For many transgender men and transmasculine individuals, FTM top surgery is a life-changing milestone. While most patients are pleased with their results, some continue to notice fullness in certain areas of the chest after healing is complete. In many cases, these patients underwent their initial surgery elsewhere and are seeking a second opinion on refinement.
Dr. Daniel Medalie is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Cleveland who has specialized in gender-affirming surgery for more than 25 years. In addition to performing primary FTM top surgery, he is widely recognized for his expertise in revision procedures, helping patients improve their contour and achieve results that better match their goals.
Why Residual Fullness Can Occur
Every chest is unique, and chest masculinization surgery requires careful planning based on anatomy, skin quality, body composition, and healing characteristics. Even with appropriate surgical technique, patients may seek revision because of:
- Residual fatty tissue
- Remaining breast tissue
- Uneven contour between the two sides
- Fullness along the sides of the chest or near the underarm
- Weight changes after surgery
These concerns do not necessarily indicate that the original surgery was performed incorrectly. Sometimes they reflect the limitations of the initial procedure, conservative tissue removal, or changes that occur during healing.
When Is It Time to Consider Revision?
Patience is important after any surgery. Swelling can take several months to resolve, and scars continue to soften over time. For that reason, revision is generally considered only after the chest has fully healed and the final contour can be accurately evaluated.l
If fullness remains after healing is complete and continues to affect your comfort or confidence, a consultation with an experienced revision surgeon can help determine whether additional improvement is possible.
How Revision Can Improve Chest Contour
Revision surgery is highly individualized. Depending on the source of the fullness, Dr. Medalie may recommend targeted liposuction, additional tissue removal, contour refinement, or a combination of techniques. The objective is to create a chest that appears flatter, smoother, and more balanced while preserving natural contours.
Because revision surgery involves scar tissue and altered anatomy, it requires thoughtful planning and meticulous surgical technique. Dr. Medalie’s extensive experience with both primary and revision FTM procedures allows him to develop personalized solutions for even complex cases.
Experience Matters
Revision surgery differs significantly from an initial top surgery procedure. Successfully improving contour requires an understanding of previous surgical changes, tissue limitations, and realistic expectations. Patients frequently travel to Cleveland specifically to seek Dr. Medalie’s expertise after having surgery elsewhere because of his long-standing focus on gender-affirming chest surgery.
If you’ve healed from FTM top surgery but still have concerns about residual chest fullness, Dr. Medalie can evaluate your results and discuss whether revision may help you achieve your goals. To schedule a consultation, contact our Cleveland office at (216) 393-9924.
