Transgender breast augmentation differs from traditional breast augmentation in many important ways. The basics are similar, but several nuances make the MTF top surgery unique. These differences make choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Columbus area even more important during this phase of your journey.
If you’re considering trans breast augmentation, you likely have many questions. In this post, I’ll answer some common questions I hear so you can make a more informed decision.
Does insurance cover transfeminine top surgery?
First, many insurance companies will cover this operation for trans female patients, but there is some paperwork that must be submitted to receive a pre-approval code. This is something that we will help you with, and if possible, accomplish. This process depends on your insurance and whether they list the surgery as a covered benefit or as an exclusion. Then, your out-of-pocket expenses depend on your own deductible and co-pays that might apply to your contract with them.
If your insurance company covers the surgery, you should take advantage of it. And then you can save some money for other fun plastic surgery options like a tummy tuck or facial enhancements.
What can I expect during transgender breast augmentation?
The surgical approach for the trans female is unique. The implant size needs to be larger in general, but often a different contour is chosen as well to complement trans female chest proportions. The skin envelope is probably the biggest variable and challenge, and it’s the factor limiting the size of the implants.
Often it can be difficult to know how much your breast skin will stretch, so we must order and try out multiple sizes during surgery to determine the best fit. When this is the case, I try to infuse some humor and will say I am bringing the “bag of boobs” to the case to determine the best fit intraoperatively.
Transgender Breast Augmentation Before and After
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Where are the implants placed during the surgery?
Another unique factor about transgender breast implant surgery is that the implants are placed on top of the muscle (non-trans augmentation implants can be placed on top or under the muscle). The nice thing about this surgical approach and the pocket on top of the muscle is that there is quite a bit less pain afterward.
Depending on the physique of the female, this sub-glandular pocket placement can look fantastic. If the patient is very thin, however, the implant may be more noticeable. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers additional details about transfeminine top surgery for your information.
How does hormone therapy affect MTF top surgery?
One of the biggest factors in transfeminine breast augmentation is how long the patient has been doing hormone therapy and how developed their breasts are. In many cases, there is a nice amount of breast tissue, making the final result much better.
What is transgender breast augmentation recovery like?
Another unique feature is during the postoperative phase. The settling process takes much longer for the trans female, again related to the elasticity of the skin envelope. At first, the implant does not move and will appear too high, hard, and round. Then as the skin stretches, the settling occurs, and you’ll enjoy a natural-looking contour.
Breast implants are smooth and round, which is why they can have a more rounded look during this period of time. But ultimately, gravity wins and the implants settle—this is sometimes called “dropping and fluffing.” At this point, the incision in the inframammary fold becomes concealed in the fold.
How long do breast implants last?
As is the case in any augmentation, breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. This means they need to be replaced after about 10 years. While ruptures are rare, they can occur. Rest assured that it is possible to see a rupture of a silicone gel implant with mammography and high-resolution ultrasound. When needed, I offer high-resolution ultrasound exams in my office for my breast augmentation patients.
High Satisfaction for Top Surgery Patients
The one aspect of this operation that is similar for both types of patients is their overall patient satisfaction. EVERY patient is happier and feels better with more beautiful breasts. This rewarding reaction makes this operation one of my favorites to do. My trans female patients might even be happier after their surgery!
Breast Wishes.
If you want to discuss your transgender breast augmenation options with Dr. Taylor, you can request a consultation using our online form or call our office at (614) 569-2649 to schedule an appointment.
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