I am a cis-female but would like to have my breasts completely removed, do I need to find a FTM experienced surgeon?

Question

Hello, I am a cis-female interested in completely removing my breasts. I am not concerned at all about scars or whether I have nipples afterwards. I think i am about 36d(i wear sports bras so I don’t know my real size). What doctor can perform this on me-do I need to find someone with FTM experience because I want to be completely flat? Or is a regular plastic surgeon fine? Thank you.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question. Some women may consider a breast reduction or breast removal for various reasons; for comfort; for aesthetics; for gender reassignment; and for breast cancer treatment. So, you are definitely not alone. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable, happy, and confident in your own skin. A breast reduction or removal can help you feel more like your authentic self, reduce discomfort, and result in better overall body confidence. But ultimately the decision will be yours.The two major methods I use for this type of surgery are double incision mastectomy with nipple grafting and keyhole. Double incision mastectomy procedure is ideal for medium to large chested women. Keyhole (also known as peri-areolar) is ideal for a small chested woman, up to a b-sized chest, with good skin elasticity. Which method we choose for your surgery will depend on the size of your breasts. But, rest assured, no matter how much breast tissue there is to remove, there is a surgery for you. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Yes, definitely see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in mastectomy, transgender top surgery, and aesthetic and restorative breast surgery. 
 
 best of luck! 
 
 Dr. Schwartz
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Sheldon Lincenberg, MD · Answer

Transitioning is not a requisite for top surgery. In my practice, I see cis hetero women and cis lesbian women who request top surgery. Some women prefer not to deal with breasts. There are many reasons for this including athletic pursuits, fear of cancer, "do not relate to my breasts", masculine partner status, etc.

Sidhbh Gallagher, MD · Answer

Great question! Like anything in life the more you do something, the better you get at it! This goes for surgery too. 
When choosing a surgeon you may want to go with one who has a lot of experience in FTM top surgery- here's why. 
1-Though you say you aren't too bothered about scars and nipples, its always good to know what you are signing up for. Therefore its nice to sit with your surgeon and review photos of THEIR work. That way you can plan your preferred look together. 
1-Secondly you may have a smoother recovery when you go with a Dr who does a lot of these. For example in our practice we are able to do the surgery without ever using drains. Patients can shower a couple of days later and usually head back to work in a week. Best of luck!

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

The majority of board certified plastic surgeons should be able to do this though you should ask if they do have specific experience with this. Many may have done this but not do other components of reassignment surgery such as tracheal shave or genital surgery.

I am a cis-female but would like to have my breasts completely removed, do I need to find a FTM experienced surgeon?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast removal

Answer: Breast removal

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.

I am a cis-female but would like to have my breasts completely removed, do I need to find a FTM experienced surgeon?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast removal

Answer: Breast removal

Browse related questions

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.