A recent study showed that FTM top surgery for transmasculine and non-binary people improves chest dysphoria. Not only does the operation improve dysphoria, but it also comes with minimal post-op complications.
Transmasculine and non-binary adolescents and young adults who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) often experience gender dysphoria around their chest area. Many start binding their breast area using binders or trans tape to reduce their chest size. These methods can serve as temporary relief from chest dysphoria.
Alternatively, top surgery is a permanent solution that research shows can significantly improve trans people’s relationship with their bodies.
Research Shows FTM Top Surgery Improves Chest Dysphoria
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, researched the effects of FTM top surgery on chest dysphoria among transmasculine and non-binary adolescents and young adults. It included 70 patients, half of which underwent FTM chest operation and half of which did not. Patients “completed outcome measures” (for dysphoria, gender congruence, and body image) before the operation and three months after.
The findings suggest that gender-affirming top surgery improves feelings of dysphoria, gender congruence, and body image in young trans adults three months after the operation. Moreover, surgery complications were minimal, showing “low complication rates”.