Chest Masculinization FAQ

In short, NO. At least 10-20% of normal breast tissue is preserved in most patients, especially behind the central pedicle (by necessity) and peripherally by design, to avoid unnatural contour irregularities. In addition, the female genotype is generally still at play, and there is no evidence in the literature that the use of testosterone is protective against breast cancer. Therefore, we uniformly advise that all patients engage in self-breast exams (generally easier with less overall tissue remaining) and start getting mammograms when they would otherwise be recommended (generally starting at age 40), especially (and occasionally earlier) in patients with a strong family history of breast cancer, or positive genetic testing. If breast cancer were to develop, this would likely be managed (by a surgical oncologist) as it would in any smaller-breasted patient.

Generally, it will not affect your healing one way or another if you are not on T, just starting, or have been for many months/years (at least we have not seen any ill effects or advantages). If there is active acne in the chest area because of testosterone, however, it may be beneficial to have the dose adjusted by the physician who prescribed it. If T has resulted in dense chest hair, there is a chance we may have to shave some of it at the time of surgery, to facilitate incisional closure and after-care (but you should not do so before surgery, as this can cause microtrauma and increase infection risk).

Generally, patients can optimize their chances at good healing by engaging in a healthy, protein-heavy diet before and especially after surgery, managing medical problems such as diabetes as well as possible in the peri-operative period, and refraining from habits deleterious such as smoking, especially post-operatively. It is also important to be at a reasonable weight at the time of surgery if possible, as heavier patients generally have more risk of fluid collection, infections, and healing problems, as well as potentially dangerous blood clots related to surgery (DVT = deep venous thrombosis in extremities and/or PE = pulmonary embolism to lungs), and to avoid major fluctuations post-operatively (weight gain may lead to central fullness, and significant post-operative weight loss may lead to relative laxity of the result, for instance). Finally, it is critical to follow Dr. Steinwald’s advice during the postoperative period in general, especially regarding incision care (generally taping for several weeks, then utilizing approved Vitamin E-based products) and gradually working back towards fuller activity levels.

Generally, FTM chest recontouring is considered to be a sophisticated cosmetic procedure and is, therefore not covered by insurance. Because this procedure is being performed to dramatically change one’s appearance (and not for symptoms of back pain, etc., classically associated with “mammary hypertrophy,” which is being approved by insurance companies less and less frequently these days), and because Dr. Steinwald is one of the few surgeons in the country applying specialized techniques and taking on added risks to perform this surgery, we do not accept insurance – even if “available” – for this specialized procedure. Dr. Steinwald has pioneered the method of leaving the nipple attached (when possible) to retain as much sensation as possible and spends extra time to achieve the best cosmetic results possible, a great majority of the time in one stage. We have a staff that is well-attuned and sensitive to the special issues regarding gender reassignment, including helping with letters and legal documents peri-operatively, and we are happy to arrange surgery for out-of-town patients.

Generally, as of 2017, the “flat rate” is between $8,200 and $12,600 (depending upon the extent of reduction necessary and if liposuction of the underarm areas is necessary, for example), all of which includes a minimum of one year of follow-up. Additional facility/anesthesia fees are charged per the time necessary (averaging between 2 hours for smaller chests to up to 3+ hours for fuller chests), which is where some patients may generate lower expenses than others. With OR and anesthesia added in, the TOTAL range for FTM Top Surgery with Dr. Steinwald is between $11,500 and $16,000. If additional significant cosmetic surgery procedures are desired at the same time ( Dr. Steinwald is also an expert at abdominoplasty/tummy tuck and other liposuction/body contouring techniques; please see thecenterforcosmeticsurgery.net for details), this is often discounted at least 10-20%.

A $1,000 deposit is required to hold a specific surgical date. The entirety of the balance is due to The Center for Cosmetic Surgery two weeks prior to the scheduled date of surgery, which is when a pre-operative assessment and clearance are often performed. We do not offer in-house financing but do work with third-party financing companies, specifically CareCredit and Patient Fi.

If a patient is able to communicate effectively by e-mail in advance with Dr. Steinwald, including sending appropriate (frontal, oblique and side-view) photos, and is otherwise in good health and a relatively obvious candidate for a single-step surgery (A, B, or C cup), Dr. Steinwald is willing to meet them in person 24-72 hours before surgery is scheduled, to have a personal meeting and physical exam (as no truly legitimate, individualized medical advice can be delivered “online,” either legally or ethically). The proviso is that surgery may have to be cancelled or delayed for an unforeseen medical issue (or if the doctor and patient just aren’t “on the same page” with regard to the surgical plan). Ultimately, nothing – including extensive online communications – can replace an individualized, confidential consultation, and therefore we discourage the former in favor of the latter. Funding must usually be arranged in advance as well but would be considered refundable if the surgery must be canceled in this circumstance.

Yes, we are glad to provide these letters as part of the course of your treatment. These are usually provided (often in triplicate) at least three months post-operatively (or) when we know the patient is doing well and is otherwise functioning in the male gender. We have several versions of these free-of-charge letters available (some with more “legalese,” depending on your state’s requirements).

Dr. Steinwald is a Nationally-recognized FTM Top Surgery expert. Many of our transgender patients come from other states. We will first schedule you to have a phone or Skype consultation with Dr. Steinwald. In order to do this, you will need to email the new patient paperwork and some photos for the surgeon to review prior to the consultation. After you speak with Dr. Steinwald, you will speak to one of our patient counselors. She will provide you with a price quote and discuss possible surgery dates with you. We will schedule a phone pre-op with you 2-3 weeks before your surgery. During this call, one of our clinical nurses will go over the consent with you, discuss pre and post-operative instructions, discuss your recovery time, and answer any questions that you have. We will then coordinate a time with you to meet Dr. Steinwald in person and have your before photos taken by the nurse as well as sign your consent for surgery. Depending on your travel plans, these appointments typically take place a day or two before surgery.

Dr. Steinwald requires his patients to stay in town for one week post-op. Barring any unforeseen complications, you will be cleared to travel at your one-week post-op appointment.

There are several hotels near our surgical facility in Golden, CO. We do have arrangements with the following hotels to offer a discount to our patients:

• The Golden Hotel
• Table Mountain Inn
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver – Littleton

Dr. Steinwald has performed this transformative surgery for hundreds of transgender patients from across the country and even abroad.

For the first two weeks following your FTM Top Surgery in Golden, CO, you should be taking it easy and not doing any activities that will cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. At two weeks post-op, you may begin very light cardio (walking either outside or on a treadmill with no incline). You can increase intensity and duration over the next several weeks as tolerated. At six weeks post-op, you are considered restriction-free and may do any activities you wish, including resuming weight training – always using the “if it hurts, stop” guideline.

The majority of Dr. Steinwald’s male transgender patients are 18 or over; however, in certain circumstances, he will perform FTM Top Surgery on adolescents with parental consent.

In 2002, Dr. Steinwald had a consultation with a female patient who wanted a breast reduction to be “smaller than an A cup.” During the consultation, he quickly discovered that this patient was transitioning to male. Dr. Steinwald agreed to perform a staged operation to help this patient to achieve a more masculine chest. From that time on, Dr. Steinwald improved upon his technique as he saw more and more transgender patients seeking top surgery, and would go on to pioneer the use of the “ultrathin” inferior method of chest masculinization, by which the nipple, in most cases can remain attached, and retain a high degree of sensitivity that is just not possible with free nipple grafting (FNG). Dr. Steinwald continues to be inspired by the positive attitude and courage that his trans-men patients display. He considers it a great and humbling honor to play such an important role in the transition journey of his patients.

After verifying that the surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), you will then want to review his/her website thoroughly, paying particular attention to the before and after gallery. Make sure that there are many FTM Top Surgery before and after photos displayed which show consistently reliable results, regardless of the patient’s breast size.

While Dr. Steinwald’s revision rate is quite low, at times, it is necessary to return to the OR to refine a patient’s results. His policy is quite simple: revisions are done at no charge.

Nicotine can adversely affect the healing process because it constricts the small vessels that supply blood to the tissues and prevents the necessary nutrients for healing from getting to the wound. The incidence of having a wound complication, such as an open wound or skin death, as well as a post-operative infection, is much higher in smokers. Dr. Steinwaldrequires his patients who are seeking gender reassignment surgery to quit smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and for at least four weeks post-operatively.

At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we have our own surgical facility. Apex Surgical Facility is AAAHC certified. This means that we are held to the highest standards, ensuring the safety of our patients. We use only Board Certified anesthesiologists, and all of our staff have extensive experience and a heightened sense of discretion and sensitivity.

Yes, Dr. Steinwald does use drains post-op. This is to keep fluid from collecting at the surgical site, which could result in the need to return to the OR.

FTM Top Surgery takes between 2-3 hours to perform.

Absolutely! We will ask you what pronouns you would like us to use and the name you prefer to go by. Making you comfortable is our top priority.