Top Surgery and FFS Surgery by Centre for Surgery
Gender affirmation surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery, is a transformative surgical process aimed at altering an individual’s physical and sexual characteristics to align with their gender identity. Historically referred to as Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) or Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS), these procedures are instrumental in addressing Gender Dysphoria, a psychological condition where an individual’s gender identity does not correspond with their birth-assigned gender.
At Centre for Surgery in London, we pride ourselves on our team of specialist plastic surgeons who possess extensive experience in performing gender surgeries, including top surgery for the breasts and chest.
Overview of Top Surgery
Top surgery is a pivotal aspect of gender affirmation, comprising two primary types: male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM). The objective of this surgery varies depending on the individual’s gender transition goals. In MTF top surgery, the aim is to create a more feminine chest, often involving breast implants and fat grafting. Conversely, FTM top surgery focuses on removing breast tissue to achieve a more masculine chest appearance.
These surgical procedures play a significant role in the treatment of gender dysphoria, facilitating individuals in their journey towards aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity.
Exploring Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS)
Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS) forms a crucial component of gender plastic surgeries. FFS encompasses a range of procedures tailored to feminise facial features. These may include Adam’s apple reduction (tracheal shave) and other surgical interventions designed to soften and modify facial contours to reflect a more traditionally feminine appearance.
At Centre for Surgery, our commitment to excellence and compassionate care ensures that each patient receives a personalised approach, catering to their unique needs and aspirations in their gender affirmation journey. Our London-based facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experts in the field, making us a leading choice for individuals seeking gender affirmation and facial feminisation surgeries.
PROCEDURE GUIDE: Gender Affirmation Surgery
FTM/N Top Surgery
Female to male (FTM) top surgery is also known as gender cosmetic mastectomy or transgender chest surgery. The procedure is designed to surgically remove female breasts to create a more masculine-looking appearance. There are several different techniques used, although all involve the removal of breast tissue and excess skin with repositioning of the nipple and areola.
Non-Binary Surgery
Non-binary surgery refers to gender-affirming procedures tailored to individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. These surgeries help align physical appearance with gender identity, reducing gender dysphoria and enhancing confidence. Procedures may include top surgery to modify the chest, facial surgery to refine features, and body contouring to reshape proportions. The goal is to create a personalised aesthetic that feels authentic to each person.
Double Incision Top Surgery
Double incision top surgery, often chosen by transgender men and non-binary individuals, is a mastectomy technique designed to create a masculine chest contour. The procedure involves two horizontal incisions at the lower edge of the pectoral muscles where breast tissue is removed, and the chest is contoured. Nipples are resized and repositioned through grafting to align with the new chest shape. This outpatient procedure typically lasts about two hours, has visible scarring, but is beneficial for those with larger breasts or low skin elasticity. It plays a significant role in alleviating gender dysphoria and enhancing self-confidence.
Nipple-Sparing Double Incision Top Surgery
Nipple-preserving double incision top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure designed to create a masculine chest while maintaining the natural appearance of the nipple-areola complex. This technique involves removing breast tissue through two incisions along the lower pectoral border while carefully preserving nipple sensation and blood supply. Ideal for individuals with moderate chest size and good skin elasticity, it offers natural-looking results. Recovery typically takes several weeks, with full healing over a few months.
Keyhole Top Surgery
Keyhole top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure ideal for transgender men and non-binary individuals with smaller breasts. In this procedure, an incision is made along the border of the areola, allowing for the removal of breast tissue while preserving the nipple and areola. As no skin is removed, patients with high skin elasticity often achieve the best results. The procedure leaves minimal scarring and often preserves nipple sensation, offering an aesthetically pleasing, masculine chest contour. This outpatient surgery takes about two hours and plays a significant role in reducing gender dysphoria and improving body confidence.
Periareolar Top Surgery
Periareolar Top Surgery is a gender-affirming procedure designed to create a flatter, more masculine chest. It is best suited for individuals with smaller chest sizes and good skin elasticity. The surgery involves making an incision around the areola to remove breast tissue while allowing for minimal scarring and natural nipple positioning. This technique helps alleviate gender dysphoria and enhances confidence. At Centre for Surgery, expert surgeons provide personalised care to ensure safe, effective, and aesthetically refined results.
Inverted T Top Surgery
Inverted T Top Surgery is a gender-affirming chest procedure designed for individuals with larger chests or excess skin. This technique involves an anchor-shaped incision to remove breast tissue, reshape the chest, and preserve the nipple-areolar complex without grafting. It provides superior contouring and is ideal for those needing additional skin tightening. At Centre for Surgery, our expert surgeons offer personalised care to ensure natural results and a smooth recovery. Book your consultation today!
Body Masculinisation Surgery
Body masculinisation surgery is a set of procedures aimed at aligning a person’s physical appearance with their gender identity. These surgeries are often sought by transgender men and non-binary individuals seeking a more traditionally masculine physique. Procedures can include chest masculinisation (top surgery), liposuction, body contouring, and tummy tuck among others. The goal is to reduce feminine curves, remove excess fat, and create a more masculine contour. These surgeries are typically permanent, with the final results depending on individual healing patterns, lifestyle choices, and the specific procedures performed.
MTF Top Surgery
MTF top surgery is a type of male-to-female breast augmentation procedure designed to transform male chests into female breasts. The procedure can create a more feminine-looking appearance and is commonly used in conjunction with hormonal therapy for transgender females with more natural-looking female breasts. The size of the breasts can be enhanced with either breast implants or transfer. Both techniques can be combined in the same procedure for synergistic results in many cases.
MTF Breast Augmentation with Implants
MTF/N top surgery with implants is a gender-affirming procedure designed to enhance breast size and create a more traditionally feminine chest contour. This surgery is ideal for transgender women and non-binary individuals seeking a fuller, more proportional appearance that aligns with their identity. High-quality silicone implants are carefully selected to suit each patient’s body shape and aesthetic goals. Our expert surgeons at Centre for Surgery use advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
MTF Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
MTF/N breast augmentation with fat transfer is a natural way to enhance breast size and shape without implants. This procedure removes excess fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs through liposuction, purifies it, and carefully injects it into the breasts for a fuller, feminine appearance. The results feel soft and natural, with the added benefit of body contouring. Since it uses your own fat, there’s no risk of implant complications. Ideal for those seeking subtle enhancement, this procedure offers long-lasting, beautifully balanced results tailored to your body.
Body Feminisation Surgery
Body feminisation surgery is a gender-affirming procedure designed to create a more traditionally feminine silhouette. Using techniques such as liposuction and fat transfer, the body’s contours are reshaped to enhance curves and achieve a balanced, natural look. This procedure is ideal for transgender women and non-binary individuals seeking to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. At Centre for Surgery, our expert surgeons provide personalised treatment plans in a supportive and inclusive environment, ensuring each patient feels confident, comfortable, and empowered throughout their transformation journey.
Tracheal Shave (Adam’s Apple Removal)
Tracheal shave, also known as Adams apple reduction, is a cosmetic surgery aimed at reducing the size of the laryngeal prominence in the neck. This procedure is often sought by individuals desiring a less pronounced throat contour for reasons including gender transition or personal preference. During the surgery, a small incision is made and the thyroid cartilage is carefully reshaped, resulting in a smoother neck profile. Typically performed under general anaesthesia, it’s a relatively quick outpatient procedure with a straightforward recovery, offering permanent results for those who feel self-conscious about the prominence of their Adam’s apple.