Does FTM top surgery generally cost less without nipples? Since part of the cost is the nipple reconstruction fee?

Question

FTM Top Surgery No nipple reconstruction fee - does it cost less? Planning on going without nipples anyway. I'm heavily tattooed and will be on my chest as well eventually so I see no reason for them. Would like to know if that will end up saving me money. Saving up is taking awhile..

Jaime Caloca, Jr., MD · Answer

I agree that not doing the nipple grafts during your surgery will definitely save time in the O.R., but please consider that the nipples and areolas also have a contour that can be touched and felt. This slight elevation in the skin surface, especially in the nipple areas can make a difference. We sant to achieve as close to normal male anatomy and the areola-nipple complex is part of normal male anatomy. Certain surgeons such as myself have very affordable costs and could surely help you in getting your surgery sooner than you would expect.

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

Best not to let keeping or discarding nipples (nipple areolar complexes) be a financial decision as they cannot be put back on (though they can be reconstructed or recreated somewhat by tattoo).  If you need to save longer that would be the best thought.  If you really do not want them put back on they can be left off.

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

I would caution you against having surgery with no nipples, and I personally would not agree to do this. No nipples looks very abnormal. It is my belief that surgery should address your dysphoria by trying to give you as good and NORMAL a male chest as possible, and not reconstructing nipples is inconsistent with this.
Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi,Thanks for the post. Interesting question. In my practice it would be cheaper without the nipple grafts because it is less OR and anesthesia time. However, not by much. Furthermore, I highly recommend you make this decision carefully and not jus on the little bit of money you might save. That cost difference over the course of your life is minimal. If you realize you made a mistake and want nipples and areolas, that cost will be much more, and would likely never look and feel the way yor natural areolas and nipples would be.Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Anthony J. Wilson, MD · Answer

In my practice there would be no difference in cost. I recommend you attempt to preserve the nipples because any further reconstruction or tattoo attempt will not match the appearance of a natural nipple. Best of luck!

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

The total cost of a procedure should really just be based on the time it will take and the agreement between you and your surgeon about goals. If you are contemplating no nipples just based on cost, make sure you are OK with knowing that your original nipples can never be put back on, and if you want nipples in the future you'd have to have nipple reconstruction and or 3D tattooing. I have personally never had a patient undergoing this particular procedure request not to have nipples, but in the other realm of patients undergoing mastectomies for breast cancer, a lot of people choose not to have nipples once they are removed because of cancer. I am not saying that it is the "wrong" decision not to have nipples placed back on, but this decision should not be made for purely financial reasons, if that makes sense.

Does FTM top surgery generally cost less without nipples? Since part of the cost is the nipple reconstruction fee?

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