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Top Surgery

For those looking to embrace their true gender, top surgery is a perfect way to ensure your body matches who you truly are. Whether you’re looking for MTF, MTN, FTN, or FTM top surgery, Dr. Widenhouse and our team at Port City Plastic Surgery are here to help you on your gender-affirming journey!

What is Top Surgery?

Top surgery is a form of reconstructive and gender-affirming surgery done to change the shape, size, and overall appearance of the chest. It’s typically done for transgender individuals who are looking to appear more like the gender they are.

The type of top surgery done depends on whether you are looking for a more masculine or more feminine chest. The two types of top surgery include:

  • Female-to-male (FTM) or female-to-nonbinary (FTN) top surgery: This surgery involves removing breast tissue and contouring the chest to be flatter and more masculine.
  • Male-to-female (MTF) or male-to-nonbinary (MTN) top surgery: This surgery uses saline or silicone implants to increase the size of the breast for a more feminine appearance.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Top Surgery?

Good candidates for top surgery must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years older or older
  • Be in good overall health
  • Have a BMI under 40
  • Not have any medical conditions that could affect the healing process or increase the risk of complications
  • Have a clearance letter from your mental health or primary care provider stating you have gender dysphoria and you have been living in your assigned gender for at least 12 months

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How Much Does Top Surgery Cost in Charleston?

The cost of top surgery in Charleston depends on a variety of factors, including how extensive the surgery will be. On average, FTM and MTF top surgery ranges from $6,500 to $8,000.

What Do I Need to Do Before Top Surgery?

The preparation period before your top surgery is just as important as the surgery and the recovery process. A few of the things you’ll want to do before your top surgery include:

  • Avoid alcohol at least a week before surgery
  • Quit smoking at least three weeks before surgery
  • Avoid certain medications like blood thinners and NSAIDs
  • Arrange for someone to take you to and from your surgery
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing that can be easily taken off and put back on

What to Expect During Top Surgery

What happens on the day of your top surgery can differ depending on whether you’re having FTM or MTF top surgery.

FTM Top Surgery

To start, we’ll administer IV sedation to ensure you’re completely comfortable. From there, Dr. Widenhouse will make a few incisions. The type of incision used depends on the results you’re looking for and how large your breasts are before surgery. The options include the double incision and keyhole decision. We will help you determine the right incision for you during your consultation. The breast tissue is then removed, and the nipples are often made smaller and positioned to give you a more masculine chest. Surgery typically takes about 2-3 hours.

MTF Top Surgery

MTF surgery typically takes about 1 ½ – 2 hours and, like FTM top surgery, will start with the administration of IV sedation for your comfort. From there, Dr. Widenhouse will make incisions in the areas you agreed to during your consultation. He’ll then insert the implants you chose (either saline or silicone) and then close up the incisions.

What to Expect After Top Surgery

While the recovery process can differ from person to person, generally, you will need plenty of rest for the first few weeks. Most people will be able to return to work after two weeks. We will prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort and give you a compression garment to help ease any swelling and bruising. You can also use cold compresses to alleviate discomfort and swelling.

You will need to sleep on your back to prevent putting too much pressure on the incisions. You should also avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities.

You’ll also want to attend all your post-op appointments so we can be sure you’re healing properly.

While you may see some results initially, because of the swelling and bruising, it will be difficult to see your full results. After a few months, you’ll be able to see what your chest will look like, but it can take a full year for everything to settle into place fully.

What Are the Possible Complications of Top Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are possible complications with both FTM and MTF top surgery. Some of the complications we’ll be looking for after surgery include:

  • loss of nipple sensation
  • visible scarring
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Implant rupture (with MTF top surgery)
  • Implant displacement (with MTF surgery)

Schedule A Consultation

Embrace your true self with top surgery at Port City Plastic Surgery! Dr. Widenhouse and our whole team will help you see the real you when you look in the mirror. Take the first step today and schedule a consultation. Call our Charleston or Daniel Island office at 843-418-9209 or fill out our online contact form.

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MEET DR. WIDENHOUSE Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Charleston, graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University and earned his medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine. Dr. Widenhouse specializes in breast enhancement, reduction, and reconstruction, body contouring, facial cosmetic surgery, laser surgery, and skin cancer treatment.

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LOCATION:

2683 Lake Park Drive
Charleston, SC 29406

LOCATION:

125 River Landing Drive
Suite 101
Daniel Island, SC 29492