Duration of surgery
2-3 hours
Duration of hospitalization
1 night
Length of stay in hotel
4 nights
FTM Top Surgery Before After Photos
One of the most common procedures in the field of gender affirmation surgeries is FTM top surgery or female to male top surgery. Experts have designed this surgery to remove breast tissue and create a more masculine chest contour, and it significantly improves the quality of life of transgender. So, what exactly is FTP top surgery or female to male top surgery?
FTM top surgery, also known as female to male top surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to masculinize the breasts or upper area. For many transgender and binary individuals, this surgery is a critical step in their transition journey, providing not only a physical transformation but also significant psychological benefits. The procedure alleviates gender dysphoria, reduces the need for breast binding, and helps individuals feel more comfortable in their bodies.
Our specialists for FTM top surgery in Turkey have a variety of techniques, each of which they can tailor to your anatomy and desired outcome. Recovery after FTM top surgery in Turkey consists of several stages, and proper post-operative care is crucial for optimal results. Immediately after surgery, you will wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support your new breast contour. You can manage your pain and discomfort with medication prescribed by our specialists, and you can usually return to non-strenuous activities within a few weeks.
Your full recovery may take several months, so avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Regular follow-up appointments with our surgeons ensure your healing process stays on track and specialists promptly address any complications. Your scars gradually fade over time, and various treatments, including silicone sheets or laser treatments, can minimize their appearance.
The impact of FTM top surgery surely extends beyond your physical transformation. Many patients report a deep sense of relaxation and increased self-confidence after surgery. Being able to live in a body that aligns with your gender identity reduces your incidence of gender dysphoria, improves your mental health, and dramatically enhances your overall quality of life. Socially, this surgery alleviates your anxieties associated with being misgendered and allows you to participate more fully in activities you may have previously avoided, such as swimming and sports.
FTM top surgery costs in Turkey are very affordable. Turkey is famous for offering high-quality medical care at a much lower cost than many Western countries. Don’t be confused by the affordable prices. Turkey has become an attractive destination for health tourism because we don’t compromise on the quality of care in any way.
Choosing the right clinic for FTM top surgery in Turkey is a critical decision that can significantly affect the procedure’s results and your overall experience. iMed Medical stands out for many different important reasons. Our surgical team comprises highly skilled and experienced professionals specializing in gender confirmation procedures. Our team’s extensive experience ensures they are well-versed in the latest techniques and can provide personalized care based on each patient’s unique needs.
What is a FTM Top Surgery?
Female to male or FTM top surgery is a gender-affirming surgical procedure that creates a more masculine chest contour for transgender and non-binary individuals. In this surgery, surgeons remove breast tissue and reshape the breast to be compatible with your gender identity. The procedure significantly improves their psychological and physical well-being. For many people, this procedure is a crucial step in their gender transition, alleviating gender dysphoria and making them feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
The primary goal of FTM top surgery is to masculinize the chest. This surgical procedure involves doctors removing breast tissue, reshaping the remaining tissue, and repositioning the nipples and areolas to create a natural-looking male breast. The specific techniques that specialists will choose can vary depending on your anatomy, the size of your breasts, and your aesthetic goals. Experts will carefully select each method to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Surgery typically begins with a detailed consultation, during which the surgeons discuss your goals, evaluate your breast, and explain the different surgical options available. This pre-operative phase is extremely important as it helps the specialists tailor this procedure to meet your unique needs and expectations. The specialists will review your medical history, previous surgeries, or health problems to make sure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
On the day of surgery, our specialists will put you under general anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Our surgeons’ specific technique depends on your breast size and skin elasticity. Recovery after FTM top surgery is a critical stage, during which you must carefully follow the post-operative instructions to achieve the best results. Our specialists will follow you in the recovery room immediately after surgery until the effects of anesthesia wear off.
For the first few days after surgery, you will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which you can manage with pain medication prescribed by the specialists. It is also crucial at this stage to wear a compression garment as directed by the surgeons. This garment will help minimize swelling, support your new breast, and promote proper healing. At this stage, we advise you to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
During the first weeks of recovery, you are expected to have limited arm movement and some tightness in your chest area. As your recovery progresses, you can gradually resume light activities. Surgeons may also recommend specific scar care treatments, such as topical creams, to help minimize your scarring.
Your full recovery may take several months, and the final results of the surgery may not be fully apparent until your swelling has completely gone down and your scars have matured. Over time, your scars will fade and become less noticeable. Typically, you will see a significant improvement in your breast contours and overall appearance.
Who are the Ideal Candidates for FTM Top Surgery?
Above all, we recommend that candidates thoroughly consult with our qualified surgeons, who can assess their situation and determine the best approach for their specific needs. Here are generally ideal candidates for FTM top surgery:
- Gender dysphoria: Candidates often experience significant gender dysphoria related to their breasts. This dysphoria affects their mental and emotional well-being.
- Age: There is no strict age requirement. Don’t hesitate to contact our team for a deeper dive into this topic.
- Mental health: Candidates must be mentally healthy. This can often involve undergoing a psychological assessment.
- General health: Candidates’ general physical health needs to be good. They should not have any uncontrolled medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery.
- Realistic expectations: Candidates should be realistic about the surgery’s outcomes. They need to understand the potential risks and benefits and clearly understand what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
- Hormone therapy: Although not always necessary, many surgeons prefer that candidates have been on testosterone therapy for some time before surgery. Testosterone can help reduce breast tissue size and improve the surgical outcome. Again, you can discuss this with our specialists.
- Non-smoker: Ideal candidates should not smoke because smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications. If a candidate smokes, they must quit for some time before and after surgery.
- Support system: We recommend having a support system for recovery. This could be friends, family, or a community that can provide emotional and physical support.
What to Expect at the FTM Top Surgery Consultation?
The FTM top surgery consultation is a crucial step in the process. It allows you and our surgeons to discuss the procedure, set realistic expectations, and prepare for surgery and recovery. Being well-prepared for the consultation and clearly understanding what to expect will help ensure a smooth and successful experience with FTM top surgery. Here is what you can generally expect in a female to male top surgery consultation:
- Review of medical history: Surgeons will review your entire medical history, including past surgeries, current medications, and any medical conditions you may have. It would be best to discuss whether you have any allergies, especially to medications or anesthesia.
- Physical examination: Surgeons examine breasts to assess the amount and distribution of tissue, skin elasticity, and overall anatomy. This examination helps the surgeon determine the best surgical technique for your needs.
- Discussion of goals and expectations: You will discuss your goals for the surgery and what you hope to achieve regarding breast appearance. The surgeons will explain what results they realistically expect based on your specific anatomy and health status.
- Surgical techniques: The surgeons will explain the different surgical techniques, such as double incision with or without nipple graft, periareolar incision, liposuction, or inverted T method. The choice of technique depends on factors such as the amount of breast tissue, skin elasticity, and the desired aesthetic result.
- Pre-operative instructions: Surgeons will provide pre-operative instructions, which may include guidelines on medications you should avoid, smoking cessation, and any necessary pre-operative tests. You can also discuss the need for hormone therapy before surgery, if any.
- Risks and complications: Surgeons will discuss potential risks and complications associated with surgery, such as infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and the possibility of needing revision surgery.
- Recovery: Specialists will provide information about the recovery process, including downtime, pain management, and activity restrictions. Surgeons will outline what to expect in the days and weeks following surgery and provide guidelines for post-operative care.
- Cost: You will also discuss the price of the surgery, including the surgeons’ fees, anesthesia, hospital or surgical facility costs, and other related expenses.
- Questions and concerns: This is an opportunity for you to ask questions or raise concerns about the surgery, recovery, or any other aspect of the process. The surgeons will answer all your questions so that you feel confident and informed about your decision.
- Next steps: If you decide to proceed, you will probably schedule the surgery and any necessary pre-operative appointments.
What are the Risks of FTM Top Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, FTM top surgery has potential risks and complications. You must be fully aware of these risks to make an informed decision. Discussing these risks in detail with our surgeons during the consultation would be best. Understanding the potential complications and having a realistic view of the surgical outcomes will help you decide to proceed with this surgery. Here are the FTM top surgery risks:
- Infection: Surgical site infections that require antibiotics or additional surgical intervention can occur.
- Bleeding and hematoma: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can lead to a hematoma (a collection of blood outside the blood vessels) that specialists may need to drain.
- Poor wound healing: Some patients may experience delayed wound healing or wound separation, especially if they have conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes, or if they smoke.
- Scarring: This problem is an integral part of surgery. However, the degree and prominence of scars can vary.
- Changes in nipple sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple and breast sensation are possible. Some patients may experience numbness, while others may experience increased sensitivity.
- Loss of nipple or areola: In some cases, especially with grafting techniques, the nipple and areola may not survive the surgery. This may result in partial or complete loss of the nipple and areola.
- Asymmetry: There may be differences in the size, shape, or position of the nipples and areolas. Although surgeons aim for symmetry, you may not consistently achieve perfect symmetry.
- Contour irregularities: Problems such as lumps, indentations, or irregularities in the breast contour may occur, requiring additional surgery.
- Fluid accumulation (seroma): Fluid may accumulate under the skin after surgery, requiring drainage through aspiration or additional surgical procedures.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia: As with any surgery involving anesthesia, there are risks associated with it, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular complications.
- Pain and discomfort: You may often feel pain and discomfort after surgery. Doctors will give you practical advice for these situations. However, some patients may experience long-term pain or chronic discomfort.
- Fat necrosis: This problem is the death of fatty tissue in the chest area, leading to hard lumps or nodules that can be felt under the skin. These may resolve spontaneously or require further treatment.
- Need for revision surgery: Some patients may require additional surgery to correct complications, improve aesthetic results, or address problems such as scarring or contour irregularities.
- Psychological problems: While many patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life and mental health after surgery, it is essential to have realistic expectations and prepare for the psychological adjustment period after surgery.
How Do You Prepare for the FTM Top Surgery Procedure?
Preparing for FTM top surgery involves several steps to ensure that you are physically and mentally ready for the procedure and recovery. By carefully preparing for female to male top surgery, you can help provide a smoother surgical experience and recovery process. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions and communicate openly about any concerns or questions. Here are the key things to consider during the preparation process:
- You will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are healthy and fit for surgery. Then, you will have a detailed consultation with our surgeons to discuss your goals, available surgical techniques, risks, and outcomes. We will also review your medical history, medications, and allergies.
- Ask any questions about the procedure, recovery, and long-term results. Follow the surgeons’ specific instructions regarding medications. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding. If you smoke, stop smoking at least a few weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing and increase complications. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs in the weeks before surgery.
- Complete any necessary pre-operative tests such as blood work, chest X-ray, or ECG to make sure your body is ready for surgery. Discuss with the surgeons whether they recommend that you continue, start, or stop testosterone therapy before surgery. This may vary depending on individual circumstances and surgical preferences.
- Have post-operative supplies on hand that our specialists will recommend, such as compression garments, gauze, and prescription medications. Learn about proper wound care and signs of potential complications to watch out for during recovery. Follow the surgeons’ instructions regarding fasting or satiety. Typically, you will need to stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before surgery.
- Mentally prepare for the changes in your body and the healing process. Consider talking to our specialists or joining a support group for individuals undergoing similar procedures. Set realistic expectations for the surgery and recovery.
- Confirm your surgery date, time, and location. Make sure you have completed all necessary paperwork, including consent forms. Pack a bag for the day of surgery with comfortable clothes, toiletries, and essential documents.
FTM Top Surgery Steps
Female to male top surgery involves a series of steps to masculinize your chest. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the specialists’ surgical technique. Check out the steps of FTM top surgery in general:
Anesthesia
Specialists typically perform the surgery under general anesthesia for your comfort. It ensures that you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure. Our anesthesiologist monitors your vital signs throughout the surgery.
Incision and technique
The specific technique that specialists choose depends on factors such as the amount of breast tissue, skin elasticity, and aesthetic results. Standard methods include the following:
- Nipple double incision: Specialists make two horizontal incisions along the lower border of the pectoral muscles. Surgeons remove breast tissue and excess skin. Doctors resize and reposition the nipples and areolas as free nipple grafts.
- Periareolar technique: Doctors make a circular incision around the areola and remove breast tissue through the small incision. Specialists tighten the skin to create a flatter breast contour.
- Inverted-T or T-anchor technique: Doctors make an anchor-shaped incision around the areola and vertically down to the inframammary fold, removing breast tissue and excess skin. Surgeons reposition and resize the nipples. They shape the remaining tissue to create a more masculine breast contour.
- Liposuction: Our experts may also prefer this method in some cases.
Final
Specialists close the incisions with sutures and may insert drainage tubes to prevent fluid accumulation. Our team will apply surgical dressings and recommend that you wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and promote healing. Specialists will prescribe pain medication to help you manage your discomfort. They may also recommend scar care, such as gels, to improve the appearance of your scar. Our doctors give guidelines for resuming activities, including work, exercise, and lifting, to ensure proper healing.
FTM top surgery is a multi-step process involving careful preparation, precise surgical technique, and attentive post-operative care. Techniques will vary according to your individual needs and the surgeons’ recommendations. Following the surgeons’ guidelines and maintaining open communication throughout the process is crucial to achieving the best possible results.
Recovery Process After FTM Top Surgery
Recovery after FTM top surgery involves a multi-step process requiring you to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully. Recovery after female to male top surgery is a gradual process, and it is imperative to be patient. Each heals differently, so you need to follow the specific guidance of our experts. Here is the recovery process after FTP top surgery:
Immediate post-operative period (1 week)
- Dressings and drains: Specialists will cover your chest with dressings and may place drains to remove excess fluid. Our team will remove these, usually within the first week.
- Pain management: Pain and discomfort can occur during this process. Our surgeons will prescribe pain medication. To manage pain effectively, be sure to follow this program.
- Limited activity: You need to limit your arm movements. Avoid raising your arms above shoulder level or engaging in strenuous activities.
Early recovery period (1-3 weeks)
- Wound care: Try to keep the surgical site clean in any case, and it should always be dry. Follow the surgeons’ instructions for dressing changes and care of incision sites.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, intense physical activity, and any movement that strains the chest.
- Swelling and bruising: It is normal to experience swelling and bruising during this period. Wearing a compression garment, as specialists recommend, will help manage this.
Moderate recovery (3-6 weeks)
- Gradual return to activities: Resume normal activities slowly. However, avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting until the surgeons give permission.
- Scarring: Once your incisions have healed, you can start using scar treatments such as gels as recommended by your surgeons.
- Physical therapy: Some people may benefit from physical therapy to regain a full range of motion in their arms and shoulders.
Long-term recovery (6 weeks – 6 months)
- Final results: It may take several months to see results as your swelling completely subsides and the scars mature.
- Maintenance: Maintain regular follow-ups with surgeons to ensure proper healing.
- Scarring: Your scars will continue to fade and flatten over time. Protecting your scars from the sun and using sunscreen will help improve their appearance.
Adherence to the post-operative care instructions strictly during this process is essential for optimal healing. Be aware of signs of infection (redness, increased pain, discharge, fever) and contact your surgeon if any occur.
Recovery can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from friends, family, or a specialist if needed. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as this can interfere with recovery. Never drink alcohol, especially when taking painkillers. Protect your chest from direct sun exposure to prevent the darkening of the scars.
When Will You See the Results of the FTM Top Surgery?
FTM top surgery results in Turkey will become visible over time with several stages of your recovery. Immediately after the surgery, you will notice a change in the contour of your breast. However, it is best to keep in mind that your breast will be swollen and possibly bruised, and specialists will cover it with dressings or bandages.
During the first few days after surgery, the swelling and bruising will peak, and you may experience some discomfort, which you can manage with medications that the specialists will recommend. Doctors may place drains to remove excess fluid, and you will probably need to wear a compression vest to minimize swelling and support your chest.
As the first week progresses, the swelling and bruising will begin to decrease, and the specialists will usually remove the drains at this time. However, you will still need to wear the compression garment as instructed by your surgeon. After 2 to 4 weeks, most of the bruising and initial swelling will have subsided, and the specialists will remove any stitches. At this point, you will start to see a more defined breast shape, although some swelling will remain.
Expect a marked improvement in swelling around six weeks after surgery, and you can gradually resume light activities and exercises. Although your scars will still be evident at this stage, they will continue to fade over time. After a few months, most of the swelling will have gone down, and your breast will have a more settled appearance. Also, your scars will remain visible and continue to mature and fade over the following months.
By six months after surgery, most of your recovery process will be over, and you will probably have a clearer idea of the final shape of your breast. Although your scars have faded significantly by this point, their appearance can vary depending on your healing factors and skin type. You must continue to follow the surgeons’ instructions for post-operative care and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best results and ease any concerns during the healing process.
How Much Does FTM Top Surgery Cost?
The cost of FTM top surgery in Turkey can vary depending on several factors, including the specific type of surgery, the surgeons’ experience and expertise, the hospital’s location, and additional services or accommodations. However, the FTM top surgery cost in Turkey is much lower than in the UK, US, and other European countries.
The cost usually includes the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, hospital or facility fees, pre-operative consultations, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments. Also, as costs can vary widely, it is essential that you contact us for accurate pricing information.
We have the latest medical technologies to perform all procedures safely, sterile, and comfortably. Our operating rooms meet the highest international standards, which is crucial for successful surgical outcomes.
We offer comprehensive care covering every aspect of the surgical journey, from initial consultation to post-operative follow-up. Our dedicated team provides detailed pre-operative instructions and ongoing support during recovery to ensure the best possible outcomes. We prioritize our patients’ needs, comfort, and satisfaction. You can also contact us immediately.