Hormone therapy shifts fat distribution over time, but genetics and skeletal structure set limits on how feminine your silhouette can become through hormones alone. Body feminization surgery uses precision liposuction to slim the waist, flanks, and abdomen, then transfers that harvested fat to the hips, buttocks, and thighs — creating the hourglass curves that hormones may not deliver on their own.
What Is Body Feminization?
Body feminization surgery is a gender-affirming procedure that reshapes the torso and lower body to create a more traditionally feminine silhouette. The surgery combines liposuction of areas where testosterone-patterned fat deposits are prominent — such as the waist, flanks, abdomen, and back — with strategic autologous fat transfer to the hips, buttocks, and outer thighs. The result is a reduced waist-to-hip ratio and a curvier, more feminine body contour.
Unlike cosmetic body contouring performed on cisgender women, body feminization for transfeminine patients must account for differences in pelvic width, fat distribution patterns, and soft-tissue characteristics shaped by testosterone exposure. Surgeons experienced in gender-affirming care understand these nuances and sculpt the body accordingly, placing fat in the specific planes and locations that create a naturally feminine shape rather than simply adding volume. The procedure can be performed as a standalone surgery or as part of a broader feminization plan.
Common Concerns Body Feminization Can Address
- Masculine fat distribution despite hormone therapy
- Straight or boxy waist-to-hip ratio
- Lack of feminine curves in the hips, buttocks, or thighs
- Dysphoria related to overall body shape
Are You a Good Candidate?
- You have been on feminising hormone therapy for at least 12 months (recommended but not always required)
- You have sufficient donor fat for transfer (assessed during consultation)
- You are in good overall health and at a stable weight
Techniques & Options
Body feminization combines two complementary surgical techniques — liposuction and autologous fat grafting — performed during the same session. Body proportions, available donor fat, and your goals are all evaluated to design a contouring plan that maximises the feminine silhouette achievable with your anatomy. The key is not just removing and adding volume, but strategically sculpting the transition zones between waist, hips, and thighs to create flowing, natural curves.
The two core components of the procedure are:
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
A vibrating cannula is used to loosen and remove fat from targeted areas, including the waist, flanks, abdomen, and lower back. Power-assisted liposuction is gentler on surrounding tissue than traditional methods, preserving a higher percentage of viable fat cells for transfer. It allows the surgeon to sculpt precise contours and create the narrow waist that defines a feminine torso.
- Gentle vibration preserves fat cell viability for grafting
- Precise sculpting of waist and flanks for a defined silhouette
- Reduced bruising and faster recovery compared to traditional liposuction
Autologous Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)
The harvested fat is processed, purified, and re-injected in small aliquots into the hips, buttocks, and outer thighs using micro-droplet technique. This method distributes fat evenly across multiple tissue planes, maximising blood supply contact and improving long-term graft survival. The surgeon builds volume gradually, layering fat to create smooth, natural-looking curves.
- Uses your own tissue — no implants or foreign material
- Micro-droplet injection maximises fat cell survival
- Natural-looking, soft curves that move and feel like your own tissue
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Soreness, swelling, and bruising at both the liposuction and fat transfer sites are part of the normal healing response. A compression garment supports healing and shape retention. Pain is controlled with prescribed medication, and light walking from day one helps promote circulation.
Week 1–2
Bruising begins to fade and swelling gradually decreases, though it will persist for several weeks. The transferred fat areas will look fuller than their settled size because swelling adds to the initial volume. Continue wearing your compression garment around the clock. Avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for prolonged periods if fat was transferred there.
Weeks 3–4
Comfort improves significantly. Light daily activities and desk work are manageable. The body contour becomes more apparent as swelling subsides. You may transition to wearing the compression garment during the day only, as advised by your surgeon.
Months 2–6
Transferred fat that has established its blood supply is now permanent. Some volume loss (typically 20–30%) occurs as the body absorbs a portion of the grafted fat. Settled contour and proportions are usually visible by three to six months. Full exercise can restart after surgical clearance.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Body feminization surgery combines well-established liposuction and fat transfer techniques with a strong safety profile. As with any procedure, understanding the potential risks ensures you can make an informed decision.
- Fat graft reabsorption resulting in less volume than expected (20–30% reabsorption is typical)
- Contour irregularities or asymmetry
- Seroma or haematoma at liposuction donor sites
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation in treated areas
- Infection or delayed healing (uncommon)
- Fat embolism (extremely rare but serious — mitigated by proper injection technique)
Your surgeon reduces these risks by using gentle fat harvesting, low-pressure micro-droplet injection above the muscle, and appropriate volume limits. A thorough pre-operative assessment ensures the procedure is planned safely for your anatomy, and detailed aftercare instructions protect your results during recovery.
How Much Does Body Feminization Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Body Feminization
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About Body Feminization
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDGender Affirmation Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 25, 2026
Medical References
- WPATH Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8 (2022)
- Salibian AA et al. Body Contouring in Transgender Patients — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2021)
- Coon D et al. Autologous Fat Grafting: Review of Techniques — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2020)
- Oranges CM et al. Fat Grafting Safety: A Systematic Review — Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2019)
Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility differ from person to person. Speak with an experienced gender-affirming surgeon before proceeding with any procedure.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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