Feminisation: Breast augmentation

The consultation

You need a referral from your consultant to qualify for this procedure. Following a health screening, you will be invited to attend a consultation with one of our surgeons.

Breast augmentation for transwomen requires specific expertise due to the limited development of breast tissue. Your inframammary (breast) fold will be higher, and your nipples will be placed more ‘outward’. Our plastic surgeons have considerable experience with transgender breast augmentation. Before your operation, you will attend a consultation with the surgeon to discuss the various types of implants (prostheses) and techniques. You will have the opportunity to discuss your wishes and find out what is right for your body. You will then visit the care consultant to ‘try on’ your chosen prostheses.

After the preliminary consultation, you will be asked to complete an online health questionnaire (E-POS) at home, followed by a health screening by the anaesthetist. In some cases, you may need to attend a telephone or in-person consultation with the anaesthetist. An operation date will be scheduled only once you have been approved by the anaesthetist.

The procedure enlarges your breast by placing a breast implant (prosthesis). Breast implants are available in various shapes and sizes. They may be textured or smooth. The right implant for you will depend on your own preferences, body shape and advice given by your plastic surgeon. Breast implants commonly have a silicon gel filling and feel soft and supple, making your breasts appear fuller. You’ll always be able to see and feel your breast implant to a certain degree. We endeavour to create a fully symmetrical result, but this cannot always be guaranteed.

The operation

The procedure itself takes approximately 45 minutes. The plastic surgeon will create an incision (cut) on a line drawn under your breast before the operation. Depending on the surgical technique used, the surgeon will create a pocket over or under your pectoral (chest) muscle in which to place the implant. Once the surgeon has placed the implant, they will seal the wound with dissolvable stiches. Tape strips will be applied to the incision, and your breasts may also be taped in some cases. In rare cases, the surgeon will place drains to remove fluid from the wound. During the operation, you will be under general anaesthetic.

After the operation, you will be moved to the recovery room. You will receive post-operative nursing care and be monitored as the anaesthetic gradually wears off. Once you have come round and the nurses have performed a few checks, you will be taken to the ward and offered something to eat and drink. You can have your phone, iPad, iPod, books, magazines, etc. with you in the ward. You may also receive visitors.

Recovery

Your largest chest muscle (pectoralis major) may feel very sore on the first days post-operation. This is completely normal. You will be given painkillers to soothe the soreness. Your breasts may show signs of bruising after a few days. This is also completely normal – it is caused by injections of local anaesthetic during the operation.
Your breasts may feel tight in the first weeks post-operation. They may also appear asymmetrical. This is absolutely normal, and there is no need to worry.
Scars may be red during the first six weeks post-operation. They will gradually fade and be almost or completely identical to your normal skin colour.

Be sure to follow all instructions given by your plastic surgeon. What you do during your recovery phase can affect the success of your treatment. Here is our general advice: