FTM (Female-to-Male) surgery, often referred to as gender confirmation surgery or gender-affirming surgery, involves a series of procedures that help transgender men transition physically from female to male. The primary aspects of FTM surgery typically include chest reconstruction (top surgery) and genital reconstruction (bottom surgery), though other surgeries such as body contouring may also be involved. Top surgery involves the removal of breast tissue to create a more masculine chest contour. This is often the first surgical step for many transgender men, and the procedure may vary depending on the individual’s chest size and tissue characteristics, with techniques ranging from double incision with nipple grafting to periareolar or keyhole procedures.

Bottom surgery consists of procedures such as metoidioplasty and phalloplasty. Metoidioplasty involves the creation of a phallus from existing genital tissue, capitalizing on the enlargement of the clitoris due to hormone therapy. Phalloplasty involves the construction of a penis using grafted tissue from other body parts, such as the forearm or thigh. Both procedures may include additional surgeries for urethral lengthening, scrotoplasty (creation of a scrotum), and implantation of erectile devices, depending on the desired outcomes and individual circumstances. The entire process of FTM surgery requires careful planning, consultations with specialists in transgender care, and psychological evaluation to ensure that the individual is mentally and physically prepared for the changes and challenges that the surgeries entail. Recovery times and experiences vary widely, depending heavily on the types and combinations of procedures performed.