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Do Top Surgery Scars From FTM/FTN Surgery Go Away?
One of the most common questions patients ask when considering FTM (female-to-male) or FTN (female-to-nonbinary) top surgery is whether or not the scars will go away. While this concern is entirely understandable it’s essential to approach the topic of scarring with realistic expectations. Other gender affirming procedures, such as breast augmentation and facial feminization surgery, can also result in scarring and require similar healing considerations.
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process after any surgery. Scars will gradually soften and fade as the body heals. With proper aftercare, time and a few helpful techniques, most patients will see their scars fade dramatically and blend into the surrounding skin.
This blog will walk you through what to expect from FTM/FTN top surgery scars, where the incisions are placed and how to maximize your body’s potential for optimal scar healing.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- Why Scars Are a Normal Part of Top Surgery
- Where the Incisions Are Made
- What FTM/FTN Top Surgery Scars Look Like
- Scar Care After Surgery
- Embracing the Journey
Why Scars Are a Normal Part of Top Surgery
FTM and FTN top surgery involves the removal of breast tissue and fat and, in many cases, skin along with the reshaping of the chest wall tissues. Where the nipple-areola complexes are kept, they are often repositioned and/or resized. The surgery procedure is tailored to each individual’s anatomy and goals, including the amount of extra skin to be removed and the desired chest contour.
In order to achieve a flat, masculine or androgynous chest contour, incisions must be made in the skin. These incisions form permanent scars once healed. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll always be obvious.
Each individual’s healing process is unique. Genetics, skin tone, sun exposure, health, nutrition, weight, activity level and postoperative care all influence how visible scars will be in the long term.
Where the Incisions Are Made
- Double Incision: Incisions are curvilinear, oblique or straight, depending on patient preference and anatomy. These can be placed near or above the chest wall crease in proximity to the pectoral muscles. The presence of chest wall rolls will affect the configuration of the incision. These are quite common in individuals with higher BMIs (body mass index).
- Keyhole: A small curved incision is made at the lower edge of the areola, preserving the nipple’s connection and resulting in minimal scarring.
- Periareolar: A circular incision is made around the entire areola, which may leave a faint ring-shaped scar.
Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub takes meticulous care in scar placement to ensure incisions align with natural body contours and are positioned to allow for discreet healing.
What FTM/FTN Top Surgery Scars Look Like
Immediately after surgery, incisions will appear raised, red or pink and firm. In the early weeks, these changes are normal signs of the healing process. Initial wound closure typically occurs within a few weeks but the healing process continues well beyond that. Over the next few months, most scars begin to flatten and fade. It can take 12 to 18 months for them to fully heal and mature, resulting in scars that are less noticeable and have settled into their final appearance.
While the scars may never completely disappear, they often become subtle lines that blend into the natural contours of the chest. Many patients wear them with pride as symbols of transformation and self-acceptance.
Scar Care After Surgery
The post-op period is a critical time for scar care. Dr. Turkeltaub will provide detailed instructions after surgery to protect your incisions and optimize recovery. Common steps include:
- Avoiding tension and shearing forces on the incisions. Steri-Strips (“butterfly tapes”) provide protection from these forces.
- Keeping the incision area clean and dry in the early stages of healing.
- Applying silicone gel or silicone tape to the incisions to help facilitate ideal scar healing.
- Avoiding direct sun exposure on scars for at least 9 months to a year because UV rays can cause darkening and prolong healing.
When followed consistently, these steps can significantly enhance your results and reduce the visibility of your scars over time.
Embracing the Journey
Scarring is an unavoidable part of most surgical procedures. For many patients, however, these lines represent more than skin healing — they symbolize resilience, authenticity and self-alignment.
With an experienced surgeon like Dr. Turkeltaub and ideal postoperative guidelines that are closely followed by the patient, FTM/FTN top surgery scars will soften and fade dramatically so patients can enjoy their new chest with confidence and comfort.
Advanced Top Surgery with Dr. Steven Turkeltaub in Scottsdale, AZ
With the right approach and skill top surgery can be a transformative experience — not just for your chest but also for your confidence. Start your journey by consulting Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub, a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Turkeltaub specializes in cosmetic and gender affirming breast and chest surgery in Phoenix, Scottsdale and throughout all of Arizona.
If you would like to learn more about our state-of-the-art Scottsdale top surgery options, call the Arizona Center for Breast Surgery at (480) 451-3000 to schedule your consultation. You can also reach us through our online form.