Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George Marosan offers MTF surgery (male to female) for Seattle area patients desiring a shapely, feminine chest. As part of the transition process, hormones are often taken for a number of reasons.
Overview
While the increase in estrogen from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can sometimes help to develop feminine breasts, many turn to breast augmentation to get the overall shape, size, and symmetry they want. MTF breast augmentation can help patients who are not able or do not want to use HRT. During a private consultation with Dr. Marosan, it will be determined if tissue expanders are necessary to help create room for the desired implant. Just like with any breast augmentation surgery, patients will choose between silicone and saline implants, plus the size and shape of the implants. This surgery is life-changing for those finally able to attain the chest they want and feel the most comfortable with. Call Bellevue Plastic Surgeons to learn more about MTF breast augmentation surgery.
Surgical Technique
MTF breast augmentation surgery uses the same surgical techniques as traditional cosmetic breast surgery. Dr. Marosan will assess the chest to determine the best incision method, which in most cases is either inframammary, or peri-areolar. Depending on how large the patient wishes to go will help determine implant incision, placement (i.e., under the muscle or over), type of implant, shape, and more. It is important to understand the aesthetic goals and objectives of surgery so that a natural-looking result can be achieved. Therefore, during the consultation and pre-operative processes, many questions will be considered to attain the best shape with the least amount of scarring.
During/After Surgery
MTF breast augmentation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under intravenous sedation anesthesia.. Swelling and bruising are to be expected for the first week and most patients will experience some discomfort during the first 1 – 2 days after surgery.
Patients are usually able to return to work and light activities in 1 – 2 weeks. Exercise can usually be resumed in 4 – 6 weeks. MTF breast augmentation can be a life-changing and liberating surgery for individuals transitioning into their new body. Cosmetic breast surgery can look natural and offer outstanding results, and our team at Bellevue Plastic Surgeons will assist you every step of the way from start to finish as you attain the feminine breasts you have always desired.
Larger Sizes?
Deciding which implant size to have is a personal choice. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, if the patient chooses a larger sized implant and has always had a flat chest, there may not be enough skin to cover a larger implant size.
In these situations, Dr. Marosan will place a tissue expander into the chest to help stretch the skin so that augmentation surgery can take place with the preferred size implant. The tissue expander is surgically placed and gradually expanded over several weeks until there is enough skin to cover the patient’s desired implant.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Hormones and Timing?
Patients who are using HRT (hormone replacement therapy) should wait at least 12 – 18 months to consider breast implants after starting their treatment. This gives the hormones time to integrate with the body and help develop the maximum breast tissue before the patient makes implant decisions. Waiting for natural breast tissue to develop through HRT will also make implants look more natural than if they are placed in a flat chest.
Breast Cancer Risk?
HRT is safe and effective for many uses. Because of the increased levels of estrogen, regular mammograms should be scheduled just like anyone else with breasts. In regards to breast implants, there has been no evidence found that links implants to increased breast cancer risk. Once the implants are in place, they can make it more difficult to detect lumps and abnormalities. Routine physicals and mammograms will help detect issues.
Implant Replacements?
With proper care, breast implants can last an average of ten years before they should be replaced. Patients should follow up with their plastic surgeon regularly to have the integrity of their implant checked so the surgeon can remove and replace the implant before there is a problem. Patients may also choose to have their implants removed or replaced at any time if they decide their current implants no longer fit their needs, wants, or lifestyle.
Why Choose
Dr. Marosan?
Male to female (MTF) breast augmentation is a plastic surgery that offers worthwhile, lasting results for patients. If you are contemplating this surgery and have taken the necessary steps to make this very important decision for yourself, we invite you to call Bellevue Plastic Surgeons to schedule your consultation.
