If you are a crossdresser, male-to-female transgender or gender nonconforming, you will need to find out more about breast augmentations. Breast augmentation is an expensive procedure that can cost thousands of dollars, but it’s absolutely worth it if you want to look the way you feel inside. In this guide we review everything you need to know about transgender breast augmentation stages, surgeries and procedures.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Breast Augmentation For Transgender, transgender breast development stages, transgender breast augmentation surgeons, and non binary breast implants.
Breast Augmentation For Transgender
Breast augmentation is a fairly common procedure for transgender women, but it’s not always easy to find information about it. There are different implant types for breast augmentation and the type will determine the lifting procedure that’s needed. You might want to consider a reduction or nipple lift to your breasts after surgery if you’re looking for a more natural result. Making sure you are ready for the surgery both physically and emotionally will help with the recovery process, so speak with your doctor about all of your options before making any decisions on what is best for you!
Breast Augmentation for Transgender Women
Breast augmentation is commonly performed for transgender women who are transitioning from male to female. This procedure can be done using various types of implants, depending on the patient’s desired results. Some patients prefer a very soft, natural look as opposed to a more dramatic appearance.
One implant type that works well for this purpose is called an anatomically shaped breast implant (also known as “gummy bear”). These implants have an inelastic shell and come in varying sizes with varying degrees of projection; they’re also softer than traditional silicone gel implants because they are filled with saline or silicone gel instead of solid silicone. Anatomical breast implants offer the benefits of greater flexibility and a smoother feel than standard round-shaped ones—and they’re ideal for people who want a natural-looking result without going overboard into something that looks obviously artificial or overly fake (like “porn star” breasts).
Breast augmentation is a fairly common procedure for transgender women
Breast augmentation is a fairly common procedure for transgender women. Many transgender women feel that they are incomplete without breasts and want to “have a pair” like other men and women do.
It can help with the transition process, as well as body image issues. It also helps with self-esteem and gender dysphoria (feeling out of place in your body). Many patients report better self-confidence after having breast augmentation surgery since it helps them feel more feminine or masculine in accordance with their preferred gender identity. In fact, some surgeons believe that this surgery should be considered an essential part of any transsexual’s transition process because it can have such positive effects on mental health!
There are different implant types for breast augmentation
There are four main types of breast implants: silicone, gummy bear, saline, and textured. Silicone implants are the most popular type available. They look and feel more realistic than saline or gummy bear implants, but they’re also more expensive and require more extensive follow-up care if you ever decide to remove them. In general, though—and especially if you’re new to this whole thing—I’d recommend going with silicone. It’s less expensive up front and has a lower risk of complications down the road.
Saline is an older implant option that’s still widely used; it consists of salt water within a sealed pouch inside your body (the pouch is typically made from silicone). Saline implants can be an excellent option for those who want good results without breaking the bank or having too much scarring from surgery (if that’s important to you). However, there is a higher risk of leaks with saline as compared to other types of breast augmentation procedures because its contents may leak out over time due to damage done by rippling in your tissue or changing temperatures during removal surgery.”
The type will determine the lifting procedure that’s needed
The type of implant you choose will determine how much lifting is required. You can opt for saline or silicone, and each one has its pros and cons. Saline implants are less expensive than their silicone counterparts, but they don’t last as long (about 10 years) and are more prone to rupture. Silicone implants are more expensive than saline ones and have a longer lifespan (15 to 20 years), but they’re also more likely to leak or rupture. Both types of implants come in different sizes and shapes; doctors recommend choosing an implant size that’s proportionate to your body type so that you don’t look disproportionate after surgery.
The placement of your new breast implants will also affect whether there’s any post-operative lifting needed: if you have them placed under the muscle, some additional lifting might be necessary; if they’re placed over the pectoralis major muscle, no additional lifting may be required at all! Some patients also opt for nipple projection as well—this means that instead of having nipples sticking out from under an A-cup bra cup when standing upright without posture correction by bending forward slightly at the waistline with arms hanging down naturally by sides., nipple projection brings both nipples up so that even when leaning against wall with head tilted back slightly towards ceiling with eyes closed (so neck muscles relaxed) , there’s still room between breasts not covered by cup size A bra without needing posture correction .
A double incision surgery might be needed for the nipples
The nipples are not part of the breast tissue, but rather two small protrusions of skin that sit at the top of your breast mound. They are connected to the breast tissue by blood vessels and other tissues that can be moved up or down by a plastic surgeon if you opt for a double incision procedure. The nipple can be resized as well: generally, smaller nipples stand out more than larger ones do.
You might want to consider a reduction or nipple lift to your breasts after surgery
You may want to consider a reduction or nipple lift after surgery. This is because after breast augmentation, the size and shape of your breasts might not be in proportion with the rest of your body. If this is the case, you’ll need a surgical procedure called mastopexy (breast lift) to remove excess skin and reshape them.
A mastopexy can improve saggy breasts by tightening them up through removal of excess skin, but it won’t make them any larger than they already are. The procedure usually involves removing fat from behind the new implant so that it sits higher on the chest wall. It may also require removing some tissue around each side of the nipple area (areola).
You can get a consultation with any surgeon at any time if you think you’re ready for one!
Making sure you are ready for the surgery both physically and emotionally will help with the recovery process
Before you go through with breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to make sure that you are ready for the procedure both physically and emotionally. The recovery process is a long one, so you should make sure that your body is able to handle the strain of surgery before going under the knife. Talk to your doctor about what kind of pain management plan they have in place for after surgery, and figure out what sort of support system will help keep you stable during this time. You’ll also want to talk about how much time off from work or school will be necessary for recovery purposes; depending on your job responsibilities, this could be anywhere from two weeks up until several months!
Finally (and most importantly), before going through with any type of cosmetic procedure—particularly this one—make sure there isn’t something else going on that could potentially hold up or complicate things further down the road (such as depression). If anything like this were present then it would definitely hinder not only recovery but also daily life afterward too!
transgender breast development stages
People who start estrogen hormone replacement therapy will notice many changes in their body and breast growth is one of the earliest and most noticeable developments. This increase in chest tissue (medically called gynecomastia) happens between two to six months after someone begins taking estrogen and is one of the irreversible changes for estrogen HRT. Most people, if not all, will undergo breast development, but the degree and size to which their chest grows varies widely and is dependent on multiple factors.
One of the most common questions that our clinicians here at FOLX get is, “How big will my chest get?” This is a common question for anyone embarking on a new unknown journey of gender affirmation.. To shed more light on the process of breast growth through estrogen HRT, we consulted Samantha Hyacinth, our resident nurse practitioner, about what changes you can expect to see and when.
What kind of breast growth can I expect when on estrogen HRT?
“It’s important to know that all chest tissue is the same regardless of someone’s assigned gender at birth,” says Samantha. When that tissue is exposed to estrogen, whether because of natal hormones or through medication, it responds in the same way: it grows.
The first thing someone will typically notice is tenderness of the entire chest or in the nipple and areola area. After that point, some people may start to notice swelling in addition to the sensitivity. This can be sore or uncomfortable, but eventually leads to developing breast buds, which are hard pea-sized lumps right beneath the nipple, from where the actual breast starts to grow.
Is there a way to gauge how big my breasts are going to get while taking estrogen?
It’s hard to predict how much your breasts will develop while taking estrogen because there are multiple factors at play. The dosage of hormones you’re on, if you’re also taking an anti-androgen like spironolactone, race, and genetics (as always) all play a role in the process of breast growth. How much fatty tissue someone has on their body and where they carry it is also a factor to consider since fat is a major component of breast biology.
“The best way to predict your breast size is to look at people in your family who were assigned female at birth,” Samantha recommends.
Clinical research on this topic—like most other areas of transgender health—is minimal. Most recently, a European team of researchers followed 229 transgender woman on HRT for a year and observed their breast growth, making this one of the more extensive studies on estrogen HRT and physical changes. They found that over 90% of participants developed breasts in the A-cup range regardless of oral or transdermal estrogen route.
Is breast growth different if I’m just taking estrogen without an anti-androgen?
Estrogen on it’s own induces breast development, and anti-androgens like spironolactone have a side effect of growth of chest tissue. Theoretically, people taking estrogen and spiro as part of their HRT routine could get an extra boost in breast development, but it’s hard to say. Spironolactone also isn’t exclusive to gender-affirming therapy and is often prescribed for blood pressure or acne. People who take spiro for any reason are susceptible to the same side effects like lightheadedness, increased frequency of urination, and breast enlargement.
Unsurprisingly, there aren’t any substantial studies that compare breast growth in people just taking estrogen compared to those taking estrogen and an anti-androgen. And we know that it’s hard to make a broad generalization for a community with such diverse bodies and genetics.
What will my body look like after three months on estrogen? Six months? A year?
There are physical change timelines from the medical community that show when specific changes might happen, for how long they’ll last, and when they’ll peak in effect. This can give you a general idea of how your body will develop over the course of months and years of taking estrogen. Breast tissue growth is one of the earliest changes to take shape in your body starting from two to six months into estrogen HRT. The specificity of these changes depend on many factors.
“Comparing those tables to what people actually tell me doesn’t always match, as it typically is when comparing textbooks to actual people,” says Samantha.
My body is changing too fast. What can I do?
It’s important to remember that you’re in control of your gender journey with HRT and that doesn’t have to look linear. “More people need to know that they can pause hormones just to think and process and be in your body,” says Samantha. Luckily for those who are looking to move through this journey one baby step at a time, most of the physical changes tend to move forward gradually. Decreasing your dosage of hormones will also slow down the development and pace of transitioning, and you can always revisit hormones if and when you feel ready.
If you have any other questions, schedule a virtual appointment with one of our clinicians here for a personal consultation. And if you’re all set to go with starting estrogen HRT, FOLX offers a few options, here.
transgender breast augmentation surgeons
If you feel as though you were born in the wrong body, you are not alone. There is no need to feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Dr. Arslanian offers his patients both Male To Female and Female To Male transgender reconstructive top surgery in order to help provide men and women the opportunity to have the body they were always meant to have. This transformative procedure can change the lives of many people who feel trapped in their current bodies.
We are here to break the model and give you the body that you were always destined to have. Make the first step in changing the rest of your life by contacting our office today and schedule a consultation. Your one on one meeting with Dr. Aslanian will leave you feeling at ease, knowing you are being taken care of by one of the best plastic surgeons in Atlanta, Georgia. Contact us today.
What is Transgender Top Surgery?
Transgender top surgery is a reconstructive procedure designed to provide the necessary breast changes for patients who are interested in transforming their bodies towards the sex that they identify as. Not all women and men were born in the bodies are meant to be in and this can cause a massive decline in confidence and a negative impact on the person’s quality of life.
Transgender top surgery allows men to rid themselves of the unwanted breasts and excess tissue, creating a more masculine, sculpted chest. For women, this procedure uses augmentation techniques to create breast pockets in which implants will be placed into, creating a voluminous feminine bust.
These two forms of transgender top surgeries have helped many men and women within the transgender community to feel more confident in themselves and finally feel as though they are in the body they were always meant to be in. We are here to help the outside appearance match the inside feeling, helping to improve a person’s overall quality of life. Everyone deserves to feel like their true self. The first step to achieving your bodily goals is to contact our office today and set up a consultation.
Types of Transgender Top Surgery
For each type of top surgery, MTF and FTM, there are a few different techniques within each category which patients can choose from, depending on their particular needs and goals. Dr. Arslanian has developed surgical techniques that he uses in order to help each and every one of his patients feel and be their best selves. The particular procedures and techniques used are as listed below:
Male To Female (MTF)
The male to female top surgery procedure was designed as a solution for transgender women or non-binary transgender people who are looking to obtain a more feminine appearance. This is done through breast augmentation with the use of either saline or silicone implants to enhance the overall size and shape of the patient’s breasts. The procedure is performed by creating a pocket in the chest that will be used for the implant. The methods used for this breast augmentation procedure are very similar to a traditional breast augmentation. However, it is important for the patient to understand that the size of breast implant should be determined by the amount of skin on the chest. Besides this, the majority of the decisions that must be made for this procedure are standard, such as choice of implant and if the implant will be placed above or below the muscle.
When deciding to undergo this procedure, patients must consider their implant options; generally, patients have an option between saline or silicone breast implants. A saline implant is a silicone shell that is then filled with a saline solution. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are filled with a silicone gel that has a “gummy” texture, allowing it to provide patients with a more natural-looking bust. When considering either of these implants, it is best to weigh both of the options with Dr. Arslanian in order to determine what is best for the individual patient’s needs.
The second decision to be made when undergoing MTF augmentation procedure is to determine whether patients would prefer to have the implant placed on top or underneath the breast muscles. Each option provides different results; however, patients do find that over the muscle has been found to give a very natural look. The underlying masculine chest muscle will be concealed this way. However, during the consultation, the doctor will further explain the details of each placement option.
Female To Male (FTM)
The female to male reconstructive top surgery is designed for transgender males who are looking to remove their breasts and sculpt a more masculine chest, clinically known as bilateral mastectomy. This is done by either the keyhole technique or the double incision technique, depending on the amount of breast tissue the patient has. Both techniques, however, achieve the same goal – to create a more masculine and chiseled physique. The procedure, in general, involves the removal of breast tissue, excess skin, as well as resizing, reshaping, and repositioning the areola or nipple. When coming in for the consultation, Dr. Arslanian will explain which technique would be most suitable for your particular body. The main goal of this procedure is to assist patients in aligning their external features with their internal self.
Keyhole
The keyhole technique is designed for patients who have a smaller amount of breast tissue, normally an A or B cup size, to remove this tissue and create a more masculine chest. This is done by creating a small incision near the areola, leaving it partially attached in order to maintain sensation and blood supply. Then the fat and excess tissue are removed, normally through a form of liposuction, and afterward, the incisions are closed. Because of the minimal amount of tissue in the breast region, this procedure is one of the more quick and painless forms of top surgery.
Double Incision
The double incision technique is meant for patients who have a moderate to large amount of breast tissue residing within the chest region. For this more extensive surgery, incisions will be made below the nipple, on both sides of the chest. The skin is then pulled down in order for the mammary glands and excess tissue to be removed. Minimal amounts of liposuction may be needed if the fatty tissue is not easily removed. After the tissue is removed, the excess skin can then be removed and the incisions can be closed. Patients will see more scarring from this technique, as it does cover a larger amount of breast tissue.
Candidates
The ideal candidate for a transgender top surgery would be someone in good health who maintains a good diet and exercise regime. Patients that are looking to undergo this transformative surgery are looking to change their external characteristics, specifically the chest area, in order for them to be inline with their internal sense of self. We also ask all of our patients to have realistic expectations of the overall outcomes.
There is no reason to continue feeling uncomfortable in your own skin or feel that your body does not express who they truly are. If you are looking into either form of top surgery discussed above, we encourage you to come in for a consultation and discuss your options! We look forward to meeting you.
Transgender Top Surgery Consultation
Because no two patients are the same, this means that the procedures will never be the same.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Arslanian will begin by asking the patient about their particular goals. He will then review medical history, current medications that are being taken, and any previous surgeries. Once this is done, the doctor will then perform a physical examination in order to determine candidacy and ensure that transgender top surgery would be beneficial in achieving the patient’s particular goals. After gathering all of this information, the doctor can then work with them to build an individualized treatment plan.
Before leaving the office, patients who are candidates will have the option to schedule their procedure and with doing so will receive their list of preparatory instructions to follow leading up to the surgery. This list most commonly instructs patients who are smokers to quit 3 weeks prior to their surgery as smoking can hinder the body’s ability to heal efficiently. Patients will also be advised to refrain from taking any anti-inflammatory medications for about 2 weeks before their procedure. If patients have any questions during this time, we encourage them to call our office and our friendly and knowledgeable staff and ready and willing to help in any way possible.
Procedure
Depending on the procedure, the surgery takes between 2-4 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. Before starting the procedure, Dr. Arslanian will make the proper incision markings on the chest to ensure complete accuracy and precision during the surgery. Once the procedure is about to begin, our certified anesthesiologist will administer the general anesthetic in order to provide complete comfort throughout the entire surgery. Once the patient is asleep, Dr. Arslanian will make the necessary incisions to begin the transformation. The procedure will vary depending on the patient and which top surgery they are undergoing. Once the particular goals of the patient have been met, Dr. Arslanian will close the incisions and a compression garment will be wrapped around the treated area. The patient will then be taken to the recovery area to be monitored before being released to go home.
Recovery and Results
Patients will be in the recovery room until they are released by the doctor to return home.
Dr. Arslanian recommends that patients walk, but only a minimal amount, to help improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. The compression garment placed after surgery should be kept on throughout the recovery stage as it will help with swelling and any possible bruising that may arise. If patients have any further questions or concerns during this time, our helpful staff is here to assist in any way they can.
Results for transgender male and females will be instantly apparent. However, both patients may experience swelling throughout the treated region during the healing stage. The full results can be seen 4 to 6 months after the procedure. Once fully healed, patients are ready to take their new life by storm! If you have been looking into transgender top surgery and are located in the Atlanta, Georgia region, contact us today. Let Dr. Arslanian help you look and feel the way you deserve.
non binary breast implants
Our top rated best in class board certified plastic surgeons offer gender-affirming top surgery for transgender and non-binary patients that wish to feminize (breast augmentation), masculinize (breast reduction), or neutralize their chest. Our team of world-class bicoastal (NYC and Los Angeles) specialty plastic surgeons rigorously follow the Standards of Care set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Top Surgery is a gender-affirming procedure that allows patients to live more comfortably and can improve psychological and social functioning.
Please note: To provide a more streamlined and convenient process, ALL consultations are scheduled virtually.
Gender-affirming top surgery may come in a number of forms, including FTM (female-to-male), MTF (male-to-female), or non-binary / gender non-conforming top surgery.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your desires and expectations with you. You will have one-on-one time with your board certified plastic surgeon to ensure your gender-affirming surgical needs are met to the best of our ability.
FTM Top Surgery Female-to-Male (FTM) chest masculinizing top surgery is routinely performed by our world-class bicoastal (NYC and Los Angeles) plastic surgeons. Our top notch practice has refined a special top surgery method called a bilateral chest masculinizing breast reduction. This unique surgical technique uses chest masculinizing techniques to achieve a more masculine appearance. Typically, some breast tissue may be left behind to help smooth out contouring irregularities and may help imitate the pectoral bulk associated with a masculine appearance. We also employ the keyhole and double-incision methods. FTM top surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about three hours. Patients return home the same day.
Non-Binary Chest Masculinization Non-binary chest masculinizing top surgery is similar to a breast reduction and our board certified plastic surgeons typically utilize the bilateral chest masculinizing breast reduction technique. Our bi-coastal (Manhattan and Beverly Hills) best in class top surgeons pair this surgical approach with liposculpting to achieve the patient’s desired post-surgical outcome. Patients may opt to replace their nipples, but it is not required. We also employ the keyhole and double-incision methods.
MTF Top Surgery MTF (Male-to-Female) top surgery is routinely performed by our top rated board certified plastic surgeons in NYC (Manhattan) and Los Angeles (Beverly Hills). MTF top surgery is similar to a breast augmentation, as implants are used to increase the size of the breasts to provide gender-affirming post-surgical results that allow the patient to feel a new sense of overall psychological and emotional well-being. The ultimate incision location for breast implants can be made in a variety of anatomic regions. A small incision is usually made within the fold towards the base of the breast. An incision along the margin of the areola may be used instead for some patients. Your board certified plastic surgeon will discuss which incision method is most optimal for your anatomy.
Non-Binary Top Surgery (Breast Augmentation) Non-binary top surgery (identical to a breast augmentation) is offered by our top of the line bi-coastal (NYC and Los Angeles) specialty plastic surgeons. Non-binary top surgery is employed to achieve gender-affirming post-surgical results that allow the patient to feel more comfortable and settled in their physical body. The results can help a patient feel a new sense of overall psychological and emotional well-being. During surgery, small incisions are typically made at the base of the breast within the fold to make room for implants. Patients may choose from a variety of implant sizes. An incision along the margin of the areola may be used instead for some patients (depending on the patient’s unique anatomy). Ultimately, the final incision technique is determined at the time of surgery.