For transgender women, breast augmentation can be critical in aligning their bodies with their gender identity. Breast augmentation surgically inserts breast implants that change the shape and size of the breasts. However, before undergoing this procedure, it’s essential to consider whether it’s the right decision.
Your Dysphoria
Dysphoria is a feeling of discomfort or distress caused by a discrepancy between your gender identity and your assigned sex at birth. For transgender women, dysphoria may manifest as discomfort with their chest and a desire for larger breasts. Transgender breast augmentation may be a good option if you experience dysphoria related to your chest.
Hormone Therapy
Before considering breast augmentation, discussing your hormone therapy options with your healthcare provider is vital. Hormone therapy can lead to breast development, and you may achieve your desired breast size and shape through hormones alone. However, if you have been on hormones for a significant time and haven’t reached your desired breast development, male-to-female breast augmentation may be a good option.
Your Overall Health
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, and risks are involved, as with any surgery, risks are involved. Before undergoing this procedure, consider your overall health and whether you are a good candidate for surgery. Factors such as smoking, obesity, and certain medical conditions, can increase the risks associated with surgery.
Your Lifestyle
Breast implants may impact your lifestyle in specific ways. For example, if you are active and participate in sports, you may need to adjust your activities or wear a supportive bra to prevent damage to your implants. Additionally, breast implants may impact your ability to breastfeed, so if you plan to have children in the future, you may want to consider this before undergoing breast augmentation.
Your Goals
It’s essential to consider your goals for breast augmentation before undergoing this procedure. Are you looking for a natural-looking enhancement or a more dramatic change? What size and shape do you want your breasts to be? Discuss your goals with your surgeon to ensure you are on the same page.
If you’re interested in transgender breast augmentation, visit The International Center for Transgender Care website.
