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Breasts have always been a traditional symbol of femininity.
Breast augmentation can help transgender women align their appearance with what they feel inside. Patients often come away from the surgery with a new sense of confidence.
The best candidates for this surgery are those with realistic expectations and secure mental and physical health.
Breast augmentation may be the right choice if you want to enhance your breasts by increasing their size, symmetry, nipple shape, and overall appearance.
Dr. Emmett, a double-board certified plastic surgeon who promotes patient safety and comfort, can answer all your questions regarding your male-to-female (MTF) breast augmentation.
Learn more about the differences between traditional and transgender breast augmentation, how to prepare for the procedure, and what to expect before and after surgery.
Are there any significant differences between traditional and transgender breast augmentation?
For the most part, breast augmentation procedures are similar.
One key difference is in the preparation for surgery.
Transgender women may be required to complete at least three months of counseling and obtain a letter of recommendation from a mental health professional before they can have their augmentation.
A transitioning woman may also need to take female hormones to help them develop minor breast tissue.
Most male-to-female patients have broader chests, thicker chest muscles, different nipple positioning, and a lack of breast tissue.
Recovery will likely be the same, aside from taking longer for implants to settle with a transgender augmentation.
It may take longer, but implants will descend and have a natural contour once they settle.
Male-to-female breast enhancement
MTF breast augmentation can help transgender women who are looking to feminize their appearance.
Silicone or saline implants can be used, but many patients are most satisfied with the natural look and feel of silicone.
Find a plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation and reconstruction to achieve the best results.
Greater Denver-area plastic surgeon Dr. Emmett is certified and experienced in various types of surgery and understands a successful MTF breast enhancement is important for transgender women.
An MTF breast augmentation can improve mental health, sexual confidence, and overall quality of life.
How to prepare for transgender augmentation
Breast augmentation may be one of the most important steps in your transition.
Perhaps you’ve just decided that surgery is a step you must take, or have been thinking about it for some time.
Before your MTF breast enhancement, you must:
- Complete hormonal therapy
- Attend three months of counseling
- Receive a letter of recommendation from a licensed mental health professional
- Choose your breast implant type
- Decide on your breast implant size
Dr. Emmett can discuss your options with you, but surgery is a personal decision that only you can make.
To help you decide, you may want to consider your body size and shape, the breast look you’re going for, the amount of breast tissue you currently have, and your lifestyle.
Do I need hormone therapy before breast feminization surgery?
Even if you’re not required to undergo hormone therapy, it can be helpful for both you and your plastic surgeon.
Synthetic hormones can change body structure and encourage breast growth.
With the appropriate amount of breast tissue, it will be easier to place your breast implants.
However, if hormone therapy does not help you produce enough breast tissue, your plastic surgeon can utilize a tissue expander to stretch the skin layers in the chest.
It’s ultimately up to the patient if they prefer to take hormones before having a breast augmentation, but some insurance companies and medical professionals will require it.
What you can expect with transgender breast surgery
During your initial consultation with Dr. Emmett, you’ll discuss your needs, expectations, and what to expect before and after your surgery.
Before the procedure
To prepare for your surgery, you may need to stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and most herbal supplements for one week before your surgery.
If you’re a smoker, it’s recommended that you try to quit before your surgery date and continue to abstain from smoking for at least two weeks after your surgery. Smoking can impede healing, making recovery time last longer.
Maintaining a healthy weight prior to your surgery is also helpful, as it will help your surgery and recovery go smoothly.
After the procedure
Transgender breast augmentation is major surgery, which means your body will need time to recover.
The first couple of days after your surgery, you may experience swelling and soreness, especially if your implants were inserted beneath chest muscles.
Most patients can return to work after a week of recovery but will still need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for six weeks.
It will take 6-8 weeks for your breasts’ incisions to fully heal and recover after surgery.
While your incisions may be healed at this point, it will likely take several months for you to see your final breast enhancement results.
Schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Emmett
Explore your options with Dr. Emmett, a double-board certified plastic surgeon located in the greater Denver area.
She’s certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and has a high satisfaction rate with her patients.
When ready, you and Dr. Emmett can discuss your options and plan your male-to-female breast augmentation procedure.
She and her staff specialize in breast enhancement procedures, facial surgery, Botox, liposuction, tummy tuck, and Brazilian butt lift.
Contact our office to learn more about Dr. Emmett, her services, and financing and to schedule your consultation.
