What is Female to Male (FTM) Surgery?
Female to Male (FTM) surgery, also known as gender-affirming surgery for trans men, is a series of medical procedures that help individuals transition from female to male. These surgeries align a person's physical characteristics with their gender identity, improving psychological well-being and social confidence
FTM surgery is a vital step for many transgender men who experience gender dysphoria, a condition where a person’s gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth. These surgical procedures may include chest masculinization, genital reconstruction, body contouring, and other modifications to create a masculine appearance
Types of Female to Male Surgery
There are several surgical options available for female-to-male transition. The choice of procedures depends on individual preferences, medical conditions, and desired outcomes
Chest Masculinization (Top Surgery)
Chest masculinization, commonly known as top surgery, is one of the most sought-after procedures for trans men. This surgery removes breast tissue to create a more masculine chest contour
Types of Top Surgery
- Double Incision Mastectomy: Involves removing breast tissue through two horizontal incisions across the chest, followed by nipple grafting
- Periareolar Mastectomy: Suitable for individuals with small breasts, involving an incision around the areola to remove breast tissue
- Keyhole Mastectomy: A minimally invasive technique where breast tissue is removed through a small incision under the areola
Top surgery provides a flat, masculine chest and significantly enhances gender affirmation and self-confidence
Hysterectomy & Oophorectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, while oophorectomy involves removing the ovaries. Many trans men opt for these procedures to stop menstruation and eliminate the production of estrogen, which can interfere with masculinization
Types of Hysterectomy
- Total Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and cervix
- Subtotal Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus but keeping the cervix intact.
- Radical Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues (usually done in cancer cases).
Hysterectomy and oophorectomy can be performed via
- Laparoscopic Surgery (minimally invasive, faster recovery).
- Abdominal Surgery (larger incision, longer recovery).
These procedures help reduce estrogen production, supporting hormone therapy and further masculinization
Metoidioplasty
Metoidioplasty is a genital reconstructive surgery that creates a neophallus (small penis) using the patient’s hormonally enlarged clitoris
Procedure Steps
- The clitoris is released from surrounding tissues to increase its length
- The urethra may be extended for standing urination
- The labia majora can be reshaped into a scrotum with testicular implants (optional).
Metoidioplasty offers a natural appearance with sensation, but the neophallus is usually small, limiting penetrative intercourse
Phalloplasty
Phalloplasty is a more complex surgery that constructs a fully developed penis using tissue grafts from other parts of the body (such as the forearm, thigh, or abdomen).
Procedure Steps
- Skin grafts are taken to create the shaft of the penis.
- Urethral lengthening allows standing urination.
- Scrotoplasty can be performed to create a scrotum.
- An erectile implant can be placed later for penetrative function.
Phalloplasty provides a more prominent and functional penis, but it requires multiple surgeries and has a longer recovery period
Scrotoplasty
Scrotoplasty is a procedure that creates a scrotum from the labia majora. Silicone testicular implants can be placed to enhance the appearance. This surgery is often performed alongside metoidioplasty or phalloplasty
Urethroplasty
Urethroplasty is the surgical reconstruction of the urethra, usually performed during metoidioplasty or phalloplasty. It extends the urethra through the neophallus, allowing individuals to urinate while standing
This procedure reduces dysphoria associated with using seated urination but has risks like fistulas (abnormal openings) and strictures (narrowing of the urethra).
Body Contouring (Liposuction & Fat Grafting)
Body contouring procedures help achieve a more masculine body shape
- Liposuction : Removes excess fat from the hips, thighs, and abdomen to create a more angular masculine figure
- Fat Grafting: Transfers fat from other areas to enhance muscles or fill specific regions for a more defined look
This procedure enhances the overall appearance and helps trans men feel more comfortable in their bodies
Voice Deepening Surgery
Some transgender men experience limited vocal changes with hormone therapy alone. Voice deepening surgery (glottoplasty or thyroplasty) helps lower the pitch of the voice for a more masculine tone
Types of Voice Surgery:
- Glottoplasty : Alters the vocal cords to deepen the voice
- Thyroplasty Type 3: Adjusts the cartilage of the larynx to create a deeper voice
While voice training is often the first approach, surgery provides a permanent solution for those who desire greater voice masculinization
Recovery Process and Post-Surgery Care
Each surgery has a different recovery timeline, but general guidelines include
- Hospital Stay: Varies from outpatient (for minor procedures) to a few days (for major surgeries like phalloplasty).
- Healing Time: Ranges from weeks to months, depending on the procedure.
- Pain Management: Medications help control post-operative pain.
- Follow-up Appointments: Essential to monitor healing and prevent complications.
- Activity Restrictions: Limited physical activity is advised for several weeks.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting an experienced surgeon is crucial for successful outcomes. A skilled medical team ensures precision in surgical techniques, minimal complications, and a natural masculine appearance
Dr. Pratap Duggirala is a recognized specialist in gender-affirming surgeries, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs
Best Female to Male Surgery in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
For those seeking expert gender-affirming care in Vijayawada, Pratap Hospital is a trusted center for high-quality FTM surgeries. With a patient-centered approach, advanced techniques, and experienced surgeons, it provides top-tier medical care for transgender individuals
Female to Male (FTM) surgery is a life-changing process that helps transgender men align their physical bodies with their true identities. With various procedures like top surgery, phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, and body contouring, individuals can achieve a masculine appearance that enhances their confidence and well-being. Seeking professional guidance from skilled surgeons ensures the best results in this transformative journey