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November 18, 2024
Patient Story: Finn
“I’m non-binary and transmasc, and I’ve struggled with gender dysphoria ever since puberty,” Finn shares. “I realized I was trans in seventh grade, but I shoved it down in my back pocket. My dysphoria was focused on my chest, and I always knew I needed to do something. By the time I reached high school, I thought a breast reduction might be the answer.”
However, Finn says the reduction idea never felt quite right.
“I had this moment of clarity where I realized it wasn’t just a reduction I wanted,” Finn recalls. “I wanted my chest gone completely. I knew I couldn’t live my life with it, and I needed my body to reflect how I felt inside.”
Finn turned to Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, for a consultation and next steps.
The feeling of being in the wrong body began early.
“I started developing breast tissue in fifth grade, and it happened fast. I had a really hard time with it,” Finn recalls. “Looking in the mirror became difficult. It was disturbing to see these things growing out of my chest. They felt alien to me, and I never connected with having them at all.”
Finn wore baggy clothes, compressive sports bras, and hunched their shoulders to hide their chest for years.
“Even during my first phone call to Plastic + Hand, they were so kind,” Finn says. “After meeting with Justin Zelones, MD, FACS, I knew I was ready to finally have this procedure.”
Surgery day was a positive experience.
Finn underwent a mastectomy with a free nipple graft (double incision).
“I was nervous that morning, but the Plastic + Hand team was so kind,” Finn recalls. “They reassured me that getting the IV in was the hardest part. They said the surgery would feel like a blink, and I’d wake up with my breasts gone. One of the nurses, Lexi, held my hand through the whole process.”
Finn was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they recovered.
“I felt really lucky,” they said. “I was down and out for the first couple of days, but soon after, I was able to go out for ice cream with friends, sit on the beach, and even dip my toes in the water. I was able to get back to living my life sooner than I thought.”
A body that feels like home.
Seeing the results for the first time was indescribable for Finn.
“It was honestly like I don’t even remember what I looked like before,” Finn says. “This is how I’ve always pictured myself and how I’ve always felt inside. Seeing my true self for the first time was an incredible moment.”
As an artist, Finn’s practice involves fiber arts and clothing. “While waiting for surgery, I made a lot of pieces I’d never been able to try on before. After I got my drains out, I had a fun little fashion show, putting on all the clothes I’d made. Seeing how they fit felt so good.”
Finn says the surgery changed their life in every way.
“I’m so much more comfortable in my body,” Finn shares. “Every aspect of having a body feels more accessible now. It’s incredible to experience something so universal—being at ease in your own skin—that I never felt until now. That’s exactly why I had this surgery.”
Are you considering transgender top surgery?
Navigating life in a body that doesn’t align with your gender identity can be profoundly challenging. For many, the gender assigned at birth and gender identification are not the same. With expertise, understanding, and compassion, our Plastic + Hand team performs top surgery to help your physical appearance reflect your true self.
It’s time to discover the results you’ll love. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator.
