Putting The Focus on Gender Affirmation Surgery

Gender affirmation surgery is growing in popularity across the country, with the benefits of FTM, Non-Binary, MTF, and facial remodeling surgery helping folks feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. 

At DeLuca Plastic Surgery, we offer a suite of gender affirmation procedures. We have the experience to help you achieve transformative, lasting results. 

If you’re considering gender affirmation surgery, take a moment to learn about some of the most common procedures we offer. We also answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding gender affirmation surgery below. 

If you’re interested in learning more, schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable surgeons. We’ll help you get started on the road to living your best, most confident life!  

FTM/Non-Binary Top Surgery

FTM/Non-Binary Top Surgery, is a procedure that masculinizes the chest by removing and reshaping the breast tissue. It is not a uniform procedure, meaning that results differ from patient to patient. 

The specific procedure is influenced by the starting size of the breast as well as patient goals. 

Patients with a smaller starting chest size may be able to have surgery while keeping the nipples and areolas fully intact. Patients with a larger chest size may need to have the nipples and areolas removed, resized, and put back into position. 

Recovery from FTM/Non-Binary top surgery differs by patient, but most patients are able to return to work within two weeks post-procedure. Additionally, most patients will wear a compression wrap around the chest for two weeks post-procedure. 

Best results are typically achieved in patients with a BMI below 30, and patients with smaller starting breast size–as well as patients who have been on hormone therapy or weight loss regimen. 

FTM/Non-Binary top surgery is the perfect solution for transgender men and non-binary people who want to achieve a more masculine, confident look. 

Read more about gender affirmation top surgery!

MTF Top Surgery

MTF top surgery, also known as chest feminization surgery, is a procedure that feminizes the chest by increasing breast size and augmenting the overall shape of the chest. Like FTM top surgery, results may differ by patient. 

Again, the specific procedure depends on the patient’s starting chest size, as well as their individual goals. 

The principles of MTF top surgery are similar to breast augmentation procedures for cisgender women. However, transgender women typically have broader chests with larger, thicker pectoral muscles as well as a shorter distance between the nipples and the crease under the breasts. Notably, this may result in a wider space between the breasts, even with larger implants. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions near the areola or under the breast, through which they will place implants. 

Patients wear a bra for eight weeks post-procedure, and most patients can return to work within a week. 

MTF top surgery is the perfect solution for transgender  women who want to achieve a more feminine look.  

Read more about MTF top surgery!

Gender Affirmation Facial Remodeling

Gender affirmation facial remodeling may be a suitable solution for transgender women, transgender men, and nonbinary people. 

From forehead reduction to jawline remodeling to cheek & chin augmentation, we offer a full suite of facial remodeling procedures for all patients.

Facial feminization surgery may differ by patient, but typically, it involves a brow lift, forehead bone reduction, hairline lowering, nose reshaping, jaw contouring/reduction, lip lift, chin implants, and a face/neck lift. The results help achieve a more traditionally feminine appearance. 

Facial masculinization surgery also differs by patient, but typically involves forehead and cheek augmentation, rhinoplasty, and chin and jaw implants and recontouring. The results help achieve a more traditionally masculine appearance. 

There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to gender affirmation facial remodeling. Depending on your unique goals, our surgeons can work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you gain the look you want.

Read more about facial remodeling!

Gender Affirmation Surgery FAQs

As with any procedure, prospective patients are sure to have questions. Below are some of the more frequently asked questions–with answers–regarding gender affirmation surgery procedures. 

Q. How permanent is gender affirmation surgery?

A. Gender affirmation surgeries result in a permanent transformation. This is why patients must meet eligibility requirements (see below). 

Q. Am I eligible for gender affirmation surgery?

A. To be eligible for gender affirmation surgery, patients must be at least 18 years of age, be able to make an informed, conscious decision, and have a physician’s diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Most patients have been transitioning for at least 12 months–including hormone therapy (although hormone treatment is not necessary) and have completed counseling with a licensed professional in gender affirmation healthcare. 

Q. Do I need to stop hormone therapy before my procedure?

A. Typically only transgender female patients will need to stop hormone therapy prior to their procedure. Pausing therapy helps reduce the risk of blood clots associated with estrogen treatments. During your consultation, we will discuss the particulars–including what medications to continue taking or stop taking. 

Q. How long is recovery from gender affirmation surgery?

A. Your recovery will depend on the procedure(s) performed. Full recovery can take up to 6 months or longer. 

Q. Does insurance cover gender affirmation surgery?

A. Federal and state laws prohibit most public and private insurers from discriminating against patients on the basis of sex or gender, meaning they can’t exclude medically-necessary gender-affirming surgery. The amount of out-of-pocket costs vary, however, with your specific insurer and plan, including co-pays and deductibles.

Schedule Your Consultation!

If you think gender affirmation surgery is right for you, the next step is to schedule a consultation with the experienced professionals at DeLuca Plastic Surgery. 

We are proud to offer the most advanced techniques in both FTM/NB surgery and MTF surgery. Our surgeons will develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your individual needs, and we’re always available to answer your questions. 

Schedule an in-person, phone-in, or instant email consultation with DeLuca Plastic Surgery to get started on your transformation today!