Male-To-Female (MTF) Transfeminine Procedures
MTF / Transfeminine Procedures
At East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, we understand the deeply personal journey of transitioning and are committed to providing compassionate, gender-affirming care. Our specialized team offers a comprehensive range of MTF (male-to-female) and transfeminine procedures, each tailored to meet our patients’ unique transition goals and needs.
We are dedicated to crafting personalized treatment plans that support and affirm our patients’ journeys toward living their most authentic lives.
Understanding Gender-Affirming Surgery
Gender-affirming surgery plays a crucial role in the process of aligning one’s physical characteristics with their gender identity, significantly improving mental health and overall well-being. This form of transgender healthcare encompasses a variety of surgical procedures designed to support individuals in their gender transition, offering both aesthetic and functional alignments that affirm a patient’s gender identity.
At East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, we believe in the transformative power of gender-affirming surgery. We are committed to providing comprehensive care that respects the individuality and goals of each patient.
What Is Male-To-Female (MTF) Top Surgery?
MTF top surgery, or chest feminization, is a commonly performed surgical procedure for transfeminine patients at our practice.
Chest feminization refers to a range of procedures aimed at feminizing the chest. This is done through the augmentation of breast tissue through the use of implants and/or autologous (your own) fat. In some cases, repositioning the nipple to a more female anatomic position is necessary.
Dr. Keith is a world-recognized pioneer in the techniques and concepts of feminizing chest surgery for transgender patients.
Your MTF Consultation
Deciding to undergo an MTF procedure is a major decision in life. Potential candidates will have reservations, concerns, and a desire to learn more.
During the consultation at our office in New Jersey, the surgeon and the patient will discuss transition goals and how they can be accomplished through MTF techniques. We will then create a treatment plan that best suits the patient based on their goals and relevant medical history. All questions and concerns regarding transfeminine procedures will be answered. We may also show the patient photos of possible results so they can clearly understand what to expect for each type of MTF procedure.
Implant-Based Chest Feminization
For some transwomen, feminization of the chest is achieved through the addition of volume with the use of breast implants.
Typically, an incision is made in the inframammary fold (the area underneath the breast tissue) to conceal the incision. It is important to note that feminizing the chest entails much more than simply placing breast implants, and it is important to pick a surgeon who specializes in these chest feminizing techniques.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Keith and Dr. Marano will create a surgical plan for your chest feminization based on your unique anatomy and goals. You will also be allowed to try on implants in the office to help determine which size you want.
Autologous Chest Feminization and Hybrid Feminization
In some circumstances, we add autologous fat to the constructed female breast to further feminize the breast. This can be achieved by harvesting fat via liposuction from areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.
The fat is then processed and transferred to the chest. The benefit of this approach is a natural-looking and natural-feeling feminized chest without the use of breast implants. There is a limit to how much volume can be achieved when only using autologous fat.
In a hybrid chest feminization, an implant is utilized in addition to grafted fat to achieve the most natural and feminine look and feel.
Patients Under Age 18
The team at ECAPS will consider candidacy for younger patients under age 18 who provide referral letters from a mental health professional and have parental consent.
MTF Top Surgery Recovery
MTF top surgery recovery requires you to restrict your activities for several weeks to support the healing process and avoid compromising your results. The length of your recovery will depend on the extent of your procedure, your body’s natural healing rate, and how closely you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon.
What is Chest Feminization
View MoreRobotic Penile-Inversion Vaginoplasty
Dr. Keith pioneered the use of the da Vinci® robot in penile-inversion vaginoplasty. They partner with a board-certified urologic surgeon to safely perform this procedure.
This technique involves the removal of the testicles and erectile portions of the penis. A sensate clitoris is created from the glans penis to achieve female aesthetic and functional erogenous sensations. The urethra is shortened, and the entire external genitalia is configured to have a natural-looking female form.
In addition, a neo-vaginal canal is created between the bladder and the rectum. The lining of this canal is created with the use of skin from the penis and scrotum, as well as a graft from the peritoneum. The goal of this procedure is to create a naturally-appearing, sensate, and fully functional vagina. This surgery is typically performed in one stage.
What Is Peritoneum?
The peritoneum is a smooth, mucosa-like tissue lining the inner wall of the abdominal cavity. It secretes a natural lubricant and has the appearance and feel of natural vaginal mucosa once healed.
Our doctors pioneered the technique of using a strip of the peritoneum as a graft in the construction of the canal of the neo-vagina. This is harvested with the help of the robot.
Hair Removal
Hair removal is NOT mandatory before vaginoplasty. The hair follicles are removed surgically during the vaginoplasty procedure.
Dilation
Dilation of the vaginal canal is a critical part of the postoperative recovery process of penile-inversion vaginoplasty. Failure to dilate will result in the collapse of the vaginal vault and loss of vaginal depth.
You will visit the office each week, for at least four weeks following surgery, to learn how to dilate correctly. We know dilation can be time-consuming and difficult initially, but it will become much easier.
Zero-Depth Vaginoplasty
In some circumstances, patients may request a zero-depth vaginoplasty. Simply put, this gender-affirming genital surgery configures the external male genitalia into a female form.
The goal is to create a natural-appearing vulva complete with a sensate neo-clitoris and a female-positioned urethra. However, no vaginal canal is created, and therefore no grafts are required from the skin of the penis, scrotum, or peritoneum.
Being that no vaginal canal is created, the patient will not be able to receive a partner through penetrative intercourse.
Revision Vaginoplasty And Labiaplasty
Dr. Keith and Dr. Marano routinely perform revision surgery for patients who underwent gender-affirming genital surgery in other countries or with other surgeons.
Insurance often covers these and may require collaboration with board-certified urologists or gynecologists. These procedures may help to improve the overall function and aesthetics of the female genitalia.
Other Procedures We Offer
Facial Feminization
There are myriad options for feminizing the faces of our transfeminine patients. Both surgical and non-surgical options are available. Dr. Marano and his team will gladly discuss the options available at your consultation in New Jersey.
- Rhinoplasty – Nose contouring and feminizing surgery are available. Sometimes, collaboration with our Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) colleagues will be required. This can often be combined with other facial feminization procedures.
- Botox® and fillers – Injectables are a safe and effective way to help feminize facial structure and anatomy. Botox® and fillers are often used before or in addition to surgical facial feminization procedures.
Tracheal Shave (Chondrolaryngoplasty)
The tracheal shave, commonly known as Adam’s apple reduction surgery, involves making a small incision over the cartilaginous prominence of the voice box. The cartilage is then shaved to create a more flat or convex shape to the neck’s profile. This softens and feminizes the appearance of the neck.
Voice Feminization Surgery
This surgical option modifies the pitch and resonance of the voice to align more closely with a patient’s gender identity, complementing the physical transition.
Male To Female (MTF) Body Contouring
MTF body contouring consists of multiple procedures to help accentuate the hips and buttock areas. This can include options like liposuction and fat grafting. The procedure is performed by harvesting fat from areas with excess fat, commonly the “love handles,” abdomen, and thighs. In addition to these typical areas, we focus on the lower back and thigh areas to accentuate the buttocks and hips as much as possible.
Cost
Gender-affirming surgery is highly personalized and based on the unique goals of each individual. The cost of your procedure will vary based on factors like the types of procedures being performed and the extent of the work required to provide the desired results. Our team will review cost and payment options with you during your consultation.
Schedule Your Consultation at East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery
Taking the step towards gender-affirming surgery is a significant moment in your transition journey. At East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, our experienced surgical team guides you through every stage of the process, from initial consultation to post-operative care. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your MTF or transfeminine surgical goals in a supportive and understanding environment.
To book your appointment, call 201.449.1000 or follow this link to see our locations so you can find the closest office to you. Our staff will provide all the information you need to start your journey with East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery. We look forward to being a part of your transformative journey.