Top Surgery Without Testosterone Results

Choosing to undergo top surgery is an exciting part of your gender affirming care, but is testosterone therapy a requirement? This blog discusses the effects of testosterone before and after top surgery, as well as what forgoing testosterone may look like for those who don’t want to go that route.

Can You Have Top Surgery Without Starting Testosterone?

There’s no one regimented way to undergo gender affirming care, as each person’s process should be tailored to their needs. But that also leaves you with a number of choices, including whether or not to start HRT before top surgery, or even to start it at all.

The short answer: it doesn’t matter when or if you start HRT prior to top surgery, as it has little bearing on your end results, surgical process, or recovery, nor is there a medical requirement that you do.

What Happens If You Undergo Top Surgery Without Testosterone?

Many transmasculine and nonbinary patients choose to undergo top surgery without testosterone. Reasons someone chooses NOT to undergo HRT prior to top surgery:

• They are not content with the effects of testosterone
• Medical necessity
• Lack of access
• Personal preference

For example, not every person interested in altering the appearance of their chest also wants the effects of testosterone, such as increased hair growth, a deeper voice, and redistributed fat and muscle. Others choose to microdose testosterone for more subtle or gradual changes. In any case, the choice is yours.

Testosterone and Surgical Results & Recovery

Generally, testosterone has little effect on the results of top surgery. Taking T prior to your procedure may enhance muscle definition and growth, helping contour the chest, but this is a modest effect that does not significantly contribute to the end results. If you have any of the above concerns with HRT, then the difference in muscle definition with and without testosterone is minor enough that you should do what feels right for you.

Some patients choose to undergo HRT after their top surgery, which is another valid option. If you go this route, you may notice changes in fat distribution, with more fat concentrated around the midsection rather than the hips.

Recovery

Recovery is the same with or without testosterone, as well:

Immediately after your procedure, you’ll be sent home with surgical gauze and a compression garment wrapped around your chest, which helps with healing.

For the first few days, you’ll need to have a loved one help you around the house. You’ll need to prioritize rest as you recover, not pushing yourself to bend, lift, or do chores around the house.

Physical activities are limited as you recover. You’ll be able to return to work after a couple of weeks, depending on your job. Sex and working out are prohibited for one month.

Results

Your results from transmasculine top surgery are not reliant on whether you are on T or not. Regardless of the patient using T, top surgery results may progress as such:

• Patients will notice an immediate change in the appearance of their chest. Breast tissue will be gone, and patients will see a flatter, smoother chest.
• After these immediate results and through the healing process, the details of the surgical contouring will become more apparent. Now, each patient will have a different surgery with customized techniques, so your results will be unique to your needs.
• The appearance of your scars will also improve, smoothing into flattened, lightly colored lines.

Testosterone can help you build muscle and contour your chest more quickly; however, it’s not necessary for every patient. Many patients opt to accentuate their pectoral muscles through exercise with or without testosterone.

Your Gender Affirming Care, Your Way

In conclusion, the choice to undergo T or not is up to you. At Restore Medical Center in Miami, our experienced, triple board-certified surgeon, Dr. John L. Whitehead, will discuss every aspect of your process with you so you can make informed decisions about your body and your journey. On T, or not, transmasculine top surgery can help transgender and nonbinary patients feel at home in their bodies, exactly as they should.

Want to Learn More About Top Surgery in Miami, FL?

If you’re ready to learn more about FTM or MTF top surgery, it’s time to schedule a consultation at Restore Medical Center and discover your options. Dr. John L. Whitehead is a highly skilled gender affirming surgeon who, alongside board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Alain Ramirez, can create results that are unique to you and your identity. Call Restore today at (305) 865-2000 or complete the contact form below to get started.