5 Main Reasons Why Transgender Breast Surgery Differs From Cisgender.
You may think breast augmentation surgery on trans women is similar to breast surgery on a cisgender woman.
After all, each of you is seeking breast augmentation to enhance the appearance of breasts via implants.
Yet there are profound differences in tissue dimensions and characteristics that require a skilled surgeon's attention. Especially one experienced in working with transgender bodies.
A recent medical study, Differences in Chest Measurements between the Cis-female and Trans-female Chest Exposed to Estrogen and Its Implications for Breast Augmentation, has concluded:
“The trans-female and cis-female populations seeking primary breast augmentation have significant demographic and anatomical differences. This has implications for surgical decision-making and planning to optimize outcomes for trans-female patients.”
If you are planning on getting breast surgery, you can see the importance of having a surgeon who works with trans women.
And I highly recommend one of my top-rated videos for your consideration, 4 Essential Tips for Breast Augmentation.
Now, let me share with you five main reasons why trans surgery is drastically different from cis surgery!
#1 DIFFERENCE IN WIDTH OF THE RIB CAGE
The rib cage of a trans woman is usually wider than that of a cis woman of a similar height and weight.
To create an ideal breast shape and to have that breast fit on the thorax means that the surgeon must take multiple, precise measurements and select from a wide range of implants.
It takes a skilled surgeon to assess the volume of an implant and its height, width, and overall projection to create beautiful breasts for the transgender patient.
#2 DIFFERENCES IN NIPPLE LOCATION
A trans woman’s nipples are usually situated outside the breast mound.
Affecting where the implant should be placed.
The goal is to center the nipple (from left to right) on the breast mound.
In addition to nipples being situated more to the outside of the breast mound, they are further often situated low on the breast mound.
That position is critical to achieving a balanced look and must be planned exactly.
“Failure to properly determine where to situate the bottom of the breast and to keep the implant in that position are the two factors that account for most of the suboptimal results in transgender breast augmentation” (Dr. Teitelbaum)
#3 DIFFERENCES IN AREOLA SIZES
Female areolas are usually larger than male areolas.
And while hormones can increase breast tissue, many transgender patients may notice disappointing feminization of the nipples themselves.
Various surgical techniques can be used to increase the projection of the nipples. (Dr. Mosser)
#4 TRANS WOMEN HAVE LARGE PECTORAL MUSCLES
The pectoral muscles are often thicker in a transgender woman, affecting breast implant placement.
Breast implants can be placed above (subglandular) or below (submuscular) the chest muscle.
If you have naturally large chest muscles, your doctor may recommend that your implants be placed above them to conceal the more masculine contours of your chest. (Dr. Mosser)
#5 DIFFERENCES IN BREAST TISSUE
Breast tissue in transgender patients is firmer and denser.
Because, unless they are significantly overweight, their breasts are predominately made up of enlarged glands from the hormone therapy. (Dr. Teitelbaum)
The combination of the denser tissue and less compliant skin yields a breast that is thicker, tighter, and higher breast than the typical cisgender patient.
This is important to understand because the breasts usually end up very high, perky full, firm, and tight. (Dr. Teitelbaum)
Surgeons need to consider the reduced degree of breast tissue malleability because this affects the implant sizing and overall appearance.
As you can see, when considering breast surgery, these differences are incredibly important. If you are planning on getting transgender breast augmentation, look for a skilled surgeon.
To help you get started, I encourage you to check out my gender resource page in the states I am licensed in to find a gender-affirming surgeon in California, Texas, New York, or Florida.
You may also find the following helpful:
2 Main Reasons Why Surgical Transition Alone Won't Make You Happy!
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WATCH EXPERT VIDEOS ON GENDER
REFERENCES & SOURCES
Differences in Chest Measurements between the Cis-female and Trans-female Chest Exposed to Estrogen and Its Implications for Breast Augmentation. International Open Access Journal of the America Society of Plastic Surgeons.