What would be the cost for a revision? (Photo)

Question

Hello I previously had ftm surgery with another Surgeon and was displeased with my results. I'm wondering if you could do a revision and the cost. I need a revision on the dog ears.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It's usually suggested to wait 6 to 12 months depending on the reason for a #revision and it's still early in your healing. The ideal technique best for you is difficult to determine online by photos alone. There are several methods used which depend upon the patient’s breast or chest #size before surgery. Considerations include the #laxity of skin, the #size of the #areola, the amount of #fat and recent weight #gain or weight #loss. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will #confirm if you would actually benefit from a revision and the type best suited for your revision during an in-person evaluation. There are a number of states that now prohibit discrimination and legally require #insurance companies to provide transgender health coverage. If you live in a state where surgery coverage is not mandated by law, you still might be able to get your top surgery covered via student health insurance. To get #Top Surgery covered by insurance there are a number of requirements.Being each person varies, it’s important to be realistic about your goals and what is achievable. It's best to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon about your concerns and to confirm if FTM Top is in your best interest. It is important to gather all the cost information for Top Surgery from all of the surgeons you consult with. Additionally, you will also incur post-operative costs such as a medical compression vest, medications, paper tape, gauze, scar care and more.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You should ask your surgeon, who did a pretty good job overall. Revision by your own surgeon will be the most cost-effective, as surgery elsewhere will definitely be more costly. If you have other concerns with your surgeon, revision by another plastic surgeon experienced with transgender mastectomies will generally cost more, but probably not as much your initial procedure.
Your photo does not show as much detail as a physical examination in person would, but your right nipple should be closer to your mastectomy scar, and revision with additional skin/fat and lateral dog ear excision (more on the right side--left in photo unless this is a mirror photo) on both sides can make this a much better top surgery result. Your nipple/areola grafts are also a bit too medial for optimal masculine position, but I've learned that the hard way also.
Your nipples can also be reduced to masculine size, and/or tattooed as Dr. Lincenberg has recommended. With due respect to Dr Schwartz, you do NOT need a surgeon who specializes in "aesthetic and restorative breast surgery," but an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon who has demonstrated experience with transgender breast surgery. There are plenty of examples of bad surgical procedures (top surgery) here on RealSelf does by surgeons who have lots of experience with breast surgery in females, some experience with gynecomastia surgery in men, but abysmal experience with transgender patients. I'm sure that is what Dr. Schwartz meant to say! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The dog ears can be removed and the chest contours flattened.  Typically a revision operation of this type is less expensive than the double incision mastectomy.   The costs of revisions are determined at the consultation.  I would say they are in the $5000 range.

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

You need the scar curvature adjusted and the dog-ears removed.  I cannot give you the cost over this site.

What would be the cost for a revision? (Photo)

Answers (5)