The type of scarring you can expect from MTF top surgery depends on the type of surgery you have. There are two main types of MTF top surgery: double incision top surgery and peri areolar top surgery.
- Double incision top surgery is the most common type of MTF top surgery. It involves making two incisions around the areola and down to the bottom of the breast. These incisions are then stitched together, creating a scar that runs around the areola and down the chest.
- Peri areolar top surgery is a less invasive type of MTF top surgery. It involves making an incision around the areola and then removing the breast tissue through that incision. This type of surgery leaves a scar that is smaller and less noticeable than the scar from double incision top surgery.
The scars from MTF top surgery will fade over time, but they will never completely disappear. The amount of scarring you have will depend on your individual healing process and the type of surgery you have.
Here are some tips for minimizing scarring after MTF top surgery:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry.
- Apply scar cream or ointment as directed by your surgeon.
- Wear compression garments as directed by your surgeon.
If you are concerned about scarring after MTF top surgery, be sure to talk to your surgeon. They will be able to advise you on the best way to minimize scarring 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.
The type and extent of scarring after MTF top surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical technique used, individual healing characteristics, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions. It’s important to have realistic expectations about scarring and understand that scars are a natural part of the healing process. Here are some common types of scars associated with MTF top surgery:
- Periareolar Scar: This type of scar is typically used in periareolar or keyhole techniques. It encircles the edge of the areola (the darker pigmented area surrounding the nipple) and can result in a circular scar around the areola. The appearance of the scar can vary in thickness, color, and visibility depending on individual healing.
- Double Incision Scar: For individuals undergoing double incision surgery, there will be horizontal scars placed along the natural crease of the chest, as well as vertical scars connecting them. These scars tend to be more visible than periareolar scars due to their larger size and location.
- Anchor-shaped Scar: Anchor-shaped scars may be present in some cases where there is excess skin or sagging that needs to be addressed. This scar shape includes the periareolar scar, a vertical scar from the areola to the fold beneath the breast, and a horizontal scar in the fold beneath the breast. The resulting scar is shaped like an anchor.
Scarring is an individual process, and the appearance and fading of scars can vary among individuals. Scars typically go through a maturation process over time, with initial redness and thickness gradually fading and flattening. The time it takes for scars to mature can vary, but it often takes several months to a year or more for scars to reach their final appearance.
To promote optimal scar healing, it is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. This may include keeping the incision sites clean, using scar care products as recommended, avoiding sun exposure on healing scars, and attending follow-up appointments for scar assessment and management.
It’s important to discuss scarring and scar management with your surgeon during the pre-operative consultation. They can provide specific information based on the surgical technique used and your individual healing characteristics. They can also guide you on scar management techniques, such as scar massage or silicone gel sheets, to help minimize the visibility of scars over time.