Male to Female (MTF) Top Surgery
Gender-affirming breast augmentation tailored to your body, identity and personal goals.
What is Male-to-Female chest feminisation surgery?
MTF top surgery, also known as gender-affirming breast augmentation or chest feminisation surgery, is designed to create a fuller and more feminine chest contour.
The procedure may involve breast implants, fat transfer or a combination of techniques, depending on your anatomy, existing breast development and desired outcome. It may be considered by transgender women, transfeminine people and some non-binary individuals who feel that their natural breast development does not reflect their identity or personal goals.
Breast implants are commonly used to increase volume and shape, while fat grafting may sometimes be used to soften the contour, improve cleavage or refine particular areas. Implant type, size, shape, position and incision placement will all be discussed carefully during your consultation.
What you can expect
Every patient's journey is unique, but understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared. From your initial consultation through to your recovery, Dr Katie-Beth Webster and her team are committed to providing personalised care, clear communication and ongoing support at every stage of your surgical journey.
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Your consultation is an opportunity to talk openly about what you would like to achieve and ask any questions you may have about surgery.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster will assess your chest anatomy, skin and soft-tissue coverage, existing breast development and overall body proportions. She will also discuss the shape, size, projection and degree of cleavage you would like to achieve.
Together, you will consider factors such as implant type, implant size and shape, placement above or below the chest muscle, incision position and whether fat grafting may be beneficial. The aim is not to apply a standard result, but to develop a surgical plan that complements your body and feels aligned with your goals.
Your general health, medications, smoking status and previous or current gender-affirming hormone therapy will also be discussed. Hormone therapy can contribute to breast development over time, although the extent of this varies significantly between individuals. Where relevant, allowing time for this development may help inform surgical planning, but your circumstances will be considered individually.
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MTF top surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia and commonly takes approximately one to two hours, although this will vary according to the surgical plan.
For implant-based surgery, an incision is usually placed within the fold beneath the breast or around the edge of the areola. The most appropriate incision will depend on your anatomy, implant choice and the amount of existing breast tissue.
The implant may be positioned beneath the breast tissue or partly beneath the chest muscle. This decision is based on factors including soft-tissue coverage, chest width, implant size and the contour you would like to achieve.
Silicone or saline implants may be considered, with different sizes, shapes and profiles available. Dr Webster will explain the benefits and limitations of the suitable options and help you choose an implant that is proportionate to your body and goals.
Fat grafting may also be considered to refine the contour, soften implant edges or improve fullness in particular areas. It may be used alongside implants or, in selected cases, as an alternative approach.
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MTF top surgery is often completed as day surgery, although some patients may require an overnight stay depending on their procedure and individual circumstances.
Swelling, tightness, bruising and discomfort are expected during the initial stages of recovery. These symptoms generally improve progressively, although every patient heals at a different rate.
You will usually be asked to wear a supportive surgical bra or compression garment for several weeks. This supports the chest while swelling settles and the tissues heal around the implants.
Many patients can return to light daily activities and desk-based work within approximately one to two weeks. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and upper-body training will need to be avoided for longer, commonly around six weeks or until Dr Webster advises that it is safe.
The breasts may initially appear high, firm or swollen. Over the following weeks and months, the implants gradually settle and the tissues relax, producing a softer and more natural contour. Your final result will continue to develop as swelling resolves.
Why choose Dr Katie-Beth Webster?
MTF top surgery is highly individual, and achieving a balanced result involves more than simply selecting an implant size.
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Katie-Beth Webster takes a considered and personalised approach to gender-affirming care. Your treatment plan will be informed by your anatomy, proportions, existing breast development and the outcome you would like to achieve.
She will guide you through the available surgical options, explain the benefits and limitations of each approach and help you make informed decisions about implant size, shape, placement and incision position.
Throughout the consultation, surgery and recovery process, the focus is on respectful communication, evidence-based care and creating an outcome that feels appropriate for you.
Considering MTF top surgery?
Choosing gender-affirming surgery is a personal decision. A consultation with Dr Katie-Beth Webster gives you the opportunity to discuss your goals, understand the available options and receive advice tailored to your body and circumstances.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to every patient's individual journey. Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers MTF Top Surgery consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.
Common questions about MTF top surgery
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MTF top surgery may be suitable for transgender women, transfeminine people and some non-binary individuals who would like to increase the size or change the shape of their chest.
Suitability depends on several factors, including your general health, chest anatomy, existing breast development, skin and soft-tissue coverage and expectations for surgery.
You should be able to understand the potential benefits, limitations and risks of the procedure and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved. Smoking can increase the risk of wound-healing problems and other complications, so you may be asked to stop smoking before and after surgery.
Your suitability will be assessed individually during your consultation.
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Not every person seeking MTF top surgery uses gender-affirming hormone therapy, and hormone therapy is not part of every transition journey.
Feminising hormone therapy can encourage breast development, although the amount and rate of growth vary significantly between individuals. For patients who are using hormones, allowing time for breast development may help clarify how much additional volume is desired and support more accurate surgical planning.
Dr Webster will discuss your individual circumstances, goals and medical history with you rather than applying a single pathway to every patient.
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Implant selection is based on much more than cup size.
Dr Webster will consider your chest width, breast base, skin and soft-tissue coverage, existing breast development, shoulder and torso proportions and the degree of fullness and projection you would like.
You will discuss the different implant sizes, shapes and profiles available. The goal is to select an implant that suits your anatomy while working towards a chest contour that feels aligned with your preferences.
It is important to understand that the same implant can look very different on different bodies, which is why individual assessment and planning are essential.
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Breast implants may be positioned above the pectoral muscle, beneath it or using a combined approach.
Placement depends on factors such as the amount of soft-tissue coverage available, chest anatomy, implant size and desired contour. Positioning the implant partly or fully below the muscle may provide additional coverage in patients with limited breast tissue, while placement above the muscle may be appropriate where there is sufficient natural coverage.
Each option has potential advantages and limitations. Dr Webster will recommend the approach most appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
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The most common incision is placed within the fold beneath the breast. This allows the implant pocket to be created accurately and generally leaves the scar concealed within the natural breast crease.
In some cases, an incision may instead be placed around the edge of the areola. The most appropriate option depends on your anatomy, implant choice and surgical plan.
Scars are permanent, but they usually soften and fade over time. Their final appearance varies between patients and depends on factors including healing, genetics, scar care and sun protection.
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All surgery carries potential risks.
Risks associated with MTF top surgery may include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, fluid collection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, visible scarring and dissatisfaction with the size or shape.
Implant-specific complications can include capsular contracture, implant movement or malposition, rippling, rupture and the need for further surgery.
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Some patients may require implant revision, removal or replacement in the future. Dr Webster will explain the risks relevant to your proposed procedure so you can make a fully informed decision.