Infotrans
  • Ita
  • Eng
  • Esp
  • Por
  • About us
  • General information
    • Who is a transgender person?
    • Languages
    • Transphobia
    • False myths
  • Map of services
  • Health and wellness
    • Prevention and transgender health
    • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  • Gender affirming pathway
    • The gender affirming pathway at a glance
    • The Psychologist's role
    • The Psychiatrist's role
    • Fertility preservation
    • Hormonal therapy
    • Surgical procedures
      • Introduction to surgical procedures
      • Augmentation mammoplasty
      • Bilateral Orchiectomy
      • Chest surgery (creation of a male chest)
      • Hysterectomy/ovariectomy
      • Penile and scrotal inversion vaginoplasty
      • Colon vaginoplasty
      • Phalloplasty
      • Voice surgery
    • Sexuality
  • Rights and protection of gender identity
    • The right to update personal legal documents
    • The legal gender recognition process in Italy
    • Frequently asked questions about transgender right
    • Discrimination and bullying against trans* people
    • Legislative review
  • Proven practices for professionals
    • Proven Practices for Professionals - Introduction
    • Vocational and Professional Training
    • Healthcare and Welfare
    • Communication and Information
    • Work environment
    • Trade Unions
    • Legal Framework
    • Institutions
  • "Alias Career" at University
  • Associations
  • Glossary
Infotrans

Augmentation mammoplasty

  • The gender affirming pathway at a glance
  • The Psychologist's role
  • The Psychiatrist's role
  • Fertility preservation
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Surgical procedures
    • Introduction to surgical procedures
    • Augmentation mammoplasty
    • Bilateral Orchiectomy
    • Chest surgery (creation of a male chest)
    • Hysterectomy/ovariectomy
    • Penile and scrotal inversion vaginoplasty
    • Colon vaginoplasty
    • Phalloplasty
    • Voice surgery
  • Sexuality

Who can undergo this surgery?

People who meet the following requirements can undergo breast augmentation surgery:

  • persistent and well documented gender dysphoria/gender inconsistency
  • age of majority in the given country
  • capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent for treatment 
  • absence of medical or psychological problems not adequately stabilized

Although it is not a fundamental requirement, feminizing hormone therapy lasting at least 12 months is recommended prior to breast augmentation surgery. The aim is to maximize breast growth in order to obtain better surgical (aesthetic) results. These requirements are indicated in the scientific publications listed in the "Bibliography" section.

When the necessary criteria for carrying out the surgery are met (see above), the person concerned must:

  • identify a specialized clinical center
  • schedule a medical consultation with the specialist to decide:
    • where to place the prosthesis (behind the pectoralis major muscle, under the mammary gland or partly behind the muscle and partly under the gland, the latter called dual plane breast augmentation)
    • the type of prosthesis and its dimensions
    • the location of the scar (around the breast areola, in the armpit or under the breast)

It is not necessary to stop oestrogen hormone therapy. However, interruption of hormonal treatment may be suggested, in some cases, as this therapy increases the risk of thrombosis associated with the operation. The interruption can vary from 2-4 weeks before surgery to 2-4 weeks after. In general, if you are taking any prescription medication, you should discuss it with your specialist. It may be necessary to stop taking it even several days before the surgery. Drug therapy may be resumed at the doctor's discretion.

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that allows you to increase the breasts by inserting silicone implants.
There are several techniques for performing breast augmentation which vary on:

  • the place where the prosthesis is placed (behind the pectoralis major muscle, under the mammary gland or partly behind the muscle and partly under the gland, the latter called dual plane breast augmentation)
  • the type of prosthesis
  • the location of the scar (around the breast areola, in the armpit or under the breast)

The technique used for this surgery is chosen on the basis of the characteristics of the person (height and size of the chest) and his expectations. The operation lasts 60-90 minutes and takes place under general anesthesia.

The surgical procedure is performed on a day-hospital basis or short hospital stay, depending on the characteristics of the person and post-operative recovery.

  • Pain and / or discomfort in the hours and days following the surgery are normal
  • A surgical bra must be worn for four weeks after the operation
  • In the first few days it is recommended to avoid raising your arms, making efforts with them and lifting loads
  • Walking without getting tired is recommended to prevent the risk of deep vein thrombosis
  • The first check-up visit with the surgeon is usually scheduled within the first week after the surgical procedure
  • After 4 weeks from the operation, it is generally possible to return to the usual activities.

 

Like any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infections and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Other specific risks and complications of this surgery are: capsular contracture (the formation of a sort of scar around the prosthesis that can compress it causing deformity, pain or a hard texture of the breast), seroma (accumulation of fluid), displacement of the implants, rupture of the prosthesis, loss of sensation, prolonged pain after surgery, asymmetry between the two breasts, dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result obtained.
Correction of these complications may require further surgery.

National Health Service (NHS): it is possible to carry out this intervention at the expense of the NHS in a public facility (only in some regions).
Private care: at the discretion of the health provider.

Coleman E, Bockting W, Botzer M, et al. Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender-Nonconforming People, Version 7. Int J Transgend. 2012; 13(4): 165-232.
Hembree WC, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Gooren L, et al. Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/Gender-Incongruent Persons: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(11):3869-3903. Erratum in: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018; 103(2): 699. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018; 103(7): 2758-2759.

Infotrans is a project funded by the European Union, National Operational Programme Inclusion – European Social Fund 2014-2020

Infotrans

Contacts

Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Viale Regina Elena 299 - 00161 Rome
VAT registration number 03657731000
Tax ID code 80211730587

Email: info@infotrans.it
ISS institutional website
ISSalute.it (in italian)