The first thing to know is that breast development varies a great deal from person to person. Also while both age and genetics play a big role in how big they will get, generally speaking trans women can expect to be smaller then their closest female relatives (I was told a cup size smaller).
Besides the actual physical size of the breast, perception must be taken into consideration as well. The fact that the rib cage for the average anatomical male after puberty is bigger then it is for females means if you visually compare the two people with similar height, weight and bra size; one cissexual and one transsexual, the cissexual woman's breasts will generally appear larger.
One additional point to consider is that it is a good idea to put off any augmentation surgery until after breast development is completed. There are quite a few reasons for this but here are the most important:
- Breast development happens in spurts over a course of years! Give them a chance to grow.
- Breast development does not happen evenly... One breast may seem way smaller and but given time, it probably will catch up. Note that uneven breast size is normal, even in cissexual women.
- Breasts implants look best and most realistic when they are placed behind existing breast tissue.
- If augmentation is preformed before breast development is finished and you have additional breast growth after surgery, you run the risk of very unnatural or even deformed looking breasts.
Lastly, breast augmentation is included in the standards of care for transgender individuals but does not require the same exact criteria as SRS.
Have you had surgery? If so I would love for you to tell us about your results and experience below in the comments:
Hi
ReplyDeleteI am a 51 yr old transwoman. I had breast augmentaion 1 year ago prior to starting on hormone treatment. The implants were a textured cohesive gell placed under the muscle.
The fact is for transwomen who start their transition later in life it is unlikely that they will experience enough breast growth through hormone intervention alone. Whilst in an ideal world it is always best to 'wait and see'I was not prepared to wait for a year to get referred for hormones and then wait another 2 years to see what the effect might be. Accordingly I consulted with several surgeons who are specialists in this area and sought out the best advice possible. Cognisent of the risks and realistic about the outcome I elected to go for surgery. My implants are small (325gram) and resulted in a c cup. The appearance of my breasts is good, if somewhat 'pert' for a lady of my age. I had no post opperative pain but did get a minor infection that cleared up after 72 hours on antibiotics. As the implants are beneath the muscle you need to change the way you lift heavy objects which at first is slightly uncomfortable. Hormone therapy will soften the visual transition between the breasts and the torso. Interestingly after my breast implant surgery my testosterone levels dropped sponaneously which has yet to be explained!!
Oh..But I hope you still enjoying having your boobies. :)
DeleteI'm a 40-something transwoman who had my augmentation done in March. My Dr. was really amazing and the experience was very positive.
ReplyDeleteI think you are totally spot on with this article. I would add that one of the hardest things to hang onto with regards to transition is PATIENCE. It's easy to get caught up with the changes that are happening and automatically want MORE, MORE, MORE. Waiting until you have "maxed out" your natural breast growth via HRT is, I think, imperative. I've always been told that one should be on a consistent HRT program for at least two years before even thinking about implants. I had been on injectables for three years with average growth. I moved to a new city and started seeing a new Dr. who put me on patches. I stayed with the patches for about 5 months, but wasn't happy with the results, so I opted to go back to injections and I had a MAJOR growth spurt after a couple of months of shots, so again I agree with the statement that breast development can happen in spurts over a number of years, so never stop believing. I had a small b-cup when I went in for my procedure and the results are really great and most importantly, really natural looking. The whole point of this is to look as natural as possible, right? If you go ahead and get implants without all the breast tissue that you can get, your results will likely suffer. So using PATIENCE as a mantra can be a big help.
One thing I would recommend as well, is to find a Dr. that has had experience with transwomen. I went to several Dr's and was very disappointed with most as they weren't very knowledgeable about the trans body. So, doing your research, finding someone with trans experience, but most importantly, someone you trust is of the utmost importance.
My Dr. and I shared common opinions when it came to size of my breasts. I wanted to be just a touch over what the average size for my height & weight would be. I didn't want to look ridiculously over sized, so I went with a "full c-cup" It was a 400 cc, silicone implant, placed under the muscle with underarm incisions. My recovery was totally uncomplicated. I stayed pretty well "hopped up" for a few days, so all was well, at least for me. Having them under the muscle (which is TOTALLY recommended) meant that it will take a while (maybe 6 mos to a year) for the muscles to stretch and the breasts to "settle in" totally. I have to say though, I've had no major pain (just a lil pressure).
One thing I want to address is that there are a lot of tgirl's that go in with quite unrealistic and almost"fantasy"expectations when it comes to thier breast size. Bigger isn't always better! My Dr had the best thought I had heard on that subject when he said..."As a transwoman, you will most likely walk around with a target on your back. Why do you want a target on your front, as well?" Staying within an basic average with your height & weight proportions (with maybe going just a tad over, if you like) is likely going to make you much happier with your implants. Besides, if you wanna pump them up, go get yourself a good push-up bra and you will be all set.
Great article. I really enjoyed it!
If you don't mind me asking ma'am. What country you had your implants?
DeleteI am in the middle of getting mine. Sort of deciding to get it done from Thailand.
I am approaching 60 and want breast implants to increase the pleasure from dressing. I have been told that I cannot get implants without having at least 6 months of HRT. Being overweight I do have quite a bit of breast tissue so is there a Dr out there who will perform the op without a plan for SRS
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a transvestite, who in no way needs implants. " increase pleasure from ,"dressing", that is not a transexual way, term. .. that kindaraised a flag to me..
DeleteI m a 19 yrs boy bt i feeling like girl trapped in me, am i transexual?
ReplyDeleteTransexual is the term for trans people when they have a sex change or if they feel they are a woman trapped in a man's body. I consider myself a transexual female. Get a coucellar first and join trans groups for support to help you out first don't rush into it. You will know when you are comfortable and ready if you decide to start HRTS and start transitioning.
DeleteI have been on Estradiol for 7 months and spironolactone almost 2 months. I have a good amount of breast tissue on my left side I'd say an AA if not close to A cup, however on my right side I have NOTHING. Completely flat not even the slightest hint of puffy nipple or anything. I moved states and changed jobs so I wot have insurance for another month or so but I feel like this is completely crazy I understand a little difference but 1 boob only!? Is it possible my right side is like a dud and won't ever grow? It's really causing me to have like emotional psyche issues (even more than we have! Lol) thoughts?
ReplyDeletehow much estradiol per day and pill or patch also what amount of spironolactone per day
DeleteI have a close friend who is transitioning and seems lately to be very depressed by the slow results of her ongoing hrt. I don't know how to help her feel better about herself and her body or what to say to comfort her. I've done a lot of research to try and understand what she's feeling but i still feel lost and in the way trying to help. any advice?
ReplyDeleteJust be there for her. There are so many factors that play into how much HRT works or how effective it will even be: age, health, genes, current physiology... Unfortunately there is no magic pill.
Deletei am 22 age ... 62 kg weight, 171height..
ReplyDeletemy skin is smooth i don't have beard and no hair in my body.. i feel i am women i want to take hormone. can i get hormone by online
Please please please see a doctor about HRT!
DeleteHi my name is Sara. I am transgendered. I was wondering if I can get breast implants without having HRT at all. I don't want HRT or SRS just breast augmentations and feminizing surgery. What do I need to know about my situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much ∞Sara∞
You do not need to have SRS to have a breast augmentation however I would suggest you speak to a surgeon for specifics. I do know that your breasts will look more natural if you have natural breast tissue to enhance.
DeleteThank you for answering. I do understand that it can be hard to get up to larger sizes if you haven't had HRT but I figured since I'll a little cubby I could pay for liposuction and breast augmentations I could make some room for silicone breasts. I don't know I guess I'm just looking for ideas, suggestions, and more information.
DeleteI don't want to get HRT because I don't want my penis or testicles to lose size or function and from what I hear that will happen. Is that right?
Thank you ∞Sara∞
hi i am 49 and my breast are growig fine;i have been on hrt for 1 year and have a b cup i love them to and still growing
ReplyDeleteHi ladies, I'm on 4mgs a day, 9 months in I'm a 36b just keep going, I saw the lady that is at one, with nothing going on the other, I have to go through this alone, but It is worth it, when you put on a mini skirt, and matching blouse, and do not need implants, you'll see, but I recommend- a lot- you see the dr, and get that help! good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteHello I am 64 and started my transition in aug of 2011 and started on hrt in feb 2012 I am on estridol sprolacton, porgesterone,finesteride I have been on 5 pills of 1mg and twice patches of estrodioal and the breast growth has not been really forth coming this month I started injections once a month my question is have I started way to late can I expect much growth and knowing that it takes time I am reslly trying to patient but I have been waiting 50 years for this at my age when will I know when I have reached max benefit from the hormones as far as breast growth rebecca
ReplyDeleteIt really is hard to say. I understand the frustration but really only time will tell. Breast development takes years not months so try to be patient. Also note that there are no maricle shortcuts. The best advice is that you need to have realistic expectations and keep the lines of communication open with your doctor.
DeleteHello, I'm a young transgender woman, 16, and I just started the estradiol patches this Thursday and I wanted to see if anyone had personal experiences on the patch? How effective was it? How long it took to see changes? I also was wondering if it would be bad to use more than one patch per week? I'm prescribed to switch my patch every week but if I we're to wear more than one patch would it increase my hormone levels and allow the feminizing process to speed up? Any advice would be nice. Thank you!
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DeleteEstrogen can NOT be converted to testosterone! The enzyme aromatase can convert excess testosterone into estrogen, but it can't convert estrogen into testosterone, and there is no enzyme in our bodies that can. I'm in no way condoning taking more estrogen than what is prescribed or recommended, but the statement that estrogen can be converted into testosterone is totally false.
DeleteI have removed my comment but yest... Do not self medicate!
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ReplyDeleteim a 37 yo transvestite still in closet and wanna develop breasts now for the future , a few freinds take female contraception pills and started to develop breasts, i hav been taking 2 pills a day for last month and nipples becomming realy sensitive had blood tests for other illness but every thing heading in rite direction , skin seems softer and bodily hair slowing in growth , is the sensitive nipples and aching breasts a concern i should talk to gp about ??
ReplyDeleteMy first suggestion is you talk to your doctor about getting on a regulated hormone regimen as opposed to trying to do it yourself. I don't mean to sound like a broken record but this stuff can KILL YOU!!!
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