FTM Top Surgery

Determining candidacy for top surgery

The best candidates for transgender mastectomy…

• are at least 18 years old
• are physically and mentally in excellent health
• desire a conventionally masculine physique
• are at or within reach of their ideal body weight
• desire full chest reconstruction rather than breast reduction
• have tried breast reduction and found it was not dramatic enough to meet their aesthetic goals
• are non-smokers
• have realistic expectations for their outcomes
• are looking to complement hormone therapy and/or facial masculinization procedures
• are fully informed of possible risks, complications and side effects

Why choose Dr. Beck for top surgery?

For transgender clients transitioning from female to male, working with a qualified, discreet and compassionate surgeon such as Dr. Joel Beck is a must, as getting the best results depends a great deal on communication, trust and confidence in your physician’s skill. As a practitioner with an extensive background in reconstructive surgery – one of the most demanding and exacting areas of cosmetic science – Dr. Beck excels at his San Francisco FTM top surgery procedures, which require scrupulous precision coupled with the sophisticated eye of a true artist.

Dr. Beck is committed to a minimally invasive approach that seeks to preserve nipple sensation while still achieving a dramatic change in contour. This approach is achieved through the appropriate placement of incisions, and with a focus on tailoring each surgery to the client’s unique anatomy, thus reducing any unnecessary downtime and discomfort.

In addition, Dr. Beck has surrounded himself with some of the most outstanding support staff in the industry. His experienced team is board certified, friendly, attentive and down-to-earth, always on hand around the clock to ensure your experience is as rewarding and productive as you had hoped.

What can I expect from top surgery?

Procedures take place at the accredited outpatient San Mateo Surgery Center, known for its privacy and tranquility, along with world class facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Top surgery usually takes 1-3 hours to complete, and is performed under general anesthesia.

Types of Incisions

When the FTM client has less breast tissue to remove, a circumareolar incision may be chosen, outlining the nipple which will nicely camouflage any scarring. With this type of incision, the excess fat and tissue is often vacuumed out via liposuction through a cannula. Liposuction can also be performed through incisions made near the armpits.

In cases where the client has an abundant amount of breast tissue to remove, Dr. Beck may choose an anchor-shaped incision starting at the areola and continuing down along the breast crease, where scars are the most inconspicuous. During this method, a scalpel is used to excise tissue rather than a cannula.

As mentioned earlier, preserving sensation in the nipples is a primary goal for Dr. Beck, and he will adjust his methods accordingly.