Many individuals seeking plastic surgery feel like their bodies do not align with their ideal selves. However, transgender people are at a notably higher risk of suffering from psychological distress due to these feelings than cisgender individuals (i.e., those whose gender identity corresponds with their sex assigned at birth).
Undergoing gender confirmation surgery in Charlotte can have long-term emotional and psychological benefits for transgender and non-binary patients. Dr. Ditesheim and the team at Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery offer many types of procedures to aid transfeminine and transmasculine people in their physical transition. Consider speaking with us to learn more about what we can do for you.
Though the primary purpose of gender affirmation surgery is to make physical changes, these procedures have significant psychological benefits. Research has shown that transgender individuals struggle with mental health conditions about four times more often than cisgender people. In most cases, the social limitations and discrimination transgender people face put them at a significantly higher risk of developing major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.
However, patients who undergo gender affirmation procedures have significant reductions in emotional distress and other symptoms associated with severe cases of depression. Subsequently, most gender confirmation patients have a steadily declining need for mental health treatment in the years after surgery, typically reducing by eight percent each year. Additionally, transgender patients who undergo surgery report better self-confidence and body image, along with decreases in disordered eating and substance abuse.
Transgender patients have several options for transitioning with surgical procedures. We offer feminization and masculinization surgeries that can alter your facial features and chest.
Facial feminization surgery alters masculine characteristics to make them appear more feminine. Dr. Ditesheim does this by creating softer, rounder facial contours. Conversely, facial masculinization surgery transforms facial features by creating a masculine appearance with defined, chiseled contours.
During the transfeminine top surgery, Dr. Ditesheim will construct breasts with silicone or saline implants, like traditional breast augmentation operations. In some cases, patients may choose to create and enhance their breasts with fat transfers for results more similar to natural breast tissue.
TOP surgery is most commonly performed with either a double incision or periareolar approach. The periareolar approach is most appropriate for smaller breasts, such as an A or B cup ( see above). The breast tissue is removed with a limited incision around the areola. The skin may contract and the nipple may not need repositioning. The nipple can be shortened.
Most TOP surgery procedures will use the “double-incision” procedure. (see marking photos above) An incision is made to remove a larger amount of skin and create a scar along the lower natural border of the male chest. The nipple usually is moved to the right position as a free nipple graft. That means the nipple is detached from the chest, made smaller and then sewn back to the new position.
An alternative procedure is the Keyhole TOP surgery. Using a double incision approach, the nipple is not detached. Rather the nipple remains attached to a thin layer of breast tissue for its blood supply and is literally slid up the chest without being detached. (second pt above and pt below) The scars are placed at the inferior border of the chest muscle to define the masculine chest shape. The scar may continue under the arm is there is fatty tissue or excess skin under the arm laterally. Alternatively, if there is no fullness under the arm, the scar can be hidden in the shadow under the lateral chest muscle.
Like a mastectomy procedure, transmasculine top surgery removes breast tissue, fat, and skin from the chest for a masculine appearance. Additionally, the operation could alter the shape, size, and placement of the nipples and areolas to ensure attractive, natural-looking results.
Due to internal struggles and discrimination against the transgender community, transgender individuals are more likely than others to develop severe depression and anxiety disorders. However, gender confirmation surgery in Charlotte has proven to reduce the risk of mental health issues for these patients.
Further, most patients need fewer medical and mental health treatments after gender affirmation surgery due to the emotional and psychological benefits of the procedure. The first step in this process is meeting with a medical professional to discuss your frustrations and goals. Call Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule a consultation to discuss the possible physical and emotional benefits of transitioning with surgery.
At Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery, your consultation is more than a conversation — it’s a process built around you. In just three clear steps, we listen to your goals, evaluate your needs, and present surgery plan options designed to fit your lifestyle, body, and vision.
Meet with our team to talk through your goals, concerns, and vision—no pressure, just support.
We’ll walk you through the possibilities and explain what’s realistic for your body and lifestyle.
Your treatment plan is fully customized around you—designed to deliver results that feel natural and lasting.
Meet with our team to talk through your goals, concerns, and vision—no pressure, just support.
We’ll walk you through the possibilities and explain what’s realistic for your body and lifestyle.
Your treatment plan is fully customized around you—designed to deliver results that feel natural and lasting.
