HOW LONG DOES FTM SURGERY TAKE?

 Gender dysphoria is a challenging condition that affects many people, and transitioning is one way to alleviate the distress caused by it. For trans men, one option for transitioning is to undergo female-to-male (FTM) surgery. This involves the creation of a male chest, the removal of the uterus and ovaries, and the creation of a penis. One of the most common questions asked by people who are considering FTM surgery is how long the process takes. In this blog post, we will explore the different stages of FTM surgery and provide an estimate of the time it takes to complete the procedure.

The stages of FTM surgery

FTM surgery is a complex and multi-stage process that involves several different procedures. The following are the most common stages of FTM surgery:

Chest Reconstruction Surgery: The initial and most common step of FTM surgery is called chest reconstruction surgery. This procedure aims to create a more masculine-looking chest by removing breast tissue and reshaping the chest. There are two main types of chest reconstruction surgery: double incision and peri-areolar. Double incision involves making two horizontal incisions across the chest and removing excess breast tissue. The nipples are resized and repositioned during the surgery. On the other hand, peri-areolar involves making an incision around the areola and removing breast tissue through that incision. This procedure is less invasive than double incision but only suitable for individuals with smaller breasts.

Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy: The second stage of FTM surgery involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries. This is done to stop the production of estrogen and to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. This procedure can be done at the same time as chest reconstruction surgery or at a later date.

Phalloplasty or Metoidioplasty: The third stage of FTM surgery involves the creation of a penis. There are two main types of procedures: phalloplasty and metoidioplasty. Phalloplasty involves the creation of a penis using skin grafts from other parts of the body, such as the arm or thigh. Metoidioplasty involves the release of the clitoris from the surrounding tissue to create a small penis. Both procedures can be done in a single stage or multiple stages, depending on the individual's preference.

How long does FTM surgery take?

The length of time it takes to complete FTM surgery depends on several factors, such as the type of surgery, the surgeon's experience, and the individual's overall health. In general, FTM surgery can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months to complete, depending on the individual's needs and preferences. The following are some estimates of how long each stage of FTM surgery can take:

Chest Reconstruction Surgery: This stage can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the type of procedure. Recovery time can vary, but most people can return to work within 2 to 4 weeks.

Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy: This stage can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the surgeon's experience and the individual's overall health. Recovery time can vary, but most people can return to work within 2 to 4 weeks.

Phalloplasty or Metoidioplasty: The length of time it takes to complete this stage depends on the type of procedure and the individual's preferences. Phalloplasty can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours to complete, and recovery time can be up to 3 months. Metoidioplasty is a less invasive procedure and can be completed in a shorter amount of time, typically 2 to 4 hours, with a recovery time of up to 6 weeks. It is important to note that both procedures may require multiple stages, which can extend the overall length of the process. Additionally, each individual's experience may vary, and recovery times can depend on a variety of factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery.

In summary, FTM surgery is a multi-stage process that involves several different procedures, including chest reconstruction surgery, hysterectomy and oophorectomy, and phalloplasty or metoidioplasty. The length of time it takes to complete each stage can vary, depending on the type of surgery, the surgeon's experience, and the individual's overall health. In general, FTM surgery can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months to complete, with recovery times varying depending on the extent of the surgery. It is important to discuss the details and timeline of FTM surgery with a qualified surgeon to ensure that the individual's needs and preferences are taken into account.