Gangnam MTF Breast Augmentation: How Does It Differ from General Breast Surgery?

Gangnam MTF Breast Augmentation: How Does It Differ from General Breast Surgery?

‘Can my breasts become soft and large like a woman's?’‘My chest is wide, so my breasts won't be too far apart, right?’

What is most important in MTF surgery?

While all the factors considered important in general breast augmentation—such as implants, size, incision site, skin thickness, and surgical method—are crucial, the most important aspect of MTF surgery is actually the medical team's experience and aesthetic sense. The ability to envision the ideal balance between the body and breasts is key to creating femininity.

Breast size and femininity are sometimes equated, but this is only true from a functional perspective (e.g., breastfeeding). From an aesthetic perspective, breasts look most feminine when they are in good overall balance with the body.

Larger size doesn't necessarily mean more femininity. Today, I'll share my thoughts as a breast specialist on what constitutes the most feminine breasts possible for a given body type and whether it can be achieved through surgery.

I am Dr. Kim Joo-won, the head director of Melon Plastic Surgery, a breast specialist with MTF breast surgery solutions.

Gangnam MTF Breast Augmentation | Femininity can be enhanced even with a wide chest.

MTF breast augmentation differs from general breast augmentation in terms of physical conditions. Most patients are in the process of transitioning from male to female, so their physical conditions are closer to those of males.

They generally share common characteristics such as a wide chest, taut skin, and well-developed pectoral muscles. Therefore, simply inserting large implants will not result in full and soft-feeling breasts. MTF cases require a more detailed assessment process than typical cases, evaluating chest width, skin elasticity, muscle characteristics, and breast tissue composition.

It is necessary to determine what type of implant can achieve the best results under the given conditions, considering how much space can be secured for the implant, how thick the skin is, and how much it can stretch.

Gangnam MTF Breast Augmentation | Inframammary Fold and Nipple Position

‘Does the nipple position change when breasts get larger?’

There's an interesting difference in breast structure between males and females: the nipple position. Male nipples are often lower and point more outwards than female nipples.

What would happen if implants were inserted without considering these characteristics? As the breasts enlarge, differences in nipple position, inframammary fold position, and the shape of both breasts would become prominent. If implants are inserted without considering the unique conditions of each body type, no matter how large the breasts are made, they will give an unnatural impression.

Therefore, when designing breasts, it is essential to consider the balance between the upper body silhouette and the breasts. If the nipples point significantly outwards, they should be designed so as not to appear excessively prominent when the breasts enlarge. If the chest is wide, it is best to determine the size by considering the balance with the breasts.

While this design process can be seen as a geometric arrangement, I personally believe it's about finding the balance that best expresses femininity.

Gangnam MTF Breast Augmentation | Breast Shape with No Volume

One might assume that men, lacking breast volume, would not have conditions like pectus excavatum (concave chest) or pectus carinatum (pigeon chest). However, even breasts without volume have their own forms. Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum exist in males too. These conditions are characterized by difficulty in creating a cleavage. If the chest is concave, the implants will gather inwards. If the chest protrudes like a pigeon's, they will spread outwards instead of gathering.

If the tissue, such as skin and fat layers, is thin, a rippling phenomenon where the implant surface is visible through the skin may occur. Therefore, instead of trying to solve issues like cleavage separation or rippling solely with implants, it is necessary to assess skin thickness and tissue availability together and plan the surgery accordingly.

Recently, autologous fat grafting is sometimes used as a supplement, but this is a temporary measure, and it's important to consider that the grafted fat will diminish over time.

If you are considering MTF breast augmentation, please remember that it is a personalized surgery based on biological skeletal characteristics, and focusing on finding a feminine silhouette rather than just increasing size will lead to more satisfactory results.

Gangnam MTF Breast Augmentation | Is Pre/Post-Operative Care Different?

Are the precautions and care requirements before and after surgery different from general breast surgery? MTF involves the process of gender transition from male to female. Therefore, estrogen hormone therapy, a female hormone, is taken. It is crucial to inform the medical team about hormone medication use before surgery. This is because the degree of mammary gland tissue development varies depending on how long hormone therapy has been ongoing and its progress, and the surgical plan will also differ accordingly.

If you decide to undergo surgery, you must temporarily stop taking hormone medication. The main component of the medication, estrogen, thickens the blood, which can lead to blood clots before and after surgery. The timing for resuming medication varies depending on your condition, so it's best to communicate closely with your medical team and follow their guidance.

Other than that, there are no significant differences. Like general breast surgery, after surgery, swelling, pain, discomfort when moving the arms, and restrictions on sleeping posture may persist for a certain period, and the timing for exercise should also be decided based on your progress.

The recovery speed and the time it takes for implants to settle also vary from person to person. MTF breast augmentation may involve different points of concern, so communication with your medical team based on your condition is essential. If you desire a natural feel and a naturally flowing breast line, do not hesitate to communicate with your primary doctor.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does MTF breast augmentation differ from general breast surgery?

MTF breast augmentation must consider male physical conditions such as a wide chest, taut skin, and thick pectoral muscles. It focuses on creating an overall body balance and a feminine silhouette rather than simply increasing size.

What is most important in MTF breast augmentation?

The most important aspect of MTF breast augmentation is the medical team's experience and aesthetic sense. The ability to envision the ideal balance between the body and breasts is key to creating femininity.

Should nipple position be considered during MTF breast augmentation?

Yes, it should be considered. Male nipples are often lower and point more outwards than female nipples. If this is not considered and only implants are inserted, the nipple position or inframammary fold may appear unnatural when the breasts enlarge.

Is surgery possible while taking female hormone medication?

No, you must temporarily stop taking the medication before surgery. The main component of hormone medication, estrogen, thickens the blood, which can increase the risk of blood clots before and after surgery.

Can a feminine breast shape be created even with a wide chest?

Yes, it is possible. A detailed assessment of chest width, skin elasticity, muscle characteristics, and breast tissue composition is performed to create a surgical plan and select implants that can achieve the best results under the given conditions.

Can rippling occur if there is no breast volume?

Yes, it can. If the tissue, such as skin and fat layers, is thin, a rippling phenomenon where the implant surface is visible through the skin may occur. Therefore, a surgical plan that considers both skin thickness and tissue availability is necessary.