Chest Masculinization
in Middletown, NJ
Patients undergoing the surgical female to male gender affirming surgery endure several procedures designed to make them more masculine in their appearance. Dr. John Taylor, a board-certified, Red Bank, NJ, plastic surgeon, performs chest masculinization surgery on patients who wish to have female to male gender affirming surgery.
What Is Chest Masculinization?
Chest masculinization is a surgical procedure for transgender males undergoing gender affirming surgery. The procedure involves removing as much breast tissue as possible then contouring the chest to be more masculine in its appearance.
How Is Chest Masculinization Performed?
During the procedure, the majority of breast tissue is removed from beneath the skin leaving the areola and nipple intact, although usually smaller. Breasts that are smaller in size require much less tissue removal and sometimes no excess skin removal while the procedure for larger breasts is more extensive. For breasts with large areolae and nipples, Dr. Taylor reduces the diameter as well as the amount of nipple projection to make them more masculine.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. For smaller breasts, the surgery typically takes about two hours while larger breasts may take up to four hours to complete.
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Preparing for Chest Masculinization
Because this surgery is major surgery, it requires several steps to ensure patients are able to handle the surgery which includes the following:
- Stop smoking
- Stop taking any medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or vitamins that may thin the blood
- Overall health check-up
- Arrangements for transportation to and from the procedure as well as someone to stay with the patient for first 24 hours
Additionally, we recommend patients undergo psychological counseling to ensure mental clarity on the gender affirming procedure.
Recovery from Chest Masculinization
Depending on the extent of the procedure, recovery from chest masculinization surgery is very similar to breast reduction. Following the procedure, typically small surgical drains are placed in the incisions that are removed within 10 days of the surgery. Additionally, patients should wear a compression garment for a few weeks to provide support and help minimize swelling.
The discomfort is not as severe as expected and occurs in the underarm area because the breast area is often somewhat numb for a few months. Additionally, to minimize the discomfort, patients are given a prescription for moderate strength pain relief as well as one for oral antibiotics to prevent infection.
Sutures are removed within a week of the procedure with patients returning to work within two weeks. While strenuous exercise is discouraged for four to six weeks, light exercise and activity can be resumed two weeks following the procedure.
At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. John Taylor offers plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures as well as non-invasive advanced skin care treatments to patients in Red Bank, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to set up your consultation today.