MTF Breast Augmentation in Oklahoma City, OK

The increased estrogen from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help to develop feminine breasts, but some patients at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City may consider breast implants to get the size, shape, and symmetry they want. MTF breast augmentation can help patients who are not able or do not want to use HRT. Depending on the size of the desired breast implant and the patient’s skin laxity, a tissue expander surgery may need to be performed before the implants are placed to ensure the patient will have enough skin to cover the implant. Patients will choose between silicone and saline implants, plus the size and shape of the implants. Cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin will go over the different choices and help the patient customize their implants to achieve their needs and goals.

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MTF breast augmentation uses the same techniques as traditional breast augmentation (inframammary, tranaxiallary, periareolar, transumbilical incisions) and the plastic surgeon will choose the best technique and incision site based on the patient’s physique, goals, and implant choices to create the most natural-looking breasts with the smallest, least visible incision site. The plastic surgeon will also decide whether to place the implant above or below the pectoral muscle.

MTF breast augmentation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. After the surgery, the patient’s chest will be wrapped in a special bra or compression to hold the implants in place and promote healing. Since the patient will typically be unable to drive after the anesthesia, they should make arrangements for a responsible adult to take them home and take care of them. Swelling and bruising is normal for the first week and most patients will experience some pain and discomfort during the first 1 – 2 days after surgery. Patients are usually able to return to work and light activities in 1 – 2 weeks. Exercise can usually be resume in 3 – 4 weeks or when the patient gets approval from their doctor.

Patients who are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should wait at least 18 months after starting their treatment before considering MTF breast implants. This gives the HRT time to develop the maximum breast tissue before the patient makes implant decisions. Waiting for natural breast tissue to develop through HRT will also make implants look more natural than if they are placed in flat chest.

There has been no evidence found that links breast implants to increased breast cancer risk, however the implants can make it more difficult to detect lumps and abnormalities in the patient. Patients are encouraged to have regular mammograms that will be able to detect cancer under the implant earlier. Mammograms are also helpful in checking the condition of the breast implant and determining when the patient needs replacements.

Since a flat chest does not have enough skin to cover a larger implant size, the patient may need to have a tissue expander placed in their chest before they can have augmentation surgery. The tissue expander is surgically placed in the chest and gradually expanded over several months until there is enough skin to cover the patient’s desired implant.

With proper care, breast implants can last an average of ten years before they should be replaced. Patients should follow-up with their plastic surgeon regularly to have the integrity of their implant checked, so the surgeon can remove and replace the implant before there is a problem. Patients may also choose to have their implants removed or replaced at any time if they decide their current implants no longer fit their needs, wants, or lifestyle.