A Supportive Guide to Gender-Affirming Top Surgery

June 6, 2023

Estimated read time: 14 minutes

Here's what you need to know about gender-affirming top surgery and how to be a supportive ally

June is PRIDE month where we all get to shine a spotlight on our love, support, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Every person deserves to be their authentic self.

At Titty City Design, we are all one communi-Titty, and we honor the strength and resilience of our LGBTQ+ family all year round. Our mission is to celebrate and promote body positivity, breast health, breastfeeding, chest feeding, and all things Boob positive. We also started The Boobment, a social movement to encourage each other to talk openly about our experiences with our breasts to break the stigma around Boobs and to support each other on our journeys with our bodies to feel less alone.

In honor of PRIDE month, we put together this guide to help educate about gender-affirming top surgeries and to offer up support to our LGBTQ+ family and allies.

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Let's talk Top Surgery

Gender-affirming surgery plays a significant role in the journey of transgender and non-binary individuals, providing them with the opportunity to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. One of the most common and transformative procedures in this realm is top surgery. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of gender-affirming top surgery, exploring its purpose, types, risks, recovery, cost, and ways to support individuals undergoing this transformative process.

Understanding Gender-Affirming Surgery

Gender-affirming surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery or sex reassignment surgery, encompasses a range of procedures designed to help transgender and non-binary individuals achieve a physical presentation that aligns with their gender identity. It aims to alleviate gender dysphoria and promote mental well-being by altering primary and secondary sexual characteristics.

What is Top Surgery and Who is it For?

Top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure primarily performed on transgender men (assigned female at birth) and non-binary individuals who desire to masculinize their chest. By removing breast tissue and reshaping the chest contour, top surgery can provide a flatter, more masculine appearance and alleviate gender dysphoria associated with chest-related issues.

Types of Top Surgeries

There are several types of top surgery, each catering to different individual needs and preferences. Here are 4 types of top surgeries and

1. Double Incision Mastectomy

This method involves making horizontal incisions along the chest to remove breast tissue. The nipples are usually resized and repositioned for a more natural aesthetic.

2. Keyhole Top Surgery

Suitable for individuals with smaller breast tissue, keyhole surgery involves making a small incision around the areola to remove glandular tissue. This technique results in minimal scarring.

3. Peri-Areolar Top Surgery

This procedure involves making an incision along the lower half of the areola to remove excess tissue. It is most effective for individuals with moderate breast tissue.

4. T-Separation Top Surgery

Primarily used for non-binary individuals, this technique involves creating a straight line incision across the chest to remove breast tissue, resulting in a more androgynous appearance.

Risks of Top Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, top surgery carries certain risks. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, poor wound healing, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, complications are relatively rare, and choosing an experienced and skilled surgeon can greatly minimize these risks.

Top Surgery vs Mastectomy

While top surgery and mastectomy may seem similar, they have distinct differences in purpose and approach. Top surgery is specifically tailored to transgender and non-binary individuals, focusing on achieving a more masculine or androgynous chest contour. It involves reshaping the chest and repositioning the nipples for a more natural appearance. Mastectomy, on the other hand, is typically performed for medical reasons, such as breast cancer treatment, and may not prioritize aesthetics or gender alignment.

Top Surgery Healing Timeline and Recovery Time

Recovery time after top surgery varies from person to person, but generally, individuals can expect a healing timeline of several weeks to a few months. The immediate post-operative period involves wearing compression garments and limiting physical activity to facilitate healing. Over time, swelling and bruising subside, and incision lines gradually fade. It's crucial to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions diligently to promote optimal healing.

Top Surgery Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of top surgery varies depending on factors such as the surgeon's experience, geographic location, and chosen surgical technique. The average cost can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

It's essential to consult with potential surgeons and inquire about their pricing structure. In terms of health insurance coverage for top surgeries, some insurance plans may cover a portion or all of the cost of top surgery, particularly if it is deemed medically necessary. It is advisable to review your insurance policy and work closely with your healthcare provider to navigate the coverage process.

In addition, check your employer's benefits package. There are some more progressive companies out there that are starting to offer additional benefits for gender-affirming surgeries.

How to Support Someone Undergoing Top Surgery

Supporting a loved one or friend who is undergoing top surgery is crucial in helping them navigate the physical and emotional aspects of the process. Here are some ways you can offer support:

1. Educate yourself

Take the initiative to learn about gender identity, transgender experiences, and the specific details of top surgery. This will allow you to understand the significance of the procedure and provide informed support.

2. Have open communication

Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your loved one to express their thoughts, concerns, and expectations. Listen actively and validate their emotions throughout the entire journey.

3. Offer to attend appointments

Offer to accompany your loved one to pre-operative consultations and post-operative appointments. Your presence can provide comfort and ensure that important information is not missed.

4. Offer up practical assistance

Assist with daily tasks and responsibilities during their recovery period. This can include meal preparation, running errands, or helping with household chores. Small gestures can go a long way in easing their physical and emotional burden.

5. Provide emotional support

Be a source of emotional support by checking in regularly, offering encouragement, and being available to talk or simply listen when they need it. Remind them of their resilience and validate their feelings.

6. Respect their privacy

Understand that everyone's journey is personal, and some individuals may prefer to keep their surgery private. Respect their decision and maintain confidentiality unless explicitly given permission to share.

7. Celebrate their milestones

Make sure to celebrate their milestones and accomplishments throughout the process. Acknowledge their courage, strength, and the steps they are taking toward living authentically.

Everyone deserves to feel at home in their own body

Gender-affirming top surgery is a transformative and life-changing procedure for transgender and non-binary individuals. It helps align their physical appearance with their gender identity, alleviating gender dysphoria and promoting overall well-being.

Understanding the different types of top surgery, associated risks, recovery timeline, and costs is essential for individuals considering or supporting someone through this journey. By providing unwavering support, empathy, and education, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all.

We'd love to hear from you on other ways to offer up support. Join the conversation over on our Instagram page and let us know in the comments!

At Titty City Design, we believe that every boobie is beautiful, and that should be celebrated. We are a female-owned and operated, small business here to spread self-love and body positivity with our line of boob apparel, boob accessories, and boob-themed decor and products for the home. A portion of our proceeds goes to help support postpartum people and breast cancer patients.

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