Cystic breasts and FTM top surgery?

Question

I am going to be having a consult soon for ftm top surgery. I have cystic breasts and back in 2006, one was fairly large so it was biopsied and was found to be benign. The cysts are smaller since testosterone and a full hysterectomy and no longer cause any type of pain but are still present. i want to know if this would cause me to not be a candidate for top surgery. I would be having bilateral mastectomy with free nipple grafts.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Top Surgery is the #reduction and masculinization of the breasts and chest for a person who wants a more #masculine chest.  This is often an individual who desires #gender reassignment. Breast tissue is #removed and the #nipple position is usually made smaller and then placed in a more masculine #anatomic #position.  
It's best to begin seeking a plastic surgeon with #board #certification and experience in this type of procedure. The most important decision to be made before performing any surgical procedure is determining whether you are an ideal #candidate due to your concern. Most likely, you will be screened for any contraindications prior to your procedure during your pre-op appointments. Such may include a mammogram and or ultrasound to name a few.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe proper transgender mastectomies involve removal of 99+% of breast tissue, which would remove all of the cystic changes in your breasts. Only the reduced nipples and areolas, as well as microscopic bits of breast tissue on the underside of the skin/fat mastectomy flaps would remain. You would certainly be a candidate for this surgery. I also recommend sending your mastectomy specimens for pathologic examination (usually covered by insurance even if the top surgery is not).BTW, free nipple grafts would still leave you with large protruding female nipples if the papillae themselves are not concomitantly reduced prior to grafting, or with composite grafts that may not survive completely. I would recommend star-pattern nipple reductions, or at least inverted thinning of the female papillae to reduce protrusion but leaving a "splayed-out" nipple in the center of your areolar grafts. I also hope your surgeon does not use an inverted-T (anchor) pattern, as this is feminine, not masculine. For examples of my own patients undergoing this procedure, click on the web reference link below. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.Having a history of cystic breasts should not interfere with this surgery. From what you are seeing the decrease in estrogen will cause the cysts to shrink.I would recommend a mammogram prior to the surgery and the breast tissue that is removed is sent to pathology.Also, the double incision mastectomy and free nipple grafting does seem to be the best procedure for youThe 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

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

This should not be a problem or prevent you from having FTM chest surgery.  Just remember that even though you identify as male, there still may be some residual breast tissue remaining and you will need to have regular exmas/screening for breast cancer.  Best of luck

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

Your cystic breasts are not a problem to get FTM chest contouring surgery.  You should be able to have the procedure without any problem.

Cystic breasts and FTM top surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Masculinizing Top Surgery

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Cystic breasts and FTM top surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Cystic breasts

Answer: Cystic breasts

Answer: FTM top surgery

Answer: FTM top surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Masculinizing Top Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.