how does transgender breast reconstruction work?
Male-to-Female
Transgender breast augmentation is the terminology for a breast enlargement procedure that is performed on a transgender individual, but its roots are in breast augmentation (which is technically termed augmentation mammaplasty). As most people know, breast augmentation is a surgery designed to enhance the breasts with the use of implants. Those implants can be silicone gel, which are slightly cohesive and have a denser texture – or they can be saline, which are filled with sterile saltwater that is encapsulated in a silicone shell. The implants come in a variety of sizes, and even in a variety of shapes. Your specific style of implant will be determined with a number of factors, including your body type and chest size.
An incision can be made under the areola, within the armpit, or near the breast fold. The implant will then be placed either on top of the chest muscle or under it. General anesthesia is used and patients can expect bruising and swelling following the procedure. A compression bra is worn to increase healing.
Female-to-Male
Top surgery is the conversational terminology for a procedure that involves performing breast reduction surgery on female-to-male transgender patients. In short, the surgery is designed to reduce the size of the breasts and create a chest contour that appears masculine. There are three changes that need to be done during top surgery: making the breast smaller, placing the nipple at a more masculine position, and reducing the size of the nipple areola complex. The basic operation is nearly identical to a mastectomy, followed by a nipple grafting technique that places the nipple in its natural location on the male chest and mimics the appearance of a masculine torso.
For patients that are already small breasted as females, going a simpler route – liposuction of the breasts – may be a consideration. However, many patients’ breasts are large enough to require the more advanced mastectomy method of top surgery described above.
what is transgender breast reconstruction?
A large part of the transition for transgendered individuals is the physical, which includes addressing the breasts. Transgender breast reconstruction surgery is used for both male-to-female and female-to-male patients to achieve their aesthetic goals and help fulfill their transitional journey. Inland Empire plastic surgeon, Dr. Childers, is one of the most popular and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons for transgender patients. He provides compassionate and experienced care to create the most natural-looking, appropriate breasts for his patients. Dr. Childers uses a number of advanced and safe procedures to accomplish his patient’s goals.
transgender breast reconstruction Considerations
For some trans women, they don’t have enough natural skin to cover the implants, so they may require a two-stage procedure that involves the use of a tissue expander. The tissue expander is a device that painlessly stretches the skin so that the area can accommodate and cover implants for a natural look. Therefore, it is important to choose implants that are proportionate to the body in order to ensure proper cover. For some patients, there may also be skin grafting involved, which is also used to create more skin on the chest to accommodate the breast implants. Essentially, the surgeon needs to create more “room.”
Dr. Childers has performed numerous transgender breast augmentation procedures at his Riverside office. While some patients may prefer to undergo transgender breast augmentation in Ontario or elsewhere in the Inland Empire, they must bear in mind that waiting times are longer in these more heavily populated areas. Plus, Dr. Childers is a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon – a qualification that is hard to come by in Southern California.
For trans men, nipples don’t always survive the grafting process, which Dr. Childers will have to address through other techniques. It’s also important to note that nipple sensation can’t be fully restored. Sensual sensation can be completely lost, but some nipple reactivity should be restored as the patient heals. The cost of top surgery is an important consideration for many of our Inland Empire patients, so we offer the nipple grafting as a complimentary service for every patient.
The cost of transgender breast reconstruction surgery is approximately $6,000, according to the national average. In Riverside, transgender breast surgery is somewhat closer to the highest national figures because cosmetic surgery fees tend to be higher in Southern California. At Riverside Plastic Surgery Associates, we strive to make cosmetic surgery fees manageable for every patient with the financing options we make available.
Riverside Plastic Surgery Reviews
I was hesitant to get my breast reduction with Dr.Childers since there were a few bad reviews , but i figured , you just cant make everyone happy. The doctor does his best the rest is left up to how our body responds /heals and the initiation of the individual taking responsibility for good post op care....etc. I've had terrible back pain due to my natural cleavage size G, as i gain weight it goes to my breast thighs and my buttock area. After my 5th pregnancy the back-pain got worst. After many months of thinking if i should or shouldnt i decided to take the next step towards breast reduction. I was referred to Dr.Childers by my Primary doctor which was also a plastic surgeon listed and approved by my insurance. Since my initial visit it was very professional environment , also the staff were very curtious and inviting. They also offer free refreshments in their waiting area, recalling that when i had my first appointment i had a busy day and was dying of thirst. Dr Childers is very kind professional and listens well to your request of what is desired. Up until the operation day i felt comfortable with him he came and marked me up asked if i had any questions he was very thorough regarding where incisions would be made where and about what size my nipple would be and i approved of his sketch before i know it i was out and ready to go home. The pain was manageable i was given great post op information sheets antibiotics and pain meds that i absolutely loved because they were very effective with minimal side effects. Ive had work done before and i am very particular about incisions and attaching skin back together i can definitely say my new breasts are a work of art my nipples are symmetrical everything is even my breasts are perky , the incisions are precise straight and clean , hes got a very good hand i am extremely happy with the results and i havent even healed completely but i can see that his work is great. I am coming back for my tummy tuck revision scar for sure its nice not to have to travel far to get a good quality doctor with clean straight incisions. I will recommend Dr Childers to anyone looking for good clean work. Ill be happy to share with any other women who may have any doubts or questions . I will post my next review on my tummy tuck revision for my existing thick dark scar in which i went and had work done in tijuana for and cannot wait to see how good he makes it look.
I'm honestly surprised to see Dr. Childers with so many bad reviews. I went to many different consultations with surgeons, and none of them listened to what I wanted other than Dr. Childers. They also wanted to do more costly additions like a Septoplasty and Turbinectomy. Dr. Childers was the only one who said I didn't need that, and actually said all I needed was a turbinate reduction for my breathing issues. When he said that I knew I could trust him as a doctor, and I'm so glad I did. As for the aesthetics of my nose, it's perfect. He truly listened to what I wanted, and gave me just that. I couldn't be happier about my new nose, and I'm grateful I chose him as my surgeon. If I ever want a surgery in the future again I'm 100% going back to him. He's a great surgeon, and was nothing but kind to me and my family.
I’m honestly surprised to see Dr. Childers with so many bad reviews. I went to many different consultations with surgeons, and none of them listened to what I wanted other than Dr. Childers. They also wanted to do more costly additions like a Septoplasty and Turbinectomy. Dr. Childers was the only one who said I didn’t need that, and actually said all I needed was a turbinate reduction for my breathing issues. When he said that I knew I could trust him as a doctor, and I’m so glad I did. As for the aesthetics of my nose, it’s perfect. He truly listened to what I wanted, and gave me just that. I couldn’t be happier about my new nose, and I’m grateful I chose him as my surgeon. If I ever want a surgery in the future again I’m 100% going back to him. He’s a great surgeon, and was nothing but kind to me and my family.
Dr.Ben Childers gets to the point and the job done! I had concerns but he had been doing this for years so he's probably tired of hearing the same concerns lol he's like let me do my job so if time is of essence to you I recommend His staff was very friendly office is very clean. I didn't have to wait too long most the time was quick. I really appreciated the after care and the pain pumps after surgery Lord Jesus is good thank you Dr.Childers for that!! I actually was able to stand straight the first two days wasn't sure if that was suppose to happen but I'm glad because after surgery I almost fell leaning backwards if it was too tight I probably would of ripped open scar a little higher than I would of liked but I think depends on your body and weight I'm happy overall with the results and after care especially! I was a little overweight 5 "4 155 so I couldn't expect a super flat tummy but it looks good! and he's a nice dude may come off as rude but he's a cool guy and I don't mind my uncle was a vietnam veteran and he was a whole other story lol maybe Dr needs to retire soon or maybe I'm annoying and enjoy his long years of hard work he put in God knows, but overall I'm happy and don't regret coming to this Surgeon and by the way love the new belly button super cute! I would recommend him had a great recovery thanks to Jesus and this amazing Dr and staff may God bless them.
Dr.Ben Childers gets to the point and the job done! I had concerns but he had been doing this for years so he’s probably tired of hearing the same concerns lol he’s like let me do my job so if time is of essence to you I recommend His staff was very friendly office is very clean. I didn’t have to wait too long most the time was quick. I really appreciated the after care and the pain pumps after surgery Lord Jesus is good thank you Dr.Childers for that!! I actually was able to stand straight the first two days wasn’t sure if that was suppose to happen but I’m glad because after surgery I almost fell leaning backwards if it was too tight I probably would of ripped open scar a little higher than I would of liked but I think depends on your body and weight I’m happy overall with the results and after care especially! I was a little overweight 5 "4 155 so I couldn’t expect a super flat tummy but it looks good! and he’s a nice dude may come off as rude but he’s a cool guy and I don’t mind my uncle was a vietnam veteran and he was a whole other story lol maybe Dr needs to retire soon or maybe I’m annoying and enjoy his long years of hard work he put in God knows, but overall I’m happy and don’t regret coming to this Surgeon and by the way love the new belly button super cute! I would recommend him had a great recovery thanks to Jesus and this amazing Dr and staff may God bless them.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
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Want to Know More?
Before agreeing to perform transgender breast reconstruction surgery on any patient, there are age, maturity, and informed patient factors that a surgeon must consider. The best way to be sure of your candidacy for the procedure is to meet with Dr. Childers for an initial consultation. Due to Dr. Childers’ kind and compassionate nature, he has a large number of transgender patients. Just like all of his patients, Dr. Childers welcomes his trans patients in for thorough consultations to learn more. If you are considering transgender breast reconstruction surgery, it’s important that you come in and learn all about your options to make your journey safe, complete, and natural-looking. We invite you to call our office to set up a consultation as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have scars after my breast reconstruction?
Scarring is a normal part of the healing process after breast reconstruction surgery. Our team at Riverside Plastic Surgery will take great care to minimize scarring, and we will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help your scars heal as smoothly as possible. Over time, most scars fade and become less noticeable.
How long does top surgery take?
The length of top surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure being performed. Generally, the surgery can take anywhere from 3 – 5 hours. Dr. Childers will explain the specifics of your surgery and give you a clear timeline of what to expect.
Does insurance cover top surgery?
Many insurance plans do offer coverage for top surgery, but coverage can vary based on your individual plan. Dr. Childers and our team at Riverside Plastic Surgery can assist you in navigating insurance requirements and help you understand your coverage options.