"He Gave Me the One Thing I've Always Wanted": Awake FTM Top Surgery in Lubbock
Watch his testimonial: Awake FTM top surgery patient story
For many transgender men, chest surgery is one of the most meaningful steps in affirming their identity — and also one of the most anxiety-inducing. The idea of being awake during top surgery surprises most people. One of Dr. Thanapoom "Mo" Boonipat's patients did exactly that at FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute in Lubbock, and his account may change how you think about it.
The Patient's Story: A First Surgery, Done Awake
He had never had surgery of any kind before. "I've never been awake for — never had a surgery ever in my life. So as a first-time surgery patient, it was an incredible experience," he reported.
The procedure removed breast tissue along with excess chest tissue to create a masculine chest contour — the core of FTM top surgery. "Usually this type of surgery is not done awake," he acknowledged, "but I believed I could do it awake with him, using the local anesthetic, and do it safely."
What Being Awake Actually Felt Like
The theme of his story is communication. "Dr. Boonipat talked to me the entire time while he was doing the entire procedure, explaining everything to me, telling me everything he was going to do. It was an incredible experience to be awake for," he said.
On pain, he was specific and honest: "My experience was actually really great. Minimal to no pain at all while the entire procedure was going on." He noted that when he did feel occasional discomfort, "Dr. Boonipat was on top of that with giving me more numbing agent" — a practical advantage of staying awake: the patient can report exactly what they feel, in real time, and the anesthesia can be adjusted on the spot.
Why Some Patients Choose Awake Surgery
Skipping general anesthesia means skipping the things many patients dread about it — the grogginess, nausea, and the longer recovery-room stay afterward. For this patient, trust in his surgeon was the deciding factor. "I honestly would recommend it to anybody to be awake during the procedure if you can handle it," he said.
He was also clear about his result: "The results are incredible. I couldn't be happier. He gave me the one thing I've always wanted. So I'm super grateful to him, and he's very trustworthy."
Chest Surgery for Men at FacePlus+
The practice's male body contouring page explains how Dr. Boonipat approaches chest procedures for men: liposuction is effective when fullness comes mainly from fat and can be performed safely under local anesthesia with minimal downtime; when excess glandular tissue is present, surgical removal through incisions camouflaged along the nipple border is used, and loose skin can be addressed as well. Treatment is tailored to each patient's anatomy and goals.
FacePlus+ also lists FTM top surgery among its gender-affirming surgery services — a sign of how central this work is to the practice. Procedures are performed in the practice's awake-first style: thorough local anesthesia, an alert patient who communicates with the team throughout, and same-day recovery without the groggy climb-out of general anesthesia.
FTM Top Surgery FAQ: Candidacy, Recovery, Risks
Am I a candidate? Ideal candidates are in good overall health with a healthy, stable weight and realistic expectations; non-smokers are generally preferred. A thorough consultation is where candidacy — and the full surgical plan — is determined for each individual.
What does the awake experience feel like? Patients typically report pressure and movement rather than sharp pain. Because you're conscious, numbing can be topped up the moment you feel anything uncomfortable, and continuous vital-sign monitoring runs throughout.
What is recovery like? Based on the practice's published guidance for chest surgery, simpler cases (liposuction alone) often return to work and light activity within about a week. More extensive procedures with gland and skin removal take longer — most men return to routine activities within 2–4 weeks, with compression garments worn to reduce swelling and support healing.
What are the risks? As with any surgery, risks exist. Published complications for chest surgery include bruising and swelling, infection or bleeding, irregular contours, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry or scarring. Careful planning, meticulous technique, and diligent post-op care minimize them.
What about readiness documentation? Gender-affirming surgeries generally involve readiness criteria and supporting documentation; Dr. Boonipat will walk you through exactly what applies to your situation at your consultation.
Representative Results
Representative before/after results for FTM top surgery at FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute — shown for illustration, not this patient's photos. Individual results vary.
Serving Lubbock and West Texas
FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute is located at 12505 Quaker Ave, Suite A, Lubbock, TX 79424 — call or text 806-503-2090. Hours are Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm (closed 12–1), Friday 9am–12pm, and Saturday 9am–12pm by appointment; text 806-503-2090 for times outside listed hours. Location and hours are on the Contact Us page.
For patients across West Texas and eastern New Mexico — Lubbock, Amarillo, Clovis, Midland, Plainview — an awake approach can make an already life-changing surgery feel more manageable, with the patient alert and in conversation with the surgical team throughout. One thing to know up front: consultations at FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute are $50 to book, and that fee applies toward your surgery fees if you proceed within a month of your consult.
Hear more firsthand accounts on the patient testimonials page. If you are considering FTM top surgery, request a consultation to discuss your goals and whether an awake approach is right for you.
Every patient heals differently, and individual results vary. The information here reflects one patient's reported experience; the best way to know what is right for you is a private consultation with Dr. Boonipat.
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