Hormone therapy develops breast tissue to varying degrees, but many transfeminine individuals find the growth plateaus before reaching the size or shape they envision. MTF breast augmentation bridges that gap with implants selected specifically for the trans chest — accounting for wider sternal width, thinner soft-tissue coverage, and often minimal native breast development — to create breasts that look and feel naturally feminine.
What Is MTF Breast Augmentation?
MTF breast augmentation is a gender-affirming procedure designed to create feminine breast contour in transfeminine patients. Unlike cosmetic augmentation performed on cisgender women, this surgery requires careful consideration of anatomical differences unique to the trans chest, including a broader chest wall, tighter skin envelope, less subcutaneous fat, and varying degrees of hormonally developed breast tissue. Surgeons experienced in gender-affirming care select implant shape, size, and placement to work with these characteristics rather than against them.
Most guidelines recommend at least 12 months of feminising hormone therapy before surgery to allow maximum natural breast development. This waiting period ensures the implant acts as a supplement to existing growth rather than a replacement for it, producing a more natural result. Tissue thickness, chest width, and skin elasticity are assessed during consultation to determine the ideal implant profile and pocket placement for your anatomy.
Common Concerns MTF Breast Augmentation Can Address
- Limited breast development despite hormone therapy
- Breast size that feels disproportionate to your frame
- Dysphoria related to chest appearance
- Desire for more feminine upper-body proportions
Are You a Good Candidate?
- You have been on feminising hormone therapy for at least 12 months
- You are in good overall health and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations about achievable size and shape
Techniques & Options
During consultation, your chest width, tissue coverage, nipple position, and skin quality are all evaluated to determine the best implant type, size, and surgical approach. Because the transfeminine chest typically has less native tissue and a wider sternal gap than the cisgender female chest, implant selection and pocket placement are tailored accordingly. Most patients benefit from moderate-profile or high-profile round implants placed in a submuscular or dual-plane position to maximise soft-tissue coverage and create a natural slope.
Two primary incision approaches are used for MTF breast augmentation:
Inframammary Incision (Under the Breast Fold)
The most widely used approach for transfeminine augmentation, placing the incision in the natural crease beneath the breast. This provides the surgeon with maximum control over pocket creation and implant positioning, which is especially important when tissue coverage is limited. The scar sits in the breast fold and is well-concealed once healed.
- Best visibility for precise pocket dissection on a wider chest wall
- Accommodates all implant types and sizes
- Lower risk of nipple sensation changes
Periareolar Incision (Around the Areola)
An incision along the lower border of the areola, where the darker skin meets the lighter breast skin. This approach produces a well-camouflaged scar and can be combined with minor areola resizing if desired. It is best suited for patients with adequate areolar diameter to accommodate implant insertion.
- Scar blends into the natural colour transition of the areola
- Allows simultaneous areola adjustment if needed
- Good option for patients prioritising minimal visible scarring
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Expect moderate tightness, swelling, and soreness across the chest, all managed with prescribed pain relief. You will wear a supportive surgical bra and rest at your recovery accommodation with daily check-ins from your care coordinator. Light walking from day one helps promote circulation.
Week 1
Swelling and bruising peak around days 3–4 then steadily improve. The breasts will sit high and feel firm initially. Most patients manage comfortably with oral pain medication and can attend a gentle walk or visit a nearby restaurant. A scheduled follow-up allows your surgeon to check healing and answer any questions.
Weeks 2–4
Comfort improves significantly as swelling subsides and implants begin to settle. Light daily activities and desk work are usually possible. Avoid chest-level lifting or upper-body exercise during this period. You will have a final follow-up before travelling home.
Months 2–6
Implants gradually drop into a natural position, softening in shape and feel as the tissue adapts. Full exercise, including upper-body workouts, can restart once your surgeon gives the go-ahead. Breast shape and softness usually reach their settled state by three to six months.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
MTF breast augmentation is a well-established procedure with a strong safety record when performed by experienced gender-affirming surgeons. As with any surgery, understanding the potential risks helps you make a fully informed decision.
- Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant malposition or bottoming out
- Temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Infection or delayed wound healing (uncommon)
- Need for revision surgery to adjust size or position
Because transfeminine patients often have thinner tissue coverage, your surgeon will discuss strategies to minimise complications — including submuscular placement, appropriate implant sizing, and careful pocket dissection — so that your augmentation plan is optimised for both safety and aesthetics.
How Much Does MTF Breast Augmentation Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
MTF Breast Augmentation
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 MTF Breast Augmentation
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)
- Cregten-Escobar P et al. Complications of Breast Augmentation in Trans Women — Journal of Sexual Medicine (2012)
- Morrison SD et al. Breast Surgery in Transgender Patients — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016)
- Endocrine Society — Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/Gender-Incongruent Persons (2017)
- FDA — Breast Implants: What You Should Know
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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