Gender affirmation surgery, also known as transgender surgery, helps people change their bodies with plastic surgery to match their true identity. Centre for Surgery is considered one of the leading gender surgery clinics in the UK, specialising in transgender surgery. Our specialist plastic surgeons have years of experience in gender surgery and MTF & FTM Top surgery to help you achieve optimal results.
What is Gender Confirmation Surgery?
Gender surgery is designed for transgender and gender nonconforming people to alter aspects of their physical appearance to better match their preferred gender. There are several different types of plastic surgery procedures carried out for people wishing to enhance their physical appearance. We regularly perform Top surgery for both feminising and masculinising the body. Hormone therapy is a key part of any treatment plan, although this is not something we currently offer at Centre for Surgery.
What is Top surgery?
Top surgery is a term used to refer to a variety of surgical procedures that can be performed on the chest area, typically for transgender and non-binary individuals. The most common type of top surgery is a bilateral mastectomy, which is the surgical removal of both breasts. This procedure is also known as “top surgery” and is performed to remove breast tissue and create a more masculine-appearing chest.
Other types of top surgeries include keyhole surgery, peri-areolar incision, and double incision. The type of surgery that is appropriate for an individual will depend on their individual goals, anatomy, and physical characteristics.
It’s important to note that top surgery is a significant decision and should be made after careful consideration, research and discussions with a qualified and experienced surgeon, as well as with your mental healthcare provider. It is also important to be aware that top surgery is not reversible, and it’s important to have realistic expectations about the results.
Additionally, top surgery is not always covered by insurance, and patients may need to pay for the surgery out of pocket. Each insurance company has its own policies regarding coverage for gender-affirming surgery, and it’s important to check with your insurance provider to find out what your options are.
MTF TOP surgery and FTM TOP Surgery
There are two main types of top surgery. MTF/N Top surgery and FTM/N Top surgery. MTF top surgery involves placing breast implants beneath the pectoralis muscle to feminise the chest and breasts. Female to male (FTM) Top surgery involves surgically removing glandular tissue and skin to masculinise the chest. Top surgery is most commonly performed after a program of hormone therapy. Other surgical procedures can then be performed to improve body contour.
Benefits of gender affirmation surgery
Gender affirmation Surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery, can bring several benefits for patients, including:
- Effective treatment of gender dysphoria
- Improvement in the mental state with a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms
- A boost in self-confidence with improved emotional well-being.
Am I suitable for gender surgery?
People who would like to undergo surgery to enhance their gender identity may be suitable candidates for gender confirmation surgery. All types of gender surgery are surgically invasive procedures which require a period of recovery. Your surgeon will assess you thoroughly to ensure you are in the best possible state of health before having surgery. There are several criteria which your surgeon will take into account when determining your suitability for gender affirmation surgery:
- Mentally and physically healthy with no chronic medical conditions
- Are over the age of 18 and have the capacity to consent to surgery
- Do not have a serious allergy to the prosthetic materials used in gender surgery
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery
- Have undertaken a 10 to 12-month course of hormone therapy prior to surgery.
- Have a confirmed diagnosis of gender dysphoria or are suffering from gender identity disorder.
- Have a healthy body mass index (BMI) below 30 to minimise the risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Have undergone a detailed psychological assessment.
You will receive detailed preoperative information on how to prepare for gender surgery and top surgery. You should stop any medicines containing aspirin as this can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. You may also be asked to stop other medications, including herbal supplements, before the procedure.
What does gender affirmation surgery involve?
Gender affirmation surgery encompasses several different types of surgical procedures. Top surgery involves changing the appearance of the chest with breast implants as part of an MTF procedure or with surgical excision as part of FTM surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the precise surgical steps during your consultation. Gender surgery is routinely performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure. You will need to be in a good state of health before undergoing general anaesthesia. You will have a pre-operative medical assessment with a member of our nursing team to assess your blood pressure and rule out other serious medical conditions. Top surgery takes 2 to 3 hours to perform, depending on the extent of surgical correction required. Once the procedure is complete, you will recover in our dedicated recovery area until you are fit for discharge later the same day. You will need a responsible adult escort to take you home and look after you for the first few days after surgery.
Recovery after Gender Reassignment Surgery
Recovery after top surgery involves taking it easy for the first few days to allow your upper body to heal properly. You should avoid excessive movement of your arms and shoulders to minimise stress on the incision lines. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery, and it is sensible to prepare a dedicated area of your home for rest and recovery. It is normal to experience mild discomfort during the first two weeks after surgery. You should take the prescription painkillers as directed by your surgeon.
Most types of gender affirmation surgery are surgically invasive procedures which can take several hours to perform. This is why we would recommend taking at least two weeks off work for early recovery. The first few days after surgery will involve feeling sore, and it is important to keep mobile around the home to minimise the risk of blood clots. You should take the antibiotic and painkiller medication as directed by the surgeon. You may also be given a compression garment to wear continuously after surgery. They should be worn for at least six weeks. You should avoid getting your dressings wet to minimise the risk of infection. Sudden movements should be avoided to minimise wound breakdown. Lifting heavy objects should be avoided for a minimum of two months.
Exercise, including going to the gym, should be avoided for at least eight weeks. Always listen to your body and try to avoid doing too much too soon. If you have a sedentary occupation, you may return to work after two weeks if this is desk-based. More demanding physical occupations should lead you to take at least four weeks off work.
Results of gender surgery take time to develop as there will be considerable bruising and swelling after surgery. Ice packs can be used for the first three days to control localised bruising and swelling. Once the swelling begins to disappear after approximately three weeks, you should begin to see the initial results of surgery. It can take three to six months for all swelling to disappear, and you will be able to appreciate the surgery results by this time.
How much does gender surgery cost in London?
The cost of gender affirmation surgery in London will be determined by the type and extent of surgery undertaken. Once you have an in-person consultation, you will be seen by your dedicated patient coordinator, who will give you a detailed quotation which includes the total costs of surgery.
Gender surgery cost includes surgical fees, anaesthetic fees and facility fees. Preoperative and post-operative care are included in the total cost of Surgery. Call us today to get an approximate price estimate on 020 7993 4849 and speaking to one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators.
Gender affirmation surgery FAQS
What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is a condition in which an individual experiences significant distress or discomfort as a result of the sex and/or gender they were assigned at birth. This discomfort with one’s own body can manifest in a variety of ways and may include a desire to be treated as the opposite gender, a desire to be rid of one’s primary or secondary sex characteristics, or a general sense of unease or dissatisfaction with their sex or gender.
Individuals with gender dysphoria may feel that they are trapped in a body that does not match their gender identity, and may experience a range of negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and/or shame. They may also experience social isolation, discrimination, and a lack of acceptance from others.
Treatment for gender dysphoria can include counselling and therapy, hormone therapy, and/or surgery. It’s important to note that not all individuals with gender dysphoria choose to undergo medical intervention and some may find relief through other means, such as social transition or support groups.
It’s also important to remember that gender identity is a complex and personal matter and everyone’s experience with gender dysphoria is unique. It’s important to be respectful and sensitive towards individuals who are going through this and to provide them with the support they need to help them in their journey.
What is the minimum age to qualify for gender confirmation surgery?
You need to be a minimum of 18 years of age to have gender surgery.
Will I need to stop smoking before gender surgery?
Yes, you will need to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to minimise the risk of wound healing complications.
Is gender reassignment painful?
Gender surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure. You will be prescribed prescription painkillers to minimise any pain and discomfort after surgery.
What are the potential risks and complications of gender confirmation surgery?
All types of surgery involve risks, and gender surgery is no different. Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications of gender surgery at your in-person consultation.
Will I get scars after Top surgery?
All surgical procedures involving an incision will result in a scar. Our plastic surgeons are highly experienced in positioning scars to minimise their appearance.
Is gender affirmation surgery worth it?
Deciding whether or not to undergo gender affirmation surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery, is a highly personal decision that can be based on a variety of factors.
For some individuals with gender dysphoria, surgery can be an important step in their journey towards aligning their physical body with their gender identity, and can provide significant relief from the distress and discomfort associated with gender dysphoria.
Surgery can also improve an individual’s quality of life, and allow them to live in a way that feels authentic to them. It’s also important to remember that physical transition may be necessary for some individuals to feel comfortable in their bodies and be able to express their gender identity.
However, it’s also important to remember that not all individuals with gender dysphoria choose to undergo medical intervention, and some may find relief through other means such as counselling and therapy, hormone therapy, or social transition.
It’s important for individuals considering surgery to have a candid conversation with a qualified and experienced surgeon and therapist to discuss the benefits and risks of the surgery, as well as to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Additionally, it’s important to have enough time to carefully consider the decision and make sure that it’s the right choice for you.
Gender affirmation surgery at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery in London is renowned for expertise in all types of gender surgery, including MTF Top surgery and FTM Top surgery, carried out by experienced UK consultant plastic surgeons. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone is custom-built for day-case surgery. All our surgical procedures are performed as a day case using state-of-the-art anaesthesia techniques, which means you’ll be able to leave the clinic and recover in the comfort of your own home later the same day.
