Whether or not you can have MTF top surgery if you have a history of skin infections or keloids depends on the severity of your condition and the surgeon you choose.
Keloids are raised scars that can occur after surgery or injury. They are more common in people with darker skin tones. Skin infections are also more common in people with darker skin tones.
If you have a history of skin infections or keloids, your surgeon will need to assess your individual risk of complications before they will approve you for surgery. They may recommend that you have a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss your condition and your options.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering MTF top surgery and you have a history of skin infections or keloids:
- You may be at an increased risk of complications during and after surgery.
- You may need to take special precautions to prevent infection or keloid formation.
- You may need to have a different type of surgery than someone who does not have a history of skin infections or keloids.
If you are concerned about MTF top surgery and your skin condition, be sure to talk to your surgeon. They will be able to answer any questions you have and help you understand what to expect.
Here are some resources that may be helpful:
- The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/: A national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth.
- Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/: A national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to transgender people.
- The National Center for Transgender Equality: https://transequality.org/: A national organization that advocates for transgender rights.
If you have a history of skin infections or keloids, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon during the pre-operative consultation for MTF top surgery. Both skin infections and keloids can affect wound healing and scar formation. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific situation and make recommendations based on the potential risks and benefits.
Here are some considerations:
1. Skin Infections: If you have a history of recurrent skin infections, it may increase the risk of complications after surgery. Infections can impair wound healing, increase the risk of post-operative infections, and lead to poor scar formation. Your surgeon may recommend addressing any active infections or treating underlying skin conditions before proceeding with MTF top surgery.
2. Keloids: Keloids are raised, thickened scars that extend beyond the original boundaries of an injury or incision. If you have a history of keloid formation, you may have an increased risk of keloid formation after surgery. Keloids can be challenging to manage and may require additional interventions such as corticosteroid injections, silicone sheeting, or surgical scar revision. Your surgeon will consider the potential for keloid formation and discuss the risks and management strategies with you.
3. Scar Management: Given your history of skin infections or keloids, your surgeon may provide specific recommendations for scar management after MTF top surgery. This may include the use of silicone gel sheets, scar massage techniques, or other interventions to minimize the risk of keloid formation and optimize scar healing.
It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon and share your complete medical history, including any previous skin infections or keloids. They will evaluate your individual circumstances, assess the risks, and provide personalized recommendations based on their expertise and experience.
If necessary, your surgeon may also collaborate with dermatologists or other specialists to optimize your surgical outcomes and minimize the risk of complications related to skin infections or keloid formation.
Remember, every individual’s case is unique, and the decision to proceed with MTF top surgery will depend on careful consideration of your individual risks and benefits. It’s important to have open and honest communication with your surgeon to ensure that your surgery is planned and executed with the necessary precautions to minimize complications and optimize your outcomes.