Feel whole inside and out.

The transitioning process is highly personal and individuals on a gender-transition journey must decide which steps to take and when. We are skilled in both female-to-male and male-to-female top surgery and would welcome the opportunity to make this journey with you.

Female-to-Male (FTM) Top Surgery

Gender reassignment for the transsexual man is called FTM top surgery which creates a masculine chest.  Breast removal in the form of a subcutaneous mastectomy combined with male chest contouring is the major focus of surgery.  The surgery can also include free nipple grafts or nipple/areola resizing and repositioning. The surgery itself can take anywhere from one-and-a-half to four hours, depending on which procedure is chosen.

Top surgery allows the trans man to live more comfortably.  Freedom from breasts gives the individual psychological benefits and allows him to function better socially.

It is important to select an experienced doctor who specializes in FTM top surgery. You must be able to trust your doctor to help you make important decisions about what type of surgical procedure to have and what type of outcome you expect from your surgery.  Drs. Farzad R. Nahai and Foad Nahai understand the needs of transgender patients and will provide before-and-after photos of surgical results.

Female-to-Male (FTM) Aftercare & Recovery

Patients often ask how much time they will need for recovery after FTM Top Surgery. For individuals in the working world, it depends on how strenuous their job is. Someone with a desk job could go back to work in 10 to 14 days, but a two-week recovery period is recommended. If your job is more physical, you may have to take off up to six weeks following surgery. Student patients will need to take one to two weeks off school and stay away from sports for four to six weeks. It’s important to have an experienced physician who knows what complications might arise and will counsel you to recover as quickly as possible with no adverse effects.

Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

Male-to-Female (MTF) Top Surgery

A major consideration for transgender women involves plastic surgery. Some consider breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, critical to their transition process. Drs. Farzad R. Nahai and Foad Nahai are experienced and empathetic surgeons. If you are considering MTF top surgery, make a consultation appointment and bring with you a list of any medications you are currently taking. During this consultation, you will discuss your medical history and your aesthetic goals in an unhurried meeting where the procedure and recovery will be thoroughly explained.

When you make the decision to schedule surgery, your surgeon will talk with you, in detail, about his plan to customize your procedure, including type and size of implant and incision locations.

• Saline implants are filled with saltwater. They can be less costly and are inserted through a smaller incision.
• Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. They have a reputation for being more natural and soft.

To prepare for surgery, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• Avoid alcohol the week leading up to your surgery.
• Stop smoking three weeks before and after surgery. Smoking can cause complications and delayed healing.
• Schedule transportation to and from surgery.
• Ask a friend or relative to care for you after surgery until you can live independently.
• Dress comfortably in loose clothing with a zipper or buttons down the front.

The procedure, which is done under local anesthesia, takes between one and two hours. Incisions are commonly located along the nipple or under the fold of skin where your chest meets your breast tissue and under the armpit. The implants are placed in a pocket above or below the pectoral muscles.

Male-to-Female (MTF) Aftercare & Recovery

The recovery time for MTF top surgery varies. In general, MTF patients can return to work about one week after surgery.

• Sleeping on your back is recommended for at least a week.
• Until the dressings are removed, the area must remain dry.
• To speed your recovery, use ice packs. Most patients experience some swelling and bruising after surgery.  Ice packs can help with pain and inflammation.
• There is swelling, which diminishes after two to three weeks, but can take several months to completely disappear.
• To avoid excess scarring, avoid reaching and lifting.
• Generally, it takes six to eight weeks to return to a rigorous exercise routine.
• Don’t overdo it; eat healthily; no smoking or alcohol.

Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

Request your consultation with one of our Plastic Surgeons in Sandy Springs or Hiram to learn more.

Procedures & Treatments