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Treatment Type
Cosmetic Surgery
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Treatment Time
2 to 3 hours
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Anesthetic
General Anesthesia
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Back to Work
1 to 2 weeks
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Total Recovery Time
Up to 6 weeks
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Duration of Results
Long lasting
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# of Treatments
1
- Get Started and Try Our Treatment Planning Tool
-
Treatment Type
Cosmetic Surgery
-
Treatment Time
2 to 3 hours
-
Anesthetic
General Anesthesia
-
Back to Work
1 to 2 weeks
-
Total Recovery Time
Up to 6 weeks
-
Duration of Results
Long lasting
-
# of Treatments
1
- Get Started and Try Our Treatment Planning Tool
Be Confident in You…At Last
Top Surgery is a gender affirming surgery for transgender men and non-binary individuals that creates a masculine chest. Also known as FTM Top Surgery, the procedure involves breast removal (mastectomy), decreasing the size of the nipple/areola, and male chest contouring. It’s also called masculinizing chest surgery. At the RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, we help you understand the requirements, risks, and the different types of surgeries available to find out which one is best for your body.
*Plastic surgeons at RL only offer FTM surgery to consenting adults 18 years of age and older after thorough consultation.
Treatment overview
FTM (female-to-male) Top Surgery is a term frequently applied to the surgical procedure of altering a genetic female’s chest to create a masculine appearance. This procedure is often one of the first gender affirming surgeries patients pursue. Dr. Leonard Lu performs chest recontouring to remove breast tissue, decrease the size of the nipple/areola, and liposuction the chest to reshape and give a masculine appearance to the patient’s chest.
What It Treats:
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Have persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
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Be able to make a fully informed decision and consent to treatment
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Have reached legal age of 18 to make health care decisions
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Be managing any significant medical or mental health concerns
FTM Top Surgery near you
Book Your FTM Top Surgery
Consultation
An improved silhouette is just one click or phone call away. Contact us online or by phone at (847) 367-8815 to book your consultation to learn more about arm lifts and the personalized surgery process at RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa.
Benefits
Benefits of an FTM Top Surgery
There is a well-established body of peer-reviewed medical research that demonstrates the effectiveness and medical necessity of Top Surgery as a form of treatment for many people diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Below are benefits of TOP surgery that Dr. Lu has noticed:
- Top Surgery decreases body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria in social interactions.
- Top Surgery is a visible change toward defining your true self
- Sense of relief when your sex characteristics match your identity
How it Works
The Consultation
At RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, each initial patient consultation is different. Depending on your needs, desired treatments, areas of concern, and simply who you are as a patient, we will schedule you with an actual treatment provider to discuss your goals, budget, and more. During this appointment, we will go through before & after photos, your medical history, and any questions you might have. Only then can we make a recommendation for which procedures or treatments may be right for you and why. We will be sure to educate you on how the treatments work, including what to expect during and afterward.
We charge $100 for surgical consultations that last about 40 minutes. At the end of your consultation, you will leave our office in Vernon Hills with a thorough, personalized treatment plan. And when you’re ready, we’ll schedule your surgery for a day and time that works for your schedule.
The Procedure
In Top Surgery, there are special techniques used to contour the chest, resize and position the nipples and areola, and minimize scarring. These techniques vary according to where the incisions are made, whether the nipple and areola are reduced and/or re-positioned and how much sensation is preserved. Two of the most common are double-incision surgery and peri-areolar, both of which we offer our patients.
Double-incision Top Surgery with nipple grafts
The double incision Top Surgery procedure is the most widely-used technique and is ideal for those who are medium to large chested. During this procedure, the skin on the chest is opened along two horizontal incisions, at the top and bottom of the pectoralis major muscle (the muscle itself is not touched.) The skin is pulled back and the breast tissue is then removed. The nipple and areola are removed, re-sized and grafted on the
chest in the appropriate position.
Peri-areolar Top Surgery
This involves making a circular or semi-circular incision around the border of your areola. This incision allows for the breast tissue to be removed directly or in conjuction with liposuction. Resizing and reinsetting of the areola is performed at the same time. While peri-areolar surgery involves less scarring, it can only be used if the patient requires minimal excess skin removal.
The Recovery
Immediately following the procedure, your incisions will be covered with bandages and special garments to deter excess swelling and for optimal healing. The garment will be placed on your body in the operating room after surgery. It is very important to wear the vest at all times to prevent post-operative bleeding and fluid collections. You’ll need to sleep on your back while recovering from Top Surgery. This can be difficult for those who are side- or stomach-sleepers and some people find it easier to sleep in a recliner rather than in a bed. Recovery time for top surgery varies from person to person. For approximately three to four weeks after the surgery, you should not lift your arms greater than 90 degrees away from your body or over your head. You should also not push, pull, or lift anything greater than 5-10 pounds during these 3-4 weeks. This ensures your scar will heal well and not stretch and become larger.
You should wait 6-8 weeks before going back to the gym. Heavy chest workouts should be avoided for even longer, up to 3 months.
Patient Testimonials
Cosmetic Surgery
Medical Surgery
The RL Center Difference
There’s a reason that almost 40% of the patients of RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa are referrals. We provide every patient with expert guidance through an informative, nonjudgmental process regardless of their budget or areas of concern. This safe, comfortable experience provides patients with the results that leave them excited to share with their friends and family.
Our team has decades of combined experience creating beautiful results with FTM Top surgery. Our Board Certified surgeons and expert, compassionate staff will ensure that you’re in good hands from start to finish.
Get Started
Build Your Treatment Plan
Take a moment to use our Instant planner tool to receive personalized aesthetic treatment and/or surgical procedure recommendations based on your areas of concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about FTM Top Surgery
Educating you is our first priority at RL Center.
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