MTF top surgery, also known as male-to-female top surgery or breast augmentation, is a transformative procedure aimed at enhancing the chest area for transgender women. It treats gender dysphoria by creating a feminine figure through the addition of breast implants. Drs. Hannan and Patrick help you select the most appropriate implants to achieve the desired size and projection, resulting in a natural and soft appearance.
Enhance & Augment Your Breasts
MTF top surgery is a surgical procedure designed to help transgender women align their physical appearance with their gender identity. It primarily focuses on enhancing the chest area through breast augmentation. For many transgender women, the presence of masculine features in this area can cause significant distress and dysphoria. MTF top surgery addresses this by creating a more feminine silhouette, contributing to a sense of wholeness and congruence with one’s gender identity.
During the procedure, breast implants are strategically chosen to achieve the desired size, shape, and projection, tailored to the individual’s preferences and anatomical considerations. These implants are placed beneath the chest muscles, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome. By augmenting the chest area, MTF top surgery enhances your physical appearance and contributes to your overall well-being and self-confidence, empowering you to live more authentically and comfortably in your body.
Benefits of MTF Top Surgery:
- Improved alignment between physical appearance and gender identity.
- Enhanced self-esteem and body confidence.
- Alleviation of gender dysphoria.
- Ability to wear clothing that aligns with gender identity more comfortably.
- Increased social confidence and sense of belonging.
- Potential improvement in mental health and overall well-being.
What Happens During the MTF Top Surgery Consultation?
During the MTF top surgery consultation, our surgeons, Dr. Lauren Patrick and Dr. Catherine Hannan, will carefully assess your unique needs and goals. They will begin by discussing your medical history, including any relevant health conditions or previous surgeries. You’ll have the opportunity to express your desired outcome, whether it’s achieving a specific breast size or shape or addressing particular concerns related to your chest appearance.
Our surgeons will physically examine your chest area to evaluate factors such as skin elasticity, nipple placement, and chest wall anatomy. They’ll also discuss the surgical options available, including the types of implants and incision techniques. Throughout the consultation, they’ll provide detailed information about the procedure, potential risks and complications, and the recovery process. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and address any uncertainties to ensure you feel fully informed and confident.
What Is Recovery from MTF Top Surgery Like?
Recovery from MTF top surgery involves a period of rest and gradual healing. Immediately after surgery, you can expect side effects like swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the chest area. Our team will provide pain medication to manage discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infection. It’s essential to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including wearing compression garments as directed and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks.
You must attend follow-up appointments with our surgeons to monitor your progress. While downtime varies for each individual, most people can return to light activities within a week or two, with full recovery typically several weeks to months. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care during this time, including getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. Our team will provide specific aftercare guidelines to promote healing and minimize complications.
You Might Be A Candidate If…
- You identify as a transgender woman or individual assigned male at birth.
- You experience consistent gender dysphoria related to your chest appearance.
- You are at least 18 years old or have written consent from your parents/guardians.
- You want to have a more feminine silhouette.
- You have realistic expectations about the outcomes of MTF top surgery.
- You are in good overall physical and mental health.
- You do not have any medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or healing.
- You have a stable mental health and are psychologically prepared for the changes.
- You have received recommendations or approval for surgery from your therapist.
- You are committed to following pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
- You understand the risks and potential complications associated with MTF top surgery.
- You meet the criteria set by the World Professional Association for
- Transgender Health (WPATH) for top surgery.
- You have obtained a letter from your therapist confirming your readiness for MTF top surgery.
- Your therapist’s letter includes essential information such as your legal name, preferred name, date of birth, and the duration and frequency of therapy sessions.
- Your therapist confirms you exhibit a consistent desire to live as your identified gender.
- Your therapist confirms you have been living as your identified gender for a significant period.
Your MTF Top Surgery Options
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution. During MTF top surgery using saline implants, small incisions are made, typically in the inframammary fold or around the areola, to create pockets for the implants. Once inserted, the implants are filled with saline to the desired size. Saline implants offer flexibility in adjusting the volume during surgery. However, they may feel less natural compared to silicone implants.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are composed of a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. This type of implant often provides a more natural look and feel than saline implants. During MTF top surgery with silicone implants, incisions are made, and the implants are carefully inserted into the breast pockets above the chest muscles. Silicone implants come in various shapes, sizes, and profiles to accommodate different body types and aesthetic preferences.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from one area of the body, typically through liposuction, and injecting it into the breasts to enhance volume. This offers a natural alternative to implants and can achieve subtle, nuanced results. Fat grafting is suitable for individuals seeking a modest increase in size or those who prefer gradual results, and it involves a lower risk of rejection or allergic reaction. However, multiple sessions may be required for the desired outcome.
Inspiring Confidence With Natural Results
Washington Women Plastic Surgery is proud to offer compassionate care for transgender women seeking MTF top surgery. Led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Patrick and Dr. Hannan, our practice emphasizes a collaborative approach to ensure the best possible outcomes. With both surgeons working together on most procedures, you benefit from their combined expertise, resulting in safe and natural-looking results. Whether you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn about your options, schedule a consultation today.
