Health Encyclopedia

Browse A-Z Listings: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Chest Reconstruction Surgery for Gender Affirmation: Before Your Surgery

What is chest reconstruction surgery for gender affirmation?

Chest reconstruction surgery for gender affirmation reshapes your chest to align with your gender identity. This is also called "top surgery."

Here are the most common ways the surgery may be done.

The doctor makes incisions (cuts) across the breasts. Breast tissue and excess skin are removed to flatten your chest. Then the doctor reshapes and repositions the nipples (nipple skin graft).
The doctor makes incisions below the nipples. Breast tissue and excess skin are removed to flatten your chest. The doctor may reshape the nipples.

You will be asleep during surgery. You will likely go home the same day. Most people can return to their usual activities in 4 to 6 weeks. You will have scars from the incisions, but they will fade.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

	Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
	Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
	Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
	If you are taking hormones, your doctor will tell you whether to keep taking them or to stop before your surgery.
	Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
	If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking slows healing and increases surgery risks. Your doctor may require that you quit for a period of time before and after surgery. You have the best chance for a healthy recovery if you quit smoking completely. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.
	Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any changes in your physical or mental health that might affect the surgery or your recovery.

What happens on the day of surgery?

	Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
	Follow your doctor's instructions about when to bathe or shower before your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
	Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
	Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

	Bring a picture ID.
	The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
	You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery.
	The surgery will take about 2 to 4 hours.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.

You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.

You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).

You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter T457 in the search box to learn more about "Chest Reconstruction Surgery for Gender Affirmation: Before Your Surgery."

Current as of: December 18, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Disclaimer