OTHER PATHOLOGY

Gender-Affirming Top Surgery

As a practice that welcomes and respects the LBGTQI+ community, Dr Roodt and her team identified the need to offer a safe space for individuals seeking gender-affirming top surgery.

Dr Roodt has since performed several of these procedures with great success. Gender-affirming top surgery is a life-changing procedure and requires careful and respectful consultation between the patient, the surgeon, and all other specialists involved in the patient's gender-affirming journey (including an endocrinologist, psychiatrist, and psychologist). We will only proceed with surgery when all the necessary parties are in agreement that all the diagnostic criteria have been met and that the procedure will ultimately be in the best interest of the patient.

Dr Roodt is an active member of PATHSA (Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa) and is thus committed to staying up to date with the latest developments in the field.

During a surgical consultation for gender-affirming top surgery (female to male chest), Dr Roodt will discuss the available procedures in detail and advise what options would suit the patient best. Approaches to gender-affirming top surgery include:

  • Double incision nipple sparing pedicle approach
    Incisions are made under the breast in order to access and remove breast tissue without affecting the nipples.
  • Double incision and nipple grafting approach
    Incisions are made through the nipples to access and remove breast tissue. During a nipple graft procedure for breast reduction, the nipple is surgically excised from the breast and replaced with a skin graft.
  • Circumareolar approach
    The nipple and areola are repositioned when altering the shape of the breast.
  • Simple mastectomy approach
    All of the breast tissue is removed during a mastectomy.

All of the above procedures may require simultaneous or delayed liposuction and fat grafting or contouring.

How long does top surgery take to perform?
This depends on the type of procedure performed and its complexity.
How long does it take to recover from top surgery?
This also depends on the surgery, but Dr Roodt may recommend up to 8 weeks before full recovery.
Is top surgery painful?
Pain is possible for the first few days, especially when you move or cough. You may have a little pain for a week or more. Patients will also feel discomfort from chest swelling, bruising, and pain. Dr Roodt will assist you in dealing with any pain or discomfort you experience due to the surgery.