A transman is an individual who was assigned female at birth but has transitioned to a male gender identity and/or role. This may all, some or a combination of testosterone therapy, top surgery(mastectomy), facial masculinization surgery, or bottom surgery (genital confirmation surgery).
These surgeries are highly individualized and personal. They are all designed to help the transman achieve congruence with their physical appearance and how they identify. This results in helping to eliminate or lessen gender dysphoria, increasing confidence and self-esteem, and helping the transman to “blend into” society.
There are few surgeons who are skilled, knowledgeable and qualified to perform transgender surgeries. This is because it is highly specialized and unique and requires extensive training. However, you may see more and more surgeons advertising transgender surgeries. Because of this, it is important to do your homework and research into their experience and qualifications.
Top surgery or mastectomy is one of the most common procedures for transmen. It is removing the breasts to create a male chest. Depending on how big the breasts are including the size of the areola, will determine the results including any visible scarring. Typically, the smaller the breasts the quicker and better results. However, this is not always the case, especially with a skilled surgeon. Top surgery is a safe surgery and can be performed on an out-patient basis. Follow-up studies of transmen who have had top surgery report highly satisfied with the results.
Bottom surgery or genital confirmation surgery, is designed to create a penis from skin grafts and vaginal tissue. Because this is an innovative and highly specialized procedure, it is important to do your research to select the right surgeon with the required skills, experience and qualifications. The centurion procedure, pioneered by Dr. Peter Raphael with the International Center for Transgender Care was designed to be a solid improvement in terms of function and appearance compared to previous phalloplasty procedures. Typically performed in combination with a hysterectomy and vaginoplasty, the procedure is approximately 2.5 hours long. Follow up studies show that transmen are highly satisfied with the results with the centurion procedure.
Facial masculinization surgery is a relatively new procedure designed to achieve a more masculine face for the transman. This is usually achieved through a combination of surgeries such as rhinoplasty augmentation, chin/jaw augmentation and contouring and forehead lengthening. In combination, these surgeries result in a profound difference in the appearance of the face. Since the face is one of the first things a person notices, having a more masculine face for the transman results in improved self-esteem and confidence.
Each transman is on his own individual journey so these surgeries are subjective and personal. Some transman may elect to have all of these surgeries while others may elect onlyf or top surgery and some none at all. There is no right or wrong way to transition.
At the International Center for Transgender Care, our surgeons have over twenty years of experience treating transgender patients. Contact us to schedule a consultation at (972) 543-2477. We look forward to assisting you in achieving the very best results for your transman surgery.
