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SearchDonatelocation: Transition > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) > Transitioning Process > Chest Surgery Questions
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1. How did you find a reputable local doctor or surgeon to take care of you post-operatively after your chest surgery? 2. How can I get “pecs” after chest surgery? 3. Can I have chest surgery without being on testosterone? 4. Why don’t you have large scars from your chest surgery? 1. How did you find a reputable local doctor or surgeon to take care of you post-operatively after your chest surgery? I was referred from my primary care physician to the local hospital’s Breast Care Center, which mostly dealt with breast cancer and other mammary problems of females. Before I went, I called the office and explained my situation, asking if anyone would be willing to see me and take care of my hematoma complication. They set me up with one of their GLBT-friendly RNs, who drained my hematoma three times over a week and a half. Since I had already told them about my situation over the phone, there was no awkward “coming out” as trans at my actual appointment. 2. How can I get “pecs” after chest surgery? Working out/lifting weights will help develop the pectoral muscles. It is also possible, though not necessary, to get pectoral implants – to my knowledge, pectoral implants are actually more common among men-born-male body builders than transmen. 3. Can I have chest surgery without being on testosterone? Every doctor has their own requirements or recommendations. Some surgeons will perform chest surgery without requiring you to be on testosterone. There is no evidence (to my knowledge) that having surgery before OR after starting testosterone is more advantageous (ie. as far as I know, being on testosterone has no effect on chest surgery results). 4. Why don’t you have large scars from your chest surgery? I had a subcutaneous mastectomy (sometimes called "keyhole," depending on where the incisions are made), a procedure usually reserved for those with B cup or smaller breasts. In my case, an incision was made around the bottom half of where the areola meets the skin, and the breast tissue was dissected out from that small incision. So I do have scars, but they are fairly well hidden by the pigmented areolae. Doctors who routinely do the subcutaneous/keyhole mastectomy procedure include (in alphabetical order), but are not limited to: - Dr. Gary Alter - Dr. Pierre Brassard - Dr. Michael Brownstein - Dr. Beverly Fisher - Dr. Charles Garramone - Dr. Hugh McLean - Dr. Daniel Medalie - Dr. Yvon Menard These are just the most popular surgeons; there are many more so ask whatever surgeon you are interested in about the possibility of a subcutaneous/keyhole procedure. People with larger than B cup breasts usually have to have the double incision procedure, which leaves two large, crescent-shaped scars across the chest. |