By Body feminization surgery (BFS) is a series of operations that add feminine features to your body. Estrogen therapy alone is usually not enough to feminize your aesthetic appearance. BFS is often combined with facial feminization and breast augmentation surgery.
In this article, we will explain what BFS is, what procedures it involves, what benefits and risks it has, and how to prepare for it. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about BFS.
What is Body Feminization Surgery?
Body feminization surgery is a term that covers various surgical procedures that aim to create a more feminine body shape and contour. These procedures include:
- Trunk liposuction: This is a technique that removes excess fat from the abdomen, waist, back, and flanks. It helps to create a slimmer and more defined waistline and a lower waist-to-hip ratio, which is considered more attractive in women.
- Buttocks augmentation: This is a procedure that enhances the size, shape, and projection of the buttocks. It can be done through fat transfer (also known as Brazilian butt lift) or implants. Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from other parts of the body (such as the thighs or abdomen) and injecting it into the buttocks. Implants are silicone devices that are inserted under the muscle or skin of the buttocks.
- Hip augmentation: This is a procedure that adds volume and curves to the hips. It can be done through fat transfer or implants as well. Hip augmentation can help to balance the proportions of the body and create an hourglass figure.
- Thighplasty: This is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the thighs. It helps to tighten and smooth the skin and improve the contour of the legs.
- Calf augmentation: This is a procedure that enhances the size and shape of the calves. It can be done through fat transfer or implants as well. Calf augmentation can help to create more feminine and proportionate legs.
Why Choose Body Feminization Surgery?
Many trans women choose body feminization surgery as a step in their gender transition process. Some of the reasons why they may opt for BFS are:
- To improve their self-image and self-esteem
- To increase their congruence between their appearance and their gender identity
- To reduce their gender dysphoria and distress
- To enhance their attractiveness and femininity
- To increase their confidence and comfort in social situations
- To express their personality and style
What are the Benefits of Body Feminization Surgery?
Body feminization surgery can offer many benefits for trans women who are unhappy with their body shape and contour. Some of these benefits are:
- A more feminine and curvy body
- A more natural and harmonious appearance
- A more youthful and healthy look
- A better fit for clothes and lingerie
- A higher satisfaction with their sexual life
- A lower risk of being misgendered or discriminated against
What are the Risks of Body Feminization Surgery?
As with any surgery, body feminization surgery carries some risks and complications that should be considered before undergoing it. Some of these risks are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
- Seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin)
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Implant rupture or displacement
- Fat necrosis (death of fat cells)
- Fat embolism (a blockage of blood vessels by fat particles)
- Skin necrosis (death of skin cells)
- Skin discoloration
- Poor wound healing
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Loss of sensation
- Changes in sexual sensation or function
How to Prepare for Body Feminization Surgery?
If you are interested in body feminization surgery, you should consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who has experience in performing BFS for trans women. The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical condition, goals, expectations, and preferences. They will also explain the details of each procedure, including the techniques, costs, recovery time, results, risks, and complications.
You may need to undergo some tests before surgery, such as blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, or mammograms. You may also need to stop taking certain medications or supplements that can interfere with blood clotting or healing, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, or herbal remedies.
You should also follow some preoperative instructions to prepare for surgery, such as:
- Quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Avoid alcohol at least 48 hours before surgery, as alcohol can dehydrate you and affect your blood pressure.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost your immune system and promote healing.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
- Get enough sleep and rest to reduce stress and fatigue.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours, as you will need assistance and supervision.
- Pack a bag with comfortable clothes, personal items, medications, and documents that you will need for your hospital stay.
What to Expect After Body Feminization Surgery?
After body feminization surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored by medical staff. You may have some bandages, drains, or compression garments on your surgical sites to reduce swelling and bleeding. You may also have some pain, discomfort, or soreness that can be managed with medication.
You will be advised to stay in the hospital for one or two nights, depending on the extent of your surgery and your recovery. You will be given some postoperative instructions to follow at home, such as:
- Take your prescribed medications as directed to prevent infection, inflammation, and pain.
- Keep your surgical sites clean and dry to avoid infection and promote healing.
- Change your bandages, drains, or compression garments as instructed by your surgeon.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for at least six weeks after surgery, as these can cause bleeding, swelling, or damage to your surgical sites.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, heat, or cold for at least six months after surgery, as these can affect your skin color and texture.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, or drugs for at least six weeks after surgery, as these can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your healing and recovery.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
- Get enough sleep and rest to reduce stress and fatigue.
- Follow up with your surgeon regularly to monitor your progress and address any concerns or issues.
How Long Does It Take to See the Results of Body Feminization Surgery?
The results of body feminization surgery are not immediate. It takes time for the swelling and bruising to subside and for the skin and tissues to heal and settle. It may take several months or even a year to see the final outcome of your surgery.
The results of body feminization surgery are also not permanent. They can change over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors. You may need additional procedures or revisions in the future to maintain or enhance your results.
How Much Does Body Feminization Surgery Cost?
The cost of body feminization surgery varies depending on several factors, such as:
- The type and number of procedures you choose
- The surgeon’s fees
- The anesthesia fees
- The hospital fees
- The medication fees
- The postoperative care fees
- The geographic location
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of some common body feminization procedures in 2020 were:
- Trunk liposuction: $3,548
- Buttocks augmentation with fat transfer: $4,341
- Buttocks implants: $5,004
- Thigh lift: $5,171
- Calf implants: $4,000
These costs do not include anesthesia fees, hospital fees, or other expenses. They also do not reflect the quality or experience of the surgeon or the complexity of the procedure.
The cost of body feminization surgery may not be covered by insurance companies unless it is deemed medically necessary. You should check with your insurance provider before undergoing BFS to determine your coverage and eligibility.
You may also consider financing options or payment plans offered by some surgeons or medical facilities to make BFS more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Feminization Surgery
Here are some common questions and answers about body feminization surgery:
Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate for body feminization surgery?
A: You may be a good candidate for body feminization surgery if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a stable gender identity as a woman
- Have realistic expectations and goals
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Do not have any medical conditions that can affect healing or increase the risk of complications
- Do not smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol
- Have completed at least one year of hormone therapy
- Have obtained a letter of recommendation from a mental health professional
Q: Can I have body feminization surgery without hormone therapy?
A: Hormone therapy is usually recommended before body feminization surgery because it can help to create some feminine changes in your body, such as breast development, fat redistribution, skin softening, hair growth reduction, and mood stabilization. Hormone therapy can also improve the results and safety of BFS by reducing bleeding and enhancing wound healing.
However, hormone therapy is not mandatory for BFS. Some trans women may choose not to undergo hormone therapy due to personal reasons or medical contraindications. In that case, they may still have body feminization surgery, but they may need higher doses of anesthesia, longer recovery time, and more revisions to achieve their desired results. They should consult with their surgeon and endocrinologist to determine the best course of action for them.
Q: How long does body feminization surgery take?
A: The duration of body feminization surgery depends on the type and number of procedures you choose, the techniques used, the extent of correction, and the surgeon’s skill and experience. In general, BFS can take anywhere from two to six hours or more. You may need to have multiple sessions or stages of BFS to achieve your goals.
Q: How painful is body feminization surgery?
A: Body feminization surgery can cause some pain, discomfort, or soreness in the surgical sites, especially in the first few days after surgery. However, this can be managed with medication and proper care. Most patients report that the pain is tolerable and subsides gradually over time. You should follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to relieve pain and avoid complications.
Q: How long is the recovery time for body feminization surgery?
A: The recovery time for body feminization surgery varies depending on the type and number of procedures you have, your healing ability, and your adherence to postoperative care. In general, you can expect to resume your normal activities within two to four weeks after BFS. However, you may need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for at least six weeks after BFS. You may also need to wear compression garments for several weeks or months to support your healing and shape your body.
Q: How can I maintain the results of body feminization surgery?
A: The results of body feminization surgery can last for many years if you take good care of your body and health. Some tips to maintain your results are:
- Continue your hormone therapy as prescribed by your doctor
- Maintain a stable weight and avoid significant weight fluctuations
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, or drugs
- Protect your skin from sun damage and aging
- Follow up with your surgeon regularly and address any concerns or issues