LIFESTYLE
Everything You Need To Know Before You Get Top Surgery
By ROBIN ZABIEGALSKI
Surgical Techniques
There are four common top surgery techniques: the keyhole and periareolar techniques work best for thinner patients, and are the least invasive, while the “T Anchor” technique helps to retain nipple sensation, but it is the most invasive. Finally, the double incision technique offers great results, but makes it harder to preserve nipple sensation.
Potential Risks
About 5% of patients can have extra skin after surgery, which can make it difficult for the incisions to heal, while between 1% and 2% of people will develop hematomas. Aesthetic issues are the most common risks associated with top surgery, like people being dissatisfied with the way their chest or nipples look after the procedure.
Finding A Surgeon
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, look for a surgeon who is board certified and who adheres to The World Professional Association for Transgender Healthy (WPATH) standards. You should also look for a surgeon who has a reputation in the trans community, and who is within a reasonable travel distance.
Eligibility
WPATH states that an eligible top surgery candidate must have a documented history of gender dysphoria, be able to provide informed consent, be in good mental health, and be of legal age. Taking hormones as part of your transition is not a prerequisite, so if you are not taking testosterone, you’re still eligible for top surgery.
BMI Limits
Some surgeons won’t perform top surgery on people above a certain Body Mass Index (BMI), as they associate higher body weight with surgical complications. However, when it comes to top surgery, there is little evidence to support this claim, and there are many surgeons who don’t impose BMI limits.