Gangnam Station Transgender Breast Surgery Scars? Methods and Side Effects

Gangnam Station Transgender Breast Surgery Scars? Methods and Side Effects

Hello. I am Dr. Kim Joo-won, the head director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

One of the concerns that comes to mind for those considering breast surgery is scarring. In the case of transgender breast surgery, some individuals worry if more scars will form due to biological differences in their bodies.

‘Will transgender breast surgery scars be more noticeable?’‘Will the scars disappear over time?’

Today, I will discuss concerns about scars after transgender breast surgery, potential side effects, and Melon Plastic Surgery's unique aftercare program. I hope this provides practical help to transgender individuals considering breast surgery.

Breast Surgery Scars | Differences between Transgender and General Surgery

Transgender breast surgery and general breast augmentation surgery are similar in principle. However, transgender women are biologically male, so there are physical differences compared to cisgender women.

In the case of transgender individuals who are biologically male, many have well-developed pectoral muscles, which means the tissue tension during breast tissue incision is relatively high, and the skin thickness is also often thicker.

Due to differences in skin elasticity and tissue flexibility, variables can arise during the scar formation process. These conditions can also affect the speed at which scars fade.

Just as drawing a line with the same brush results in different smudging depending on the paper material, the way scars form varies depending on skin thickness, elasticity, and tissue, even with the same incision and suture.

Therefore, transgender breast surgery requires meticulous planning, including the incision location, suturing method, and post-operative management plan. In particular, scars can have different prognoses depending on the recovery process of the breast tissue, necessitating precise surgery that considers this.

Melon Plastic Surgery analyzes innate physical conditions, chest wall conditions, and skin properties to determine the surgical direction, considering not only the breast shape but also the scar prognosis.

Summer Breast Surgery | Scar Management

Many assume that scar management will be difficult in summer due to strong sunlight and excessive sweating. However, seasonality, whether summer or winter, does not cause scars to become more prominent.

‘Will scars be more prominent if I have surgery in the summer?’‘Does recovery management vary by season?’

The prognosis of scars depends more on skin thickness, wound healing speed, and management methods than on the season.

If there's anything to pay attention to in summer, it would be sweat and humidity. It's best to focus on keeping the wound area dry and clean to prevent complications.

In the early stages of surgery, focus on keeping the wound area dry and clean. Strenuous activities like saunas and swimming should be avoided as they can affect not only the incision site but also the settling of the breast shape.

Scar taping and functional underwear like compression garments are also part of the progress management, helping to reduce changes in scar color and irritation from friction.

While a good combination of hospital and self-care is important for scar recovery, the precision of suturing also affects the degree of scarring.

At Melon Plastic Surgery, the surgeon personally monitors each individual's progress and provides scar care that considers seasonal factors like summer, including scar ointments, laser treatments, and lifestyle management tips.

Transgender Breast Surgery | Post-operative Side Effects to Consider

Side effects are also a source of concern. A common side effect of breast surgery is capsular contracture.

Capsular contracture is a phenomenon where the capsule surrounding the implant hardens, causing the breasts to feel firm or change shape.

Although its incidence is not high, it is difficult to predict, and its cause is not clearly understood, making preventive management, such as taking prescribed medications and quitting smoking, paramount.

While not strictly side effects, bleeding, infection, and changes in sensation can also occur. These symptoms often appear in the early stages of surgery and can be resolved with appropriate measures. Sensory changes are usually temporary and disappear over time.

To mitigate side effects, surgery must be precise, but consistent recovery management must also be carried out.

Breast Surgery Scars | Safe and Reassuring Melon Care at Melon Plastic Surgery

Breast surgery is a surgical journey that requires a recovery period of 6 months to 1 year.

Therefore, Melon Plastic Surgery accompanies you on your surgical journey with ‘Safe and Reassuring Melon Care,’ where all hospital staff, including the surgeon, medical team, and the manager in charge, participate in all post-operative recovery processes.

Safe and Reassuring Melon Care is a step-by-step recovery program that extends from pre-operative communication to 1 year post-surgery, reducing the possibility of side effects and systematically managing the recovery of the operated breasts, including scars, shape, and feel.

We also provide a Melon Box containing scar ointment and skin soothing items for self-care in daily life. Consistent management is the only way to achieve a good scar prognosis, so meticulous self-care and systematic post-operative care from the hospital are essential.

Transgender breast surgery is a procedure that brings about changes beyond just appearance. If you are considering breast surgery, an important step in starting your life as a woman, please feel free to share any concerns you have.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are transgender breast augmentation scars different from general surgery scars?

Yes, they can be different. Transgender women are biological males, so there are physical differences such as pectoral muscle development, skin thickness, and elasticity, which can introduce variables in the scar formation process. Therefore, meticulous planning is crucial, including incision location, suturing method, and post-operative care plan.

Do breast augmentation scars disappear over time?

No, they do not completely disappear. Scars fade over time, but the prognosis varies depending on skin thickness, wound healing speed, and care methods. Consistent management is important to reduce color changes and irritation of the scar.

Is scar management difficult if breast augmentation is performed in the summer?

No, seasonality is not a cause for scars to become more prominent. In summer, it is important to focus on sweat and moisture management to keep the wound area dry and clean. In the early stages after surgery, strenuous activities such as saunas and swimming should be avoided.

What are the possible side effects after transgender breast augmentation?

The most common side effect is capsular contracture, and bleeding, infection, and changes in sensation can also occur. Capsular contracture is a phenomenon where the capsule surrounding the implant hardens, and preventive management is important. Bleeding, infection, and changes in sensation appear in the early stages after surgery and can be recovered with appropriate measures.

How should I manage scars after breast augmentation?

Consistent management by both the hospital and the patient themselves is important. In the early stages after surgery, focus on keeping the wound area dry and clean, and scar taping or compression garments can be used. Melon Plastic Surgery provides systematic scar care, including scar ointment, laser treatment, and lifestyle management tips.

What is Melon Plastic Surgery's 'Safe & Secure Melon Care'?

'Safe & Secure Melon Care' is a step-by-step recovery program that extends from pre-operative communication to one year after surgery. It reduces the possibility of side effects and systematically manages the recovery of the breasts, including scars, shape, and feel. A Melon Box containing scar ointment and skin soothing items is also provided.