By Body feminization surgery (BFS) is a term that refers to a set of surgical procedures that aim to modify the appearance of the body to align it with the desired gender identity. BFS can include breast augmentation, liposuction, buttock augmentation, hip augmentation, thigh lift, and genital surgery. In this blog post, we will explain what BFS is, how it works, and what are the benefits and risks of undergoing BFS.
What is the purpose of Body Feminization Surgery?
The purpose of BFS is to help transgender women and non-binary people who want to have a more feminine body shape and contour. BFS can also help cisgender women who want to enhance their femininity or correct some congenital or acquired defects. BFS can improve the self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life of people who undergo it.
How does Body Feminization Surgery work?
BFS works by altering the size, shape, and position of various body parts to create a more feminine silhouette. Depending on the individual goals and needs of each patient, BFS can involve one or more of the following procedures:
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is a procedure that increases the size and fullness of the breasts by inserting implants under the chest muscles or breast tissue. Breast augmentation can also correct asymmetry or sagging of the breasts. Breast augmentation can be done with saline or silicone implants, which have different advantages and disadvantages.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, or chin. Liposuction can help sculpt the body and reduce unwanted bulges or curves. Liposuction can be done with various techniques, such as tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, or laser-assisted liposuction.
Buttock augmentation
Buttock augmentation is a procedure that enhances the shape and size of the buttocks by adding volume and projection. Buttock augmentation can be done with implants or fat grafting. Implants are silicone devices that are placed under the gluteal muscles or fascia. Fat grafting is a technique that transfers fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks using liposuction and injection.
Hip augmentation
Hip augmentation is a procedure that widens the hips by adding volume and curve to the lateral aspect of the pelvis. Hip augmentation can be done with implants or fat grafting. Implants are silicone devices that are placed under the fascia or muscle of the hip area. Fat grafting is a technique that transfers fat from other parts of the body to the hips using liposuction and injection.
Thigh lift
Thigh lift is a procedure that tightens and smooths the skin and tissue of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat. Thigh lift can improve the appearance of sagging or dimpled thighs caused by weight loss, aging, or genetics. Thigh lift can be done with different incision patterns, such as inner thigh lift, medial thigh lift, or lateral thigh lift.
Genital surgery
Genital surgery is a term that encompasses various procedures that modify the external genitalia to match the desired gender identity. For transgender women and non-binary people who want to have a more feminine genital appearance, genital surgery can include vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, clitoroplasty, labiaplasty, orchiectomy, penectomy, urethroplasty, or scrotoplasty. These procedures can create a neovagina, neoclitoris, neolabia, neourethra, and neoscrotum using different techniques and sources of tissue.
What are the benefits and risks of Body Feminization Surgery?
BFS has many benefits for people who want to have a more feminine body. Some of these benefits are:
- Improved physical appearance and alignment with gender identity
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Reduced gender dysphoria and distress
- Enhanced social acceptance and integration
- Better sexual function and satisfaction
However, BFS also has some risks and complications that should be considered before undergoing it. Some of these risks are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Seroma
- Nerve damage
- Sensory changes
- Scarring
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture or displacement
- Fat necrosis or embolism
- Skin necrosis or sloughing
- Wound dehiscence or separation
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Chronic pain or discomfort
- Revision surgery
Conclusion
BFS is a set of surgical procedures that can help transgender women and non-binary people who want to have a more feminine body shape and contour. BFS can also help cisgender women who want to enhance their femininity or correct some defects. BFS can improve the physical appearance, psychological well-being, and quality of life of people who undergo it. However, BFS also has some risks and complications that should be weighed against the benefits. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can provide personalized advice and guidance on BFS.
FAQ about Body Feminization Surgery
- What is Body Feminization Surgery? Body Feminization Surgery (BFS) is a term that refers to a set of surgical procedures that aim to modify the appearance of the body to align it with the desired gender identity. BFS can include breast augmentation, liposuction, buttock augmentation, hip augmentation, thigh lift, and genital surgery1234.
- Who can benefit from Body Feminization Surgery? BFS can benefit transgender women and non-binary people who want to have a more feminine body shape and contour. BFS can also benefit cisgender women who want to enhance their femininity or correct some congenital or acquired defects. BFS can improve the self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life of people who undergo it124.
- What are the types of Body Feminization Surgery? BFS can involve one or more of the following procedures1234:
- Breast augmentation: a procedure that increases the size and fullness of the breasts by inserting implants under the chest muscles or breast tissue.
- Liposuction: a procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, or chin.
- Buttock augmentation: a procedure that enhances the shape and size of the buttocks by adding volume and projection. It can be done with implants or fat grafting.
- Hip augmentation: a procedure that widens the hips by adding volume and curve to the lateral aspect of the pelvis. It can be done with implants or fat grafting.
- Thigh lift: a procedure that tightens and smooths the skin and tissue of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat.
- Genital surgery: a term that encompasses various procedures that modify the external genitalia to match the desired gender identity. It can include vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, clitoroplasty, labiaplasty, orchiectomy, penectomy, urethroplasty, or scrotoplasty.
- What are the risks and complications of Body Feminization Surgery? BFS has some risks and complications that should be considered before undergoing it. Some of these risks are124:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Seroma
- Nerve damage
- Sensory changes
- Scarring
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture or displacement
- Fat necrosis or embolism
- Skin necrosis or sloughing
- Wound dehiscence or separation
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Chronic pain or discomfort
- Revision surgery
- How much does Body Feminization Surgery cost? The cost of BFS varies depending on the type and number of procedures, the surgeon’s fees, the hospital’s fees, the anesthesia’s fees, and other factors. The cost may also vary by country or region. Some insurance companies may cover some or all of the costs of BFS if it is deemed medically necessary. However, some insurance companies may not cover BFS at all or may have strict criteria for eligibility. It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider and your surgeon before undergoing BFS to get an estimate of the cost and coverage24.