MTF Gender Confirmation: Transfeminine Top & Bottom Surgeries

What are transfeminine top and bottom procedures?

Transfeminine Top and Transfeminine Bottom procedures are a collection of surgical and non-surgical options for male to female (MTF) transgender patients seeking to further refine and define their torso and lower body aesthetic. Transfeminine top and bottom procedures are used to create a characteristically feminine appearance with breasts, softer curves, less readily defined musculature, and increased soft tissue volume.

Transgender candidates considering these procedures can choose to pursue only the surgeries and treatments that are most consistent with their ideal aesthetic. Surgical and non-surgical cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures may be utilized in addition to medical and hormone therapies from a healthcare provider according to well established standards of care.

Information on facial feminization surgeries, genital construction, and other male to female gender affirming surgeries as part of a gender transition for transwomen can be found in our comprehensive guide to MTF gender affirmation solutions.

What cosmetic concerns do transfeminine top and bottom procedures treat?

1. Transfeminine Top Surgery: This includes procedures for the breasts and chest.
2. Transfeminine Bottom Surgery: These surgeries or non-surgical techniques address the hips, buttocks, and legs.
3. Body Contouring: These procedures are designed to further refine the overall body aesthetic through soft tissue alterations.

Who is the ideal candidate for a transfeminine top and/or bottom procedure?

The ideal candidate for a transfeminine top or bottom procedure is a transgender individual undergoing a male to female (MTF) gender confirmation transtion. When considering any plastic surgery procedure, individuals should consider their general physical and mental health, personal expectations of the procedure, and commitment to needed recovery times.

Trans top and bottom procedures are generally not recommended for children under the age of 18, although breast procedures may be considered at age 16. Any decision to pursue gender confirmation surgeries will vary by each unique candidate and should be discussed with board-certified providers.

What is the average recovery associated with a transfeminine top and/or bottom procedure?

The average recovery associated with transfeminine top and bottom procedures will vary between treatments. Surgical procedures generally necessitate weeks to months of recovery, and are accompanied by bruising, tenderness, and swelling with activity limitations. Non-surgical treatments may be less invasive and have shorter recovery times with less significant side effects. During a consultation with your plastic surgeon, specific timelines and side effects are reviewed.

What are the potential side effects of a transfeminine top and/or bottom procedure?

Possible side effects from both surgical and non-surgical transfeminine top and bottom procedures broadly include bruising, edema, tenderness, bleeding, possibility of site infection, changes in sensation, difficulty with certain movements, suboptimal results necessitating correction, skin discoloration, and prolonged edema.

What can someone expect from the results of a transfeminine top and/or bottom procedure?

The results of most transfeminine top and bottom procedures are long lasting or permanent. Surgical procedures have permanent results, although they may take a few months to finalize. Non-surgical treatments may be temporary and require maintenance every few months or years. The results from almost all of these procedures will naturally change with aging, weight gain or loss, and use over time.

What is the average cost of a transfeminine top and/or bottom procedure?

Depending on the transfeminine top and/or bottom procedure, costs can range from $1,000 to $20,000. Temporary procedures are usually less expensive than surgical procedures, but they require ongoing maintenance. The cost of a surgical procedure will be dependent on location, surgeon, and length and involvement of the surgery.