Introduction to MTF Top Surgery

• Introduction to FTM Top Surgery
• MTF Top Surgical Procedures
• Why Dr. Dadvand?
• MTF Top Surgery FAQ

Being a transgender woman means going through an emotional, spiritual, and physical journey. Many trans women seek out plastic surgery to attain the completion of their physical journey, the physical transformation which lets their outside match how they feel on the inside.

Male to female (MTF) top surgery is one of the most significant physical transformations. This is a surgery designed to transform the appearance of a male chest to feminine breasts. It is a procedure that in a matter of one to two hours can dramatically improve the quality of a trans woman’s life. Dr. Dadvand specializes in MTF top surgery and takes great pride in fulfilling this aspect of your journey.

During the consultation, Dr. Dadvand takes the time to understand your aesthetic goals and will guide you in selecting the best implant for you. The decision between saline versus silicone, size, and projection of the implant will be made together in order for you to have the size and shape you desire. Dr. Dadvand’s expertise, in conjunction with the use of the Vectra 3D, a state of the art 3D imaging software, will give you a sense of what you may look like with feminine breasts. As a practice, we strive to create a warm and comfortable environment, one which balances a sense of family with professionalism. It is a relationship that continues long after the final stitch is placed and the bandages are applied.

Fortunately, times are slowly changing for the better. Transgender people are getting their voices heard and the message is simple: Every human being has the right to be themselves, to be true to themselves, and receive fair and equal treatment. There is a growing movement to educate the general population, to legislate against discriminatory practices, and most importantly to enable you to live the life you were meant to live.

In addition to participating in the physical transformation of his patients, Dr. Dadvand takes a more active role by contributing a portion of the surgical fees to Transforming Family, a Los Angeles based family support group creating a positive environment for children, adolescents, and their families to explore issues of gender identity.

MTF Top Surgical Procedures

MTF top surgery involves the use of breast implants to transform the male chest to feminine breasts. There are several aspects of a male breast that are distinctly different from a female breast. Dr. Dadvand’s extensive training and experience have provided him with an understanding of the differences in anatomy that allows him to help you choose the right breast implant to maximize your surgical result.

Currently, there are two general categories of breast implants, saline, and silicone. During the consultation, Dr. Dadvand will discuss the advantages of both and which would likely be the best option for your specific chest. Dr. Dadvand will also discuss size, as this is the most important factor for most women. Dr. Dadvand will guide you in selecting the right size for your frame. He does this by listening to your aesthetic goals, examining your chest, performing a detailed measurement, and using the Vectra 3D, a state of the art camera system that can show you what you could look like with breast implants.

Other factors that Dr. Dadvand will discuss with you are incision placement and the difference between placing the implants over the pectoralis muscle and under the pectoralis muscle. Dr. Dadvand generally prefers utilizing an incision at the inframammary fold or the lower portion of the areola. In most cases, Dr. Dadvand also prefers placing the breast implants underneath the pectoralis muscle.

Why Dr. Dadvand?

Dr. Dadvand is a double board-certified surgeon with a specialty in breast surgery. Dr. Dadvand’s number one priority is the patient’s best interest. He provides a specialized treatment plan with each patient to meet their individual goals. Whether you want to enlarge, reshape, or become more proportional, Dr. Babak Dadvand can help you reach your goals. Dr. Dadvand is considered one of the best breast augmentation surgeons in the Los Angeles area. He believes in working closely with his patients to make a difference in their lives. Unlike many cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Dadvand is in constant contact with his patients every step of the way.

” Dr. Dadvand is one of the best doctors I know. All around, he has a great personality, sense of humor is very knowledgeable and really tries his best to make sure that you are getting what you want. He has really helped me boost my confidence up, not only with just my procedure, but everything he has said to me regarding my transition has made a positive impact. He doesn’t try to rush your appointments, but he really takes the time to get to know you and get a better idea of who you are as a person.

My surgery itself was a great success. He was so thorough with the pre-op appointment that I knew exactly what to expect. Since this was my first surgery ever, I was initially very nervous about the process but he always reassured me that I would be okay. Post-op care was also great. He taught both my mom and me how to care for my wounds. Dr. Dadvand is just awesome. I’m so happy we found him. I plan on getting more work done by him in the future.”
Dre Barnachea

“Dr. Dadvand is the best, he is truly a great doctor. Very understanding and great for a mastectomy for my transgender son. We will forever be grateful for Dr. Dadvand giving my son a new life. Thank you!!”
Becky Adan

Possible Risks of MTF Top Surgery

As with any procedure, having male to female top surgery in LA comes with its own unique set of risks. During your initial consultation, Dr. Dadvand will talk you through the potential complications associated with the surgery. Some of the most common side effects of undergoing any surgical procedure include:

• Bleeding
• Infection in the treatment area
• Incisions healing poorly
• Bruising and hematomas

During MTF surgery, some patients also experience a loss of nipple sensation, however, this is rare. In preparation for the surgery, you will be asked a set of routine questions to find out if you have any allergies or conditions that could affect the outcome of the procedure. Dr. Dadvand works closely with his patients to ensure that they have the information they need prior to surgery. He looks at every case individually so that each of his patients achieves the results they have been longing for.

MTF Top Surgery FAQ

What is MTF Top Surgery?

MTF (Male to Female) top surgery is a surgical procedure designed to transform the appearance of a male chest to feminine breasts. This involves the placement of breast implants typically under the pectoralis muscle.

Who is a candidate for MTF Top Surgery?

The criteria for MTF TOP surgery are set out by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and consist of the following:

1. Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
2. Capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent for treatment
3. Be of the age of majority in the country of surgery (and follow SOC rules for children and adolescents*)
4. Significant medical or mental health concerns, if present, must be reasonably well controlled at the time of surgery

In addition, Dr. Dadvand requires a referral letter from the patient’s therapist stating that they are ready for transformational surgery. The letter must be signed by the provider, printed on letterhead, and include the following:

1. Patient’s legal and preferred name
2. Patient date of birth
3. Date provider/patient relationship began and frequency of contact
4. That patient has the capacity to make fully informed decisions and consent to treatment
5. That patient has been diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder/Gender Dysphoria and exhibits all of the following:
   1. The desire to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex, usually accompanied by the wish to make his or her body as congruent as possible with the preferred sex through surgery and hormone treatment; and
   2. The transsexual identity has been present persistently for at least two years; and
   3. The disorder is not a symptom of another mental disorder; and
   4. The disorder causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

How much time will I need to take off work/school after my top surgery?

Most people take off one week from work. However, this depends on the job. For more physically demanding jobs, this may need to be extended to two weeks and possibly a light duty position for a week or two upon return. Students who undergo top surgery typically take 1 week off from school.

How long will I need to stay in Los Angeles after my top surgery?

If you are traveling from out of state for MTF top surgery Dr. Dadvand will need you to stay in the area for about a week for your post-operative appointments.

What surgical garments will I need to wear after my top surgery?

Dr. Dadvand will provide you with a surgical bra to wear for the first week after your surgery. From there you will be transitioned to a sports bra for up to one month after your top surgery.

Will I be in much pain after surgery?

Pain is very subjective and differs from person to person. Generally speaking, the pain is minimal to moderate. Dr. Dadvand prescribes Norco for pain control. Most patients do not even finish the prescribed amount.

Will I need to have any stitches taken out after my top surgery?

Dr. Dadvand uses multiple layers of absorbable sutures underneath the skin. There may be some sutures on the skin which Dr. Dadvand will remove at your 1-week visit. This will not be painful and should not require pain medication.

When can I go back to the gym for regular workouts?

Light activity such as walking is recommended starting the evening of surgery. It promotes good healing and decreased the risk of blood clots. For more strenuous workouts, with weight training especially, you should wait 4 weeks. This is to allow the swelling to subside and decrease the risk of bleeding.

When can I take a shower or bath?

You can shower after 48 hours. Dr. Dadvand refers that for the first week you have your back to the shower so your breasts are not directly impacted by the water.

How can I minimize the scars from my top surgery?

Although the incisions tend to heal well and fade with time, Dr. Dadvand recommends scar treatment for 3 months. This is the time that the scars are the most inflamed. In addition, you need to avoid excessive arm and chest movements in the first 4 weeks.

Do you accept insurance for MTF top surgery?

We have received many requests from patients for documentation to apply for reimbursement from their insurance carrier for some or all of their MTF top surgery procedure costs. While our practice does not accept insurance for the MTF top surgery procedure, we will provide you with a letter describing the MTF top surgery procedure and also provide some acceptable CPT codes for insurance reimbursement. The letter will be provided after surgery only.

MTF FAQ

How long does MTF top surgery take?

Typically, MTF top surgery takes anywhere between 1 and 3 hours depending on your surgeon and the technique they use. Dr. Dadvand puts all of his patients under general anesthesia for the entirety of the procedure. He does his utmost to offer his patients the results they want while minimizing the time they spend in the operating room.

How much does MTF top surgery cost?

The cost of MTF top surgery in Los Angeles depends entirely on the surgeon you choose. Dr. Dadvand will meet with you numerous times to ensure that you not only understand the procedure but also the costs that will incur.

What does the recovery process entail?

During days 1 and 2 of the recovery process, you will experience some discomfort. For the first week after surgery, Dr. Dadvand will ask you to sleep on your back to reduce pressure and, in turn, pain. After a week, you will meet with him for a post-operative consultation where he will remove the dressings. The swelling will decrease significantly within 2 to 3 weeks, however, in some cases, it can take up to 6 months. It is important that you do not perform any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the first few weeks after your surgery.

Are there risks associated with MTF top surgery?

As with all procedures, there are risks associated with MTF top surgery. Some complications include:

• The loss of nipple sensation
• Scarring
• Infection
• The need for revision surgery

Dr. Dadvand works closely with each of his patients to provide them with the outcome they have been longing for.

How do you prepare for MTF top surgery?

To get the most out of your decision to undergo MTF top surgery in LA, it is important that you lead a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Dadvand will encourage you to:

• Stop smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Bring the appropriate clothing for after the procedure
• Arrange transportation with a friend or family member

He will also ask for a list of the medication you are currently on in order to establish whether you should continue your regiment before and after the surgery.

If you would like to read more about Dr. Dadvand’s MTF procedures, click here.