MTF Top Surgery

About MTF Top Surgery

Male-to-female (MTF) top surgery can create a soft, feminine bustline making you feel more comfortable in your own skin. While a high dosage of estrogen with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will cause the development of breasts, you may want control of the size (big or small), shape, firmness, and symmetry of your breasts.

If you are transitioning from male to female, you are probably searching for a plastic surgeon who can provide you with gorgeous results while prioritizing your safety and comfort. MTF top surgery may include breast augmentation with saline or silicone breast implants and tissue expanders. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Schoemann, will go over your breast enhancement options to help you customize and achieve your aesthetic goals. An experienced surgeon with a holistic approach to plastic surgery, Dr. Schoemann is dedicated to helping all of his patients reach their ultimate goal of looking and feeling their best.

Ideal Candidates

If you are transgender, then the decision to reshape your chest in a way that matches your gender is a serious one. As you explore your options, we recommend making an appointment with Dr. Schoemann, allowing you to discuss your eligibility and ensure you are a good candidate for a safe, successful procedure.

The best candidates for MTF top surgery are 18 years or older, and are in reasonably good health. Specifically, it is important that you not have any underlying health conditions that could cause excess bleeding or impede your body from healing properly. It is also important to be in a healthy place emotionally and mentally, and to ensure you fully understand what MTF surgery is and how it will impact your life.

Surgical Technique

MTF top surgery uses the same techniques as traditional breast augmentation. Dr. Schoemann will choose the technique and incision site based on your physique, goals, and implant choices to create the most natural-looking breasts with the smallest, least visible incision site. Dr. Schoemann will also decide whether to place the implant above or below the pectoral muscle. Each of these decisions will be made in advance during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect prior to your procedure.

Implant Shape Options

One of the most important decisions you will make regarding your MTF top surgery is the implant shape you desire. The two basic shapes of breast implants are round and teardrop-shaped. There is not a “right” answer here. It all depends on your aesthetic goals.

Round implants have the advantage of being totally symmetrical, which means that even if your implant rotates, it will not have any effect on your physical appearance. Teardrop implants, on the other hand, offer a more natural-looking appearance. The downside is that they can sometimes rotate, which requires surgical intervention. The use of texturing can greatly reduce this risk.

In transgender procedures, the round implant shape is a little more common, but again, there is no right or wrong answer. To learn more about the different pros and cons of each implant shape, schedule a consultation with Dr. Schoemann here in Encinitas, CA.

Implant Size Options

In addition to choosing the shape of your implants, it is also important to make a fully informed decision about your implant size. This can have a great impact on your overall physique and proportionality, and as such it is a decision to make with the greatest care. Remember that if you choose an implant that is a bit too small, you may wind up feeling overwhelmed or disappointed in your surgical results. And if you choose an implant that is too large, it could lead to feelings of self-consciousness, or even cause back pain.

When you join us at Schoemann Plastic Surgery, we can measure the dimensions of your chest and help you choose implants that will look natural and fit you correctly. Additionally, we can help you “try on” different sizes, allowing you to better visualize how each different implant sizes work on your frame.

With any questions, contact our practice in Encinitas, CA.

Preparing for Surgery

There are a few steps you can take to help you prepare for your MTF top surgery. One, it is important to come in for a consultation, allowing us to run lab work and ensure you do not have any health conditions that would make you a bad candidate for surgery.

Additionally, Dr. Schoemann will recommend that you cease certain medications or supplements, particularly those that could cause excessive bleeding. And, it is also crucial that you abstain from smoking or using other tobacco products. Ideally, patients will stop smoking at least a month before they come in for their plastic surgery.

What to Expect

MTF breast augmentation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia at our accredited surgical facility. After the surgery, your chest will be wrapped in a special garment or compression to hold your implants in place to promote healing. Since you will be unable to drive after the surgery, you should arrange for transportation home. Swelling and bruising are normal for the first week, and you will likely experience moderate pain and discomfort during the first 1 – 2 days after surgery. You should be able to return to work and light activities in 1 – 2 weeks. Exercise can usually be resumed in 3 – 4 weeks or when you receive approval from Dr. Schoemann.

Reach Your Goals

With a highly-skilled plastic surgery team by his side, Dr. Schoemann can make MTF top surgery a reality for you. To find out more about how our team can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, contact us at our Encinitas, CA facility today. We look forward to personally working with you on this journey. From day one, our team at Schoemann Plastic Surgery is devoted to providing you with top-notch care during your plastic surgery experience.

Contact Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schoemann today at (760) 487-2520 or by filling out our online form.