Gender transition surgery from female to male (FTM), also known as gender-affirming or gender-confirming surgery, includes various procedures that individuals might undergo to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Here’s an overview of surgical options for FTM individuals:
- Top Surgery (Chest Masculinization):
- Bilateral Mastectomy: This procedure involves removing breast tissue and reshaping the chest to give it a more masculine appearance. It is the most common surgical procedure sought by trans men.
- Nipple and Areola Resizing and Repositioning: Often as part of chest surgery, the nipples and areolae may be resized and repositioned to appear more like cisgender male anatomy.
- Hysterectomy:
- This surgery involves removing the uterus. It can be done using various methods: laparoscopically, abdominally, or vaginally.
- Oophorectomy:
- This refers to the removal of the ovaries. It can be performed in conjunction with a hysterectomy or as a separate procedure.
- Vaginectomy:
- Removal of the vaginal tissue. It is sometimes done in conjunction with bottom surgeries like phalloplasty or metoidioplasty.
- Bottom Surgery:
- Metoidioplasty: Due to testosterone hormone therapy, the clitoris enlarges. In metoidioplasty, the enlarged clitoris is released from some of its ligamentous attachments to increase its prominence, resulting in a small phallus. The surgery often includes urethral lengthening to allow urination through the neophallus.
- Phalloplasty: This involves constructing a neophallus, typically using skin grafts from parts of the body such as the forearm, thigh, or back. It’s a more intricate procedure and may be done in stages. Urethral lengthening is often part of this surgery.
- Scrotoplasty: This is the construction of a scrotum, generally using labial tissue. Testicular implants can be placed later to achieve the appearance of testes.
- Urethral Lengthening:
- Often done as part of metoidioplasty or phalloplasty, the urethra is lengthened to allow urination from the tip of the neophallus.
- Facial and Other Surgeries:
- Though testosterone therapy can lead to more masculine features like a deeper voice and facial hair growth, some trans men may choose surgeries like rhinoplasty or thyroid cartilage enhancement (to enhance the Adam’s apple) to further masculinize the face.
- Hair Transplantation:
- Some individuals may seek hair transplants to address male pattern baldness or to create a more typically male hairline.
It’s crucial for those considering these surgeries to consult with experienced surgeons specializing in gender-affirming procedures. Each surgery has its own set of benefits and risks, and discussing expected outcomes, potential complications, and recovery is vital.