Cosmetic surgery has made enormous advances in recent years and has become an integral part of treatment to achieve gender transition. The procedures are safe, achieve excellent results and are widely available.

There are many different types of cosmetic treatments. Breast surgery is arguably the cornerstone cosmetic intervention for both MTF and FTM transsexuals. Breasts are not only very visible externally but often carry a strong, associated emotional and symbolic significance. In transmen, the presence of breasts compounds the feelings of gender dysphoria and interferes with the Real Life Experience (RLE). The absence of developed breasts has a similar unpleasent association for transwomen. For these reasons breast surgery is perhaps the most requested major cosmetic surgical procedure, other than genital surgery itself.

Cosmetic treatments for MTF transsexuals

Breast surgery. Breast augementation with silicon or saline implants is a popular procedure and is relatively straight-forward surgery. Developments in the implants themselves has allowed for greater choice for the individual in terms of the size and shape, as well as having long-term safety profiles. Bruising is the most common post-operative complication. Infections are very rare. Sometimes the implants can be malpositioned or move adter the procedure, but this depends on the size of the implant. Choosing the correct size needs careful consideration as you need to achieve the correct balance between obtaining a realisitic appearance and not being disappointed if the result is too small (and then needing a further procedure).

Voice feminisation surgery. Most MTF transsexuals achieve excellent results with Speech and Language therapy. For those that do not get the results that they want, surgery exists to help raise vocal pitch by shortening the vocal cords. Post-operative speech therapy is still needed to get the best results.

Thyroid Chondroplasty This procedure, also known as the Laryngeal Shave, is the surgical reduction of the Adams Apple. This achieves a more feminine neck contour and is becoming more and more popular.

Facial Feminization Surgey and Dentistry There are some amazing surgical techniques using fillers, minor surgical techniques and specialist dentristry that can feminize facial features and achieve some outstanding results.

Hair removal treatments. Hair removal treatments are widely available. Although hormone treatment can have a potent effect to reduce body hair, sometimes there is the need for laser depilation treatments, particularly for stubborn facial hair. Several courses are often required and it can sometimes be quite a lengthy (and painful) process, but the results are excellent.

Cosmetic treatments for FTM transsexuals

Breast surgery. For FTM transsexuals, breast surgery needs to be carefully timed in the RLE. Depending on the size of the breasts, they can significantly interfere with the Real Life Experience (RLE) and so the procedure is usually considered sooner rather than later, perhaps after a year in the RLE. Surgical procedures include mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue) and chest-contouring (not all tissue is removed so to prevent a depressed chest wall and give a more masculine appearance). The nipple can be reduced and sometimes repositioned with attempts to minimize scarring by positioning the scars in natural skin creases. The most common complications are haematomas (bruising) and occasionally scar-related problems. Sometimes the scars can become inflammed and sore. Also it is important to acknowledge that, as not all breast tissue is removed, it is important to continue to have regular screening for breast cancer and to regularly check for lumps and bumps (as for biological females).

Have you had cosmetic treatments yourself? Are you in the process of deciding what to have? Do you know someone who has experienced the procedures? Let us know your views in our Blog.