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Breast augmentation during transition

Feminising hormone therapy stimulates breast growth, but the final volume remains more limited than desired in many trans women.

Indication and timing

Feminising hormone therapy stimulates breast growth, but the final volume remains more limited than desired in many trans women. International guidelines recommend waiting at least twelve months of hormone therapy to assess the natural result before surgery is considered.

Technique

In breast augmentation, silicone or saline implants are placed, usually under the chest muscle (subpectoral) or under the glandular tissue. Access can be via the nipple-areolar complex, armpit or inframammary fold.

Risks

General surgical risks apply (infection, bleeding, anaesthesia). Specific risks are capsular contracture (hardening around the implant), implant displacement, sensitivity changes and, in the longer term, implant wear.