Body Masculinization Surgery
Dr. Angela Rodriguez proudly leads ART Surgical, a gender-affirming care practice in San Francisco. She and her team consult with each patient, identifying goals for your transgender journey, and makes a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What is Body Masculinization Surgery?
Body masculinization surgery helps transgender and non-binary individual’s bodies look masculine. These include chest masculinization, body contouring, facial masculinization, and genital surgery. People choose procedures to match their body with their gender. This often helps minimize gender dysphoria. It can also lead to better overall well-being. It's important to meet with your therapist, as well as, surgeons specializing in gender-affirming surgery to discuss your options, understand the potential risks and benefits, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes before choosing this path.
How to Prepare for Gender-Affirming Surgery
Getting prepared for body masculinization surgery has several key steps. Start by talking with a qualified doctor to discuss your goals. Make sure to complete all office paperwork and insurance forms for a smoother process. Follow any pre-operative instructions. This might include adjusting medications and lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking, eating a well-balanced diet, and limiting alcohol intake). You will also need to arrange transportation and care after your operation. A caregiver, friends, and/or family are essential for recovery.
What to Expect After Masculinization Procedures
There is a period of recovery after masculinization procedures. Follow your post-operative care instructions to aid healing. This will reduce discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication will be prescribed to ensure you are comfortable during the recovery process. Other things that can assist with recovery include: icing sore areas and wearing a compressive garment is essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities during the first few weeks of recovery. This allows your body to heal. As swelling subsides and healing progresses, you will gradually begin to see the results of your procedures. Final outcomes typically become more apparent over several months.
To learn more about transgender care and how Dr. Angela Rodriguez and her team will guide you through the process, book a one-on-one consultation.
Body Masculinization Surgery FAQ
Body masculinization helps individuals achieve a more traditionally masculine body shape. These surgeries may include liposuction. Liposuction reduces fat in areas like the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Fat grafting can also change the shoulders or chest. Other body contouring also creates a straighter, more angular shape.
These procedures are often wanted by transgender men and nonbinary individuals. This is part of gender-affirming care. Body masculinization surgery helps match a person's physical body shape with their gender identity. These procedures can improve your confidence. They can also provide comfort in your body.
Body contouring is a gender-affirming procedure. This is a part of body masculinization surgery. Contouring helps match a person's body with their gender identity. For transgender men and nonbinary individuals, body contouring can play a role in reducing gender dysphoria. It creates a more traditionally masculine body shape. These procedures support a person's gender transition. They enhance areas of the body like the chest, shoulders, or waistline. These new features help reflect your masculine gender identity. This can improve mental health and self-esteem. This can lead to overall better well-being.
There are several types of masculinization surgery. These procedures can help create a more traditionally masculine look. Common options include top surgery to remove breast tissue. This option also creates a flatter chest. Body masculinization surgery reduces curves in areas like the hips and thighs. It can also add definition to the chest or shoulders. Facial masculinization surgery creates stronger features, such as a more defined jawline or chin. These procedures can be done on their own or combined. They support a person's gender-affirming goals.
The cost of body masculinization surgery can vary. It depends on the specific procedures, the surgeon, and the location. Body contouring, like liposuction or fat grafting, typically costs between $5,500 and $15,000. Facial masculinization procedures can range from $5,000 to over $20,000. Beard transplants usually cost between $9,000 and $15,000.
Some insurance plans may cover parts of these surgeries. These surgeries must be considered medically necessary. Coverage can differ. It's a good idea to check with your provider and ask about payment or financing options.
Recovery time after body masculinization surgery depends on the type and number of procedures performed. In general, most people can expect to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work or regular activities. Swelling and bruising are common and may take several weeks to fully go down. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually restricted for about 4 to 6 weeks. Full healing and final results can take a few months. Your surgeon will give you detailed recovery instructions and let you know when it's safe to return to normal routines. Learn more about body masculinization surgery before and after.