Gender affirming surgery, also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or confirmation surgery, is the surgical procedure(s) that alters a transgender or non-binary person’s physical appearance and functional abilities to match the gender they identify with.

Types of gender affirming top surgeries include the following:

Male-to-Female (MTF) Top Surgery

• Breast Augmentation or Breast Reconstruction is performed on male-to-female transitioning patients to improve and enhance the shape and size of the breasts and create a more feminine physique. This can be accomplished by using the various sizes and shapes of breast implants available to enhance the size and shape of the chest.

Female-to-male (FTM) Top Surgery

• Chest Reconstruction surgery is a procedure that contours the chest to make it appear more masculine. This involves the removal of the breast tissue and skin from the chest wall. Many different techniques can used to contour the chest. Some techniques that are available and can be performed are:

  • Keyhole Top Surgery

  • Peri-Areolar Top Surgery

  • Double Incision Top Surgery

The main objective of the surgery is to make you feel more at ease with your body by better aligning your physical characteristics with your internal sense of self and the self you wish to present to the world. Many trans and gender-diverse people are content with their bodies or find comfort in them through non-surgical means. Only you can decide if surgery is appropriate for you.

Research shows that gender-affirming surgeries may result in:

• Being at ease in your skin & finding comfort in your body

• Improved ability to be read by others as your gender

• A more fulfilling sex life

• The ability to take a lower dose of hormone therapy (with certain surgeries), limiting potential risks and unwanted side effects

• Improved comfort and safety in public settings (i.e., when using pools and gyms, interacting with healthcare providers, interacting with police)

• An improved ability to fit into your preferred clothing style

• The ability to put an end to binding, padding, packing, or tucking

Depending on the procedure, the complexity of your surgery, and the technique used, gender affirming top surgery, usually takes between 1.5 hours to 3 hours to complete.

Recovery time will vary depending on the procedure and the individual. The typical recovery time for gender affirming top surgery is 2 to 4 weeks. Patients can usually resume physical activity 6 weeks after surgery. Patients should maintain communication with their preferred healthcare provider as surgery may only be one stage of the healing process for some people.

It is very important to follow all the instructions your surgery team gives you when you go home from the hospital.

• For the first week after surgery, you will need to sleep with your torso elevated

• You should avoid lifting more than 10 to 15 pounds for several weeks

• You should not lift your arms greater than 90 degrees away from your body or over your head

• You should also not push, pull or lift anything greater than five pounds during these four weeks

Male-to-Female (MTF) Top Surgery

The results of MTF top surgery are immediately visible. You will be able to see the final results of the surgery after a few months, as the swelling goes down and your tissues relax. The implants will require time to settle in order to appear natural. The type of implant used, where the implant was placed, and your body type will all influence how quickly you see your final results. The strength of your pectoral muscles can also influence how quickly you heal.

Female-to-male (FTM) Top Surgery

The results of FTM top surgery are immediately visible. There will be some swelling and bruising at first, and your breasts may appear larger and fuller than the final result. The majority of the swelling goes away in the first week or two, and it usually goes away completely after three months.

The total cost of a gender affirming top surgery in Canada varies depending on the scope of the procedure and the province in which it is performed. A consultation with your surgeon will provide you with an exact cost for your procedure. In Canada, a gender affirming top surgery costs between $4,000 and $12,000.

Significant complications arising from gender affirming top surgery are rare. As with any major surgery, gender affirming top surgeries carries some risks such as:

• Poor wound healing

• Fluid buildup beneath the skin

• A solid swelling of clotted blood within your tissues

• Damaged or dead body tissue, such as in the nipple

• Scarring

• An imbalance in chest tissue

Most people who choose these surgeries report an improvement in their quality of life. Depending on the procedure, 94% to 100% of people are pleased with the results of their surgery. People who work with a mental health provider before surgery are more likely to be satisfied with their treatment outcomes.

• 123/126 people who have undergone masculinizing top surgery have rated the procedure “Worth It” (97%)

• 78/81 people who have undergone feminizing top surgery have rated the procedure “Worth It” (96%)

– Source: Realself.com