Breast Removal for FtM's

[cluelessparent]

Hi.

I have a couple of questions concerning breast removal for FtM's. I am hoping someone can help me out a bit.

1. Is there a timing issue after one starts taking T where the patient needs to wait a period of time? Or can it be done 'anytime'?

2. Is there more therapy and evaluation by professionals before this can occur as a next step? (after starting T)

3. Or is every case just totally different & with the need for individual evaluation?


Thanks in advance for any enlightenment.
Clueless

[Dennis]

Some people have chest surgery before they start T, others after. It's up to the person. But most surgeons will require a therapist or psychiatrist's letter.

It's a pretty easy surgery to go through, if you're thinking of your son. The recovery time is pretty short and it's often an outpatient procedure. I was out of the surgical centre and in a taxi by 11:00 AM the day I had mine done.

Dennis

[cluelessparent]

Thanks Dennis.

Yep, thinking of my son alright.
He had said 'a few months' when I asked him.
I guess that I can assume that he is expecting that long to save for the procedure.
That's where I can help, with some cold cash.

Is this a couple thousand we're talking, or more like $10K,,,,,,somewhere in the middle?
He is a big boy too, no speed-bumps there to deal with.

BTW - Dennis; ya look great in that beach pic.  OH Mexico!

[Dennis]

Prices vary, but you're probably looking in the 5-7k range, plus accommodations and other expenses. I went to Brownstein, who is the most expensive, but very good for guys my size. I think the final was about 7700.

Dennis

[Camden]

I just had it done two weeks ago by Brownstein and couln't be HAPPIER! I too was back to the hotel by 11:00AM. Mine was $4700 plus the surgery center was $2600 don't forget airfare and a week in San Francisco...Now if I would just stop having dreams that they came back; all would be perfect! 

[cluelessparent]

Congrats Camden.............

And good for you!
And thanks for the word. My son has an app't with this guy next week.

We are both psyched

Clueless

[Camden]

That's GREAT! I'm sure you and your son will really like him, he's a character. Let your son know I would be happy to answer any questions about what to expect afterwards if he's interested. You must be the coolest Dad on EARTH! 

[mattlabayan]

I had no idea that you needed all these referals and stuff just to get surgeries and hormone therapy.

When I started T, I just went to an endocrinoligist known in the community... and he started me right up. Then he refered me to a surgeon for top surgery.... the DR. was like okay... just save up and come back.... I will be happy to do it for you.

Simple as that. I guess cause I have been myself since i was very young... Like 2 or 3 years old. I dont know what it is like to be a g****. (sorry its a shameful thing)

[trannyboy]

Welcome clueless, hopefully this site can make you a little less clueless and thanks for taking the time to learn about us.

In terms of your questions, chest surgery is usually the most pressing surgery. Depending on size of the chest it can make it impossible to transition without the surgery. Even with a smaller chest that can be bound you have to remember that binding is painful and only gets more painful the longer you do it. I did it from the age of 13 to 21 and by the end the muscles in my chest wall had partially collapsed and every time I put my binder on or took it off I literally screamed in pain. It is not recommended to bind for longer then 4 years because it does damage to the muscles and severely increases your risk of lung disorders like pneumonia. It will also effect your surgical outcome because it stretches the breast tissue. Some transmen don't want top surgery but most in my experience do. I have also found that chest surgery has a huge effect on the FTM and his ability to incorporate his identity in his life. I know that my top surgery was the biggest outward change for me and made the biggest difference in how I related to the world around me.

Now the requirements for surgery vary based on the person involved. It can be performed before hormones or after. In general most groups require the FTM to have at 6 months living as a man as basic requirement with the exception of those with larger breasts. Most surgeons require at least a psych assessment stating the person is trans, clear of psychotic and delusional disorders and stable enough to consent to surgery. They tend to be more restrictive towards youth but that isn't always the case nor is it always needed.

So at the end of the day the person should be able to clearly and rationally evaluate their surgical options and surgeons, be free of psychotic features, be trans and be stubborn. In terms of a surgeon my favorite by far is Brownstein. If I had money I would have had him do my surgery, instead I had to get it covered by my insurance as breast cancer prevention and done in province. I found a wonderful surgeon who specialized in men with breast cancer and my chest looks as better then most. So I hope this helps and if you have more questions, just ask.

->-bleeped-<-boy

[Andrew]

If your son has a small enough chest, you might want to look into "keyhole" surgery rather than double-incision (provided you can find someone who does it well - which is a little rare). I had mine in July and it's lookin' good. No visible scars. None. You have to be below a B cup, though.

[J.T.]

For the guys here who did Brownstein, how "big" were you?  I've got about 30/40 extra pounds... have heard that he doesn't do the bigger chests as well as some other surgeons.  But he's supposed to be the "best".

[Dennis]

I was about the size I am in the picture, maybe 10 pounds heavier. B cup. I'd say I could've stood to lose 30 pounds at the time I had surgery. I think it's the really big guys he and a lot of surgeons have trouble with. Like guys who would be classified as obese, rather than overweight.

Dennis

[Christo]

For the guys here who did Brownstein, how "big" were you?  I've got about 30/40 extra pounds... have heard that he doesn't do the bigger chests as well as some other surgeons.  But he's supposed to be the "best".

I wasnt that big.   A or small B  but I exercise a lot & started to bind when I was 13 so they didnt grow to much

[J.T.]

thanks for the input.

i wish i would have known about binding when i was 13.  instead i did layer upon layer.  you know, sports bra... two shirts, and a sweatshirt.  fun times.