Overview
Estrogen can significantly change breast size and shape in some MtFs. While breast growth starts soon after taking estrogen, it is slow and gradual, and it typically takes two or more years for breasts to reach their maximum size. If you can take hormones, it is recommended that you wait at least 12 months, to give your breasts time to develop with hormones. Hormonal development will help your nipples grow, and will also stretch out the skin of your chest so you can have a more natural looking implant. Implants look more natural if they are used to augment existing breasts, rather than implanted into a flat chest.
Some MtFs can’t take hormones for medical reasons, don’t want the side effects of hormones, or just want breasts without other effects of hormones. Implants can be an option if you can’t take hormones. You will need to work with the surgeon to find a size that will look balanced with your nipples, as they will still be small. Breast surgery can be done as the first (or only) step in surgery, or after you have already gone through other types of SRS (e.g. genital surgery).
MtF breast augmentation is usually done as a single surgery, but in our SRS programs where there is a team of surgeons working together, it can be done at the same time as genital surgery to reduce the number of times you have to go through general anesthesia.
For MtFs who want larger breasts or a change in breast shape, implants can be inserted through an incision under the breast, in the armpit, or around the nipple.
Candidate should come to the consultation prepared to discuss some important information as the following :
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Texture of silicone shell
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Placement : Subglandular/Submuscular
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Size of breast implants: 100 cc. - 1000 cc.
Risks and possible complications of transgender breast augmentation
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Negative reaction to anaesthesia
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Numbness (most are temporary)
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Capsular contracture: thickening and contraction of the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant
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Lopsided breast size, shape, or position (one side looks different than the other)
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Lopsided placement of the nipple (one side looks higher than the other)
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Wrinkling of the skin over the implant: more likely if you are thin or your breasts haven’t developed well after hormones
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Problem with the implant: leakage, rupture, infection, or coming out of the body
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Change in sensation to nipples/breast skin: less sensation or more intense sensation
Post-operative care
Two days after the surgery, patient’s breast will be wrapped in gauze dressings. Later, the patient is able to take a shower as usual.After removing stitches, the patient is advised to wear a support bra to keep the breasts from moving.The patient is required to massage breasts gently to decrease the risk of capsular contracture around silicone shells and to help make breast look natural.
