Physically transitioning to your true gender is an emotional journey. It can take years to achieve the final outcome. This is why it important to have an experienced, empathetic team of medical professionals to help guide you down the right path. While the physical changes are not easy, you want a specialist plastic surgeon who has experience working with transgender patients. Someone you can trust.
Specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Steve Merten has many years training and experience. As a passionate surgeon, he has a special interest in gender affirmation Sydney. In particular, He focuses on top surgery to contour the chest in alignment with the patient’s gender identity
Top Surgery
Dr Merten is one of Australia’s leading gender-affirming surgeons in Sydney, working with trans people to support their gender affirmation. Also, the LGBT community recognises Dr Merten as a preferred specialist surgeon for top surgery. Many mention him in their YouTube documentaries.
There are two types of top surgery:
- Female to male (FTM)
- Male to female (MTF).
Female to Male Top Surgery
FTM top surgery is where Dr Merten contours the chest area to give it a more masculine shape. Transgender men may want this surgery for a number of reasons, including:
- Aligns with their gender identity. FTM surgery physically changes the female appearance so it aligns more with your gender identity.
- Reduces emotional and psychological distress. Before surgery you may experience emotional and psychological distress. FTM surgery can reduce the negative feelings about yourself.
- Reduces gender dysphoria. One of the most common reasons for FTM surgery is to relieve gender dysphoria and improve self-esteem and confidence.
- Better physical comfort. A masculine-shaped chest may increase physical comfort and reduce the need for chest binding.
At your consultation with Dr Merten, he will talk with you about what you want the surgery to achieve. He will also physically examine you to determine the best surgical approach.
Before considering FTM top surgery, you will need to meet the following criteria, including:
- Being 18 years old or older
- A referral letter from a mental health professional
- Documented evidence of persistent gender identity disorder
- Having any significant mental health or physical issues under control
- The ability to stop smoking at least six weeks before and after your surgery
- The capacity to make a fully informed decision to consent to top surgery.
Male to Female Top Surgery
During MTF top surgery, Dr Merten will enhance the size and shape of your breasts by inserting breast implants. Dr Merten is a highly experienced transgender surgeon Sydney and understands the specific needs of trans women.
During your pre-operative consultations, Dr Merten will carefully explain the surgery and, after an examination, he will plan his approach to give you the best results.
Transgender women may want MTF surgery for a number of reasons, including:
- Feminine look. You may find this surgery helps achieve the feminine appearance desired for your gender affirmation.
- Confirms your gender. MTF top surgery can help align your physical appearance with your gender identity, a key step in the gender affirmation process.
- Shape and size. You can have the shape and size of breasts that you want along with the type of cleavage you desire.
- Natural result. Dr Merten aims to achieve symmetrical breasts that look natural.
You will also need to meet the same criteria as for FTM surgery.
About Dr Steve Merten
Dr Merten is a specialist plastic surgeon with more than 20 years’ experience. He is recognised as a leader in his field of breast surgery.
He completed 11 years of specialist training after completing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Sydney University in 1991 and became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2001. After accomplishing this, Dr Merten completed Fellowships in Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery and Monash University, and a Fellowship in Breast Reconstruction at the University of British Columbia, Canada. He has been practicing as a specialist plastic surgeon since 2002.
Dr Merten is passionate about ensuring his patients get the best outcomes. He listens closely to what they want to achieve during the consults. He gives honest advice based on his years of experience, so people can make fully informed decisions. Dr Merten consistently achieves superior results with mindful planning along with a meticulous approach to surgery.
Credentials
Over Dr Merten’s 20 plus year career, he has been responsible for training future specialist plastic surgeons. Positions he currently holds includes;
- Clinical Senior Lecturer in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program Director at Macquarie University, Sydney. Dr Merten is responsible for the advanced training of both Australian and international plastic surgeons, with an emphasis on knowledge, surgical skill and a high standard of professional standards.
- Consultant Plastic Surgeon Concord Hospital, Sydney. Dr Merten is responsible for training young plastic surgeons and provides plastic surgery services.
- Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training, Concord Hospital. Dr Merten is directly responsible for training advanced plastic surgery registrars and is on the NSW Plastic Surgery Training Subcommittee.
- Consultant Plastic Surgeon at top Sydney private hospitals, including:
- Macquarie University Hospital
- Hunters Hill Private Hospital
- North Shore Specialist Day Hospital.
Professional Associations
Dr Merten is a member of the following professional organisations:
- Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Member, Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member, Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
- Member, Australian Medical Association
- Member, ANZPATH
- Member, WPATH
It is important to have a highly trained, experienced specialist plastic surgeon such as Dr Merten perform your top surgery to get the best results. Contact Pure Aesthetics today, to book a consultation to discover what he can do for you.
