[eelsauces]

I'm a trans male, and I've been looking into getting top surgery, but I'm not sure when would be the best time to do it. I'd prefer to get the surgery sooner rather than later, but since I'm 16, I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to yet. My parents are very supportive so I'm not too worried about getting their consent if I undergo the operation before I turn 18. My main concern is that I don't want to get top surgery too soon.

Does anyone have any advice? Should I tough it out and wait until I'm 18? Or should I go for it as soon as I can? Also, will it make a significant difference if I get surgery before or after I start hormone therapy?

[Albie]

It's hard to say, I would tend to wait till your a little older say at least 18-20. Can u wear a binder to hide your boobs comfortably or are you large chested? I think the longer u can wait to be absolute sure the better. I went the other way with implants and currently having some issues at times I wish I would have waited longer

[eelsauces]

Originally Posted by Albie

It's hard to say, I would tend to wait till your a little older say at least 18-20. Can u wear a binder to hide your boobs comfortably or are you large chested? I think the longer u can wait to be absolute sure the better. I went the other way with implants and currently having some issues at times I wish I would have waited longer

I am pretty large-chested, to the point where that fact is still pretty noticeable even when I wear a binder, which is why I want to get top surgery done soon.

[Albie]

I can maybe understand how you feel to a point. Maybe hormones might help to a point with redistribution of fat on your body again not sure how much and the time period. Are you in therapy? If so have you talked this over with your therapist? That would be the first step. Again you are still young hate to see you have surgery at your age

[Wild Coyote]

Hi eelsauces,

Many transmen use testosterone for awhile before having top surgery done. Doing so helps to shrink the breast tissue.

Also, being your ideal weight can help the surgery outcome.
Exercises to build chest muscle can also be very helpful.

Do you have any professional guidance?

Getting used to testosterone can take some time. Adding testosterone can affect anyone emotionally. Starting testosterone (T) is a big step within itself.

I hope this helps.


WC

[eelsauces]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Hi eelsauces,

Many transmen use testosterone for awhile before having top surgery done. Doing so helps to shrink the breast tissue.

Also, being your ideal weight can help the surgery outcome.
Exercises to build chest muscle can also be very helpful.

Do you have any professional guidance?

Getting used to testosterone can take some time. Adding testosterone can affect anyone emotionally. Starting testosterone (T) is a big step within itself.

I hope this helps.


WC

I didn't know T helps shrink breast tissue! I've been wanting to start on that soon too, but that gives me more of a reason to do so. I do not have any professional guidance at the moment though, and I'm not sure when I'll be able to.

[NewSmoke15]

Exercises for the chest also help make the undesirables a bit smaller. I'm luckily fairly small chested as it is. I know I'll have top surgery eventually, but for me, bottom surgery is urgent. Though I'm no where near that step. Haven't even come out to anyone (except my best friend and kinda my mom) let alone start even the smallest bit in transitioning.

[Keyplayer]

There is of course the "Angelina" way , just tell your doc you are dysphoric and that there is a history of breast cancer in your genetic makeup ( family history ) , and you would like a referral to a surgical oncologist for breast reduction surgery to less the chance of cancer.

Just a thought

Take care

Keyplayer. 

[Nike007]

Hi there.

Fellow trans* male. I would say do what makes you most comfortable with. But there are a few things I would like to note:
-Getting top surgery means you need a good support system, as you can not raise your arms past your chest. This means you would need help getting dressed, as well as washing.
-Top surgery is expensive. I can not give you a place to go, as I am in Canada, and it is covered by the government, but there are private places here in Canada, and they costs from $6000-$8000 CAD. I have heard it is even more in the states.
-If you aren't in shape, or as fit as you want, it could impact recovery time or how the surgeon decides to do top surgey (ie some may make pecs if you are muscular enough and want that).

From my understanding, testosterone does not reduce breast size, but it does redistribute fat from how a female's body does to how a male's body does.

Here is a link on what testosterone can do:
https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/...gp-mascht.html

Also, he is a link on what you can do to reduce breast tissue without surgery:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/3...thout-surgery/

I also say work on muscles that would enhance masculine features like shoulders and arms. I am also working on abs and legs.

I am currently obese, and am working on losing weight because I am being forced to, but as well as so I can get the ideal body for me before top surgery.

I don't know about the States, but in Canada you have to go on a wait list before top surgery, so if that's how it is in the States, then I would go on this list. It may take months to years before getting it done. Privately paying means you don't have to wait as long though.

I have found that chest binding does help, but it also makes me realize that my breasts are still there and are noticeable and that I need top surgery. I haven't even started T yet because I have been waiting to find someone to prescribe it to me.

I hope this helps a bit. Message me if you need anymore information regarding transitioning.