissue or reduce it significantly. This can include gender-affirming combinations of breast procedures like mastectomy, chest masculinization, and nipple reconstruction. Top surgery can be performed on transmasculine, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people.

Subtitle 2: Types of Top Surgery

There are two main types of top surgery, Double Mastectomy (also known as “keyhole” or “bilateral” mastectomy) and Periareolar Mastectomy. With a Double Mastectomy, a surgeon will remove the entire breast tissue from both breasts. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, some people may also require skin reduction and/or liposuction to achieve their desired appearance. With a Periareolar Mastectomy, the surgeon will make an incision around the border of the areola, allowing them to remove most or all of the breast tissue in a single procedure.

In addition to the two primary types of top surgery, there are also several other types of gender-affirming chest surgery that can be used to achieve a desired result. These can include Nipple Reduction, Chest Contouring, and Chest Reconstruction.

Subtitle 3: After Surgery

It is important to note that top surgery is considered a permanent procedure, so much thought and consideration should be given to the decision to undergo top surgery. After the procedure, patients must take a significant amount of time to recover, typically ranging from 4-6 weeks or longer. During this time, activities such as strenuous exercise, carrying heavy items, and lifting must be avoided, and bandages must be closely followed as well. It is also important to stay hydrated and take all prescribed medications to ensure proper healing.

In conclusion, top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure that has become much more commonplace in recent years. It is important to understand the different types of top surgery, the potential risks involved, and what to expect during the recovery process. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision on whether or not top surgery is right for you.