top surgery

[DapperButch]

Hey, everyone! On 10/10/13, I had top surgery with Dr. Garramone in Florida. I had the double incision method. http://drgarramone.com/

My chest looks fantastic, and I couldn't be happier. It was a fantastic experience, and the man is a genuis.

As you all can see in my profile, I don't define as FTM, but as transgender butch (male leaning). I am not on testosterone. I thought it important to share that I got this surgery because I think that butches are getting these surgeries/thinking about getting these surgeries, but just aren't talking about it (I have seen them talk about it in the past, on other b/f forums). I am not sure why the change, I am wondering if butches getting top surgery is no longer supported by the community so they are afraid to talk about it? Don't know.

Anyway, it is the best thing I ever did. I agonized over the decision for 15 years. The struggle was not about whether or not I wanted a "male" chest, but how that would fit into my life as a person who professionally (and in some areas, personally), lives as female. I would be ok just binding for a few years and then it would rear its ugly head again. I would shove it back down and then carry on. I decided I was sick of dealing with it and the reality is that my presentation most likely wouldn't change all that much because my many years of binding had already resulted in looking pretty damn flat, anyway.

What I was hoping for and was pleased to see, is that you can still have a defined chest without testosterone. Although I know that some of it is swelling, Dr. Garramone was quick to point out that my definition is due to my own body composition. Again, I am extremely pleased.

I have a lot of information and suggestions to share with anyone considering getting this done. Being that we are mostly a b-f site, and it is mostly transmen that get this surgery, the discussion on this thread may not significantly increase, but I want to put out there that I would be happy to answer any questions on looking for a surgeon, the process, and recovery with all genders even though it is in the trans zone.

I considered posting this in the butch zone as I fear butches may not feel comfortable posting in the trans zone, but I think it is important all top surgery information/resources remain in one thread on this site (plus, of course I wanted to share with my trans* brothers and sisters here!). I think that Koop/The Oopster would welcome any gender who is considering top surgery, to this thread.