MTF Breast Augmentation

If you’re thinking about enhancing your figure with breast implants, it’s key to know what the surgery entails, how it’s performed, and the costs. Moreover, finding a surgeon you can trust to give you gorgeous results safely should be top of mind! As a highly experienced breast surgeon, Dr. Brian Reedy is proud to offer top-quality, detail-oriented care for male-to-female (MTF) transgender patients seeking breast augmentation with implants in Reading, PA and the surrounding areas.

What is male-to-female (MTF) chest surgery?

MTF breast augmentation, also known as feminizing top surgery, is a gender-affirming surgery in which breast implants are placed to give the breasts a rounder shape and larger size for transgender women or non-binary transfeminine patients. An incision is typically made in the lower breast crease or along the lower edge of the areola, and the implant is placed in a pocket either partially behind the chest muscle or above the muscle. Dr. Reedy personalizes each patient’s outcome using different implant sizes and a technique that’s ideal for your anatomy.

Top surgery is one of the most popular gender-affirming cosmetic surgeries, but despite its popularity, requires an extremely skilled surgeon to keep you safe! If you’re considering MTF chest surgery in Reading, PA, it’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure. A consultation will allow you to discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon and determine if this procedure is right for you, and ultimately make this incredibly personal decision empowered with the facts.

Am I a good candidate for MTF top surgery?

To be a good candidate for transgender breast augmentation, you should identify with the following:

• You are at least 18 years old
• You have realistic expectations for the results (i.e. size, shape) that can be accomplished from the procedure, based on your conversation with Dr. Reedy in the consultation
• If you are planning to take hormones, you have been taking hormones for at least 1 year (the development of breast tissue will affect your results, and best results are seen after breast tissue has already developed)
• You are in overall good health, which sets the stage for a safe procedure and healthy recovery

How is breast augmentation performed?

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be completely asleep under the care of an anesthesiologist for the duration of surgery. Dr. Reedy operates out of our on-site, fully accredited operating suite for your comfort, privacy, and safety. 

Breast augmentation takes 1-2 hours. The surgery typically involves creating a pocket for the implant through an incision placed under the breast fold or around the areola. The implant can be placed above or below the chest muscle depending on individual factors and desired results. After surgery, you will be placed in a surgical bra, which you will need to wear continuously (except in the shower) for several weeks to optimize your results.

Procedure options

Breast implant type: Saline vs. silicone gel filler

You will have the option to choose between saline-filled and silicone gel-filled breast implants. Both implants are composed of a silicone outer shell, but the difference is the material used to fill the implant. Saline implants tend to feel heavier, while silicone are lighter in weight and feel more like natural breast tissue. Since they also have a lower chance of showing visible rippling through the skin if you have little natural breast tissue to “cushion” the implant, most MTF breast augmentation patients choose silicone.

Breast implant size

You will choose your breast implant size based on your personal preference, as well as what will look most natural and balanced with your anatomy and your frame. The best choice may also be limited by what your anatomy can safely accommodate, which Dr. Reedy will go over with you in the consultation.

Incision (scar) placement

Most MTF top surgery patients have incisions—and thus, scars—placed along the breast base (the inframammary fold), where scars are concealed in the shadow and curve of the augmented breast. Some patients opt for a periareolar incision, along the lower edge of the areola (pigmented area around the nipple); this leads to a scar that is concealed in the natural edges of the areola.

If you are concerned about scarring, talk with Dr. Reedy about methods that can help to minimize and conceal scars. For example, saline implants can be filled after placement to minimize the length of your incision. And we offer laser treatments, which are a helpful tool for speeding along the process of your scars fading after incisions have healed.

Areola and nipple resizing

Nipple reshaping/resizing, as well as nipple tattooing, are available options as needed to help you achieve a natural-looking breast enhancement result.

Combined procedures for gender affirming surgery

Laser hair removal (chest hair removal)

Laser hair removal is a popular breast implant add-on to reduce or eliminate any unwanted chest hair. We offer a number of laser and skin treatment services right here at Berks Plastic Surgery.

Body contouring

To complement breast surgery or other gender affirmation surgeries, some patients may choose to enhance their body contours with procedures like liposuction, thigh lift or arm lift to address excess skin after weight loss, or buttock enhancement. Liposuction techniques for subtle sculpting can help to feminize the figure, create a narrow waist, or enhance the buttocks through a fat transfer Brazilian butt lift.

Facial feminization surgery

We offer a wide range of facial feminization surgery options, like brow lift, cheek and lip enhancement, and buccal fat removal. Facial plastic surgery can help to complement results with small changes that make a big impact.

Non-surgical treatments

Laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, and other skin treatments may help to feminize your appearance and refine your results by smoothing your skin texture, reducing sun damage or pigmentation changes, treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and creating an overall glowing skin tone.

Recovery and results

Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to work at a desk job within a week of the surgery. Dr. Reedy does everything he can to get you back to normal more quickly, including by injecting a local anesthetic at the time of surgery for reduced post-operative pain. We will gradually guide you back to your normal routine, but expect to take 4-6 weeks away from exercise or vigorous physical activity. Swelling subsides and breast implants “settle” into place over the course of several months after surgery.

• Learn more about Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation with Dr. Reedy »

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Choose an experienced provider and dedicate yourself, during recovery, to proper aftercare to help minimize the risks and ensure you have a caring provider to call on in the case of questions or concerns. Dr. Reedy uses the Keller Funnel technique to help minimize the risk of infection and other complications, as this technique allows the implant to be placed with zero handling by the surgeon and surgical staff for a reduced risk of bacterial contamination.

Your Consultation for Transgender Breast Augmentation Surgery

We understand that patients need time to ask questions, handle breast implants, and consider their options during the consultation: that’s why Dr. Reedy offers extended consultation times that give you time to learn everything there is to know about the procedure and receive personalized, expert advice. You’ll have the chance to try on breast implant sizers and discuss the options you have with Dr. Reedy. 

Dr. Reedy will examine your chest anatomy during the consultation to help him recommend the ideal approach to achieve your goals. The amount of existing breast tissue you have and your skin’s qualities can help him to determine the best course of action.

How much does top surgery cost?

The cost of MTF breast augmentation begins around $8,350 for saline-filled breast implants and $9,050 for silicone gel-filled breast implants. Your final costs will depend on your chosen implant style, the details of your surgery, and any other procedures that are included with your breast augmentation. 

After your consultation with Dr. Reedy, you will meet with one of our friendly, helpful patient care coordinators to look over your fully customized fee quote. We believe in providing transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so this quote will include:

• Surgeon’s fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Operating room costs
• Pre- and post-operative care, including all of your appointments
• Rapid Recovery measures to facilitate your recovery

For patients who are interested, we partner with several convenient cosmetic surgery financing companies (including CareCredit) to break down the MTF breast augmentation cost into manageable monthly installments.

Gender-affirming surgical procedures are part of your personal journey, and can be a crucial step in your transition. We understand that this means that the timing should feel right to you. If you aren’t ready to book a surgery date after your initial consultation, that’s completely fine! We encourage you to take all the time you need to ask questions and feel ready for your surgery, so we take a no-pressure approach. (And you’re welcome to book a second consultation if you so choose!)

Choose a surgeon with experience, credentials, and expertise in MTF breast augmentation

Wherever you are in your gender confirmation surgery journey, Dr. Reedy is here to help by providing expert advice on male-to-female breast augmentation, facial feminization surgery, and body contouring options to help your appearance match who you are inside. We welcome our transgender patients with open arms, and we are committed to serving as allies in your gender-affirming care journey!

Dr. Reedy is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and has focused on cosmetic plastic surgery for over 25+ years in Reading, PA. He is passionate about working with transgender patients who are looking to refine their curves and achieve a completely natural look with implants! To learn more or get started ASAP, call 610-320-0200 or contact us online.