Chest Masculinization in Middletown, NJ
Patients undergoing the surgical female to male sexual reassignment endure several procedures designed to make them more masculine in their appearance. Dr. John Taylor, a board-certified, Red Bank, NJ, plastic surgeon, performs chest masculinization surgery on patients who wish to have female to male SRS.
What Is Chest Masculinization?
Chest masculinization is a surgical procedure for women undergoing gender reassignment to take female breasts and turn them into a male chest area. The procedure involves removing as much breast tissue as possible then contouring the chest to be more masculine in its appearance.
How Is Chest Masculinization Performed?
During the procedure, the majority of breast tissue is removed from beneath the skin leaving the areola and nipple intact, although usually smaller. Breasts that are smaller in size require much less tissue removal and sometimes no excess skin removal while the procedure for larger breasts is more extensive. For breasts with large areolae and nipples, Dr. Taylor reduces the diameter as well as the amount of nipple projection to make them more masculine.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. For smaller breasts, the surgery typically takes about two hours while larger breasts may take up to four hours to complete.
Preparing for Chest Masculinization
Because this surgery is major surgery, it requires several steps to ensure patients are able to handle the surgery which includes the following:
- Stop smoking
- Stop taking any medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or vitamins that may thin the blood
- Overall health check-up
- Arrangements for transportation to and from the procedure as well as someone to stay with the patient for first 24 hours
Additionally, we recommend patients undergo psychological counseling to ensure mental clarity on the sexual reassignment procedure.
Recovery from Chest Masculinization
Depending on the extent of the procedure, recovery from chest masculinization surgery is very similar to breast reduction. Following the procedure, typically small surgical drains are placed in the incisions that are removed within 10 days of the surgery. Additionally, patients should wear a compression garment for a few weeks to provide support and help minimize swelling.
The discomfort is not as severe as expected and occurs in the underarm area because the breast area is often somewhat numb for a few months. Additionally, to minimize the discomfort, patients are given a prescription for moderate strength pain relief as well as one for oral antibiotics to prevent infection.
Sutures are removed within a week of the procedure with patients returning to work within two weeks. While strenuous exercise is discouraged for four to six weeks, light exercise and activity can be resumed two weeks following the procedure.
How Much Does Chest Masculinization Cost?
The cost of chest masculinization is dependent on the extent of the surgery and varies with each patient. Many patients undergoing SRS elect to combine several procedures at one time while others choose to have the procedures individually. During your consultation with Dr. Taylor, we can discuss the cost as well as payment options. We offer financing through CareCredit® in addition to accepting cash, checks, and most major credit cards.
Is Chest Masculinization Right For Me?
If you are looking to remove your female breasts in order to create a male chest. then chest masculinization is right for you.
Why Choose Dr. Taylor for Chest Masculinization?
Sexual reassignment surgery, in and of itself, is a very daunting task and one that should not be treated lightly. Dr. Taylor has a compassionate understanding of what this procedure as well as the other surgeries entail. In addition to being very well trained in the field of plastic surgery, his aesthetic abilities are equally as talented. He works very hard to put his patients at ease and help them feel confident in his abilities.
What to Expect During Your Chest Masculinization Consultation
Whether you choose to combine procedures or do them one at a time, it is very important to undergo psychological counseling to make sure that you have a firm understanding of sexual reassignment surgery and are mentally and emotionally capable of handling the emotions that come along with it. For the chest masculinization, you have the opportunity to talk with Dr. Taylor about what you would like your chest to look like and ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure.
At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. John Taylor offers plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures as well as non-invasive advanced skin care treatments to patients in Red Bank, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to set up your consultation today.
