Male-to-Female Transfeminine Procedures
At East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, we understand the deeply personal journey of transitioning and are committed to providing compassionate, gender-affirming care. Our specialized team offers a comprehensive range of MTF (male-to-female) and transfeminine procedures, each tailored to meet our patients’ unique transition goals and needs.
We are dedicated to crafting personalized treatment plans that support and affirm our patients’ journeys toward living their most authentic lives.
MTF top surgery, or chest feminization, is a commonly performed surgical procedure for transfeminine patients at our practice.
Chest feminization refers to a range of procedures aimed at feminizing the chest. This is done through the augmentation of breast tissue through the use of implants and/or autologous (your own) fat. In some cases, repositioning the nipple to a more female anatomic position is necessary.
Dr. Keith is a world-recognized pioneer in the techniques and concepts of feminizing chest surgery for transgender patients.
Gender-affirming surgery plays a crucial role in the process of aligning one’s physical characteristics with their gender identity, significantly improving mental health and overall well-being. This form of transgender healthcare encompasses a variety of surgical procedures designed to support individuals in their gender transition, offering both aesthetic and functional alignments that affirm a patient’s gender identity.
At East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, we believe in the transformative power of gender-affirming surgery. We are committed to providing comprehensive care that respects the individuality and goals of each patient.
Deciding to undergo an MTF procedure is a major decision in life. Potential candidates will have reservations, concerns, and a desire to learn more.
During the consultation at our office in New Jersey, the surgeon and the patient will discuss transition goals and how they can be accomplished through MTF techniques. We will then create a treatment plan that best suits the patient based on their goals and relevant medical history. All questions and concerns regarding transfeminine procedures will be answered. We may also show the patient photos of possible results so they can clearly understand what to expect for each type of MTF procedure.
Implant-Based Chest Feminization: For some transwomen, feminization of the chest is achieved through the addition of volume with the use of breast implants.
Typically, an incision is made in the inframammary fold (the area underneath the breast tissue) to conceal the incision. It is important to note that feminizing the chest entails much more than simply placing breast implants, and it is important to pick a surgeon who specializes in these chest feminizing techniques.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Keith and Dr. Marano will create a surgical plan for your chest feminization based on your unique anatomy and goals. You will also be allowed to try on implants in the office to help determine which size you want.
Autologous Chest Feminization and Hybrid Feminization: In some circumstances, we add autologous fat to the constructed female breast to further feminize the breast. This can be achieved by harvesting fat via liposuction from areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.
The fat is then processed and transferred to the chest. The benefit of this approach is a natural-looking and natural-feeling feminized chest without the use of breast implants.
There is a limit to how much volume can be achieved when only using autologous fat.In a hybrid chest feminization, an implant is utilized in addition to grafted fat to achieve the most natural and feminine look and feel.
Dr. Keith pioneered the use of the da Vinci® robot in penile-inversion vaginoplasty. They partner with a board-certified urologic surgeon to safely perform this procedure.
This technique involves the removal of the testicles and erectile portions of the penis. A sensate clitoris is created from the glans penis to achieve female aesthetic and functional erogenous sensations.
The urethra is shortened, and the entire external genitalia is configured to have a natural-looking female form.
In addition, a neo-vaginal canal is created between the bladder and the rectum. The lining of this canal is created with the use of skin from the penis and scrotum, as well as a graft from the peritoneum. The goal of this procedure is to create a naturally-appearing, sensate, and fully functional vagina. This surgery is typically performed in one stage.
The peritoneum is a smooth, mucosa-like tissue lining the inner wall of the abdominal cavity. It secretes a natural lubricant and has the appearance and feel of natural vaginal mucosa once healed.
Our doctors pioneered the technique of using a strip of the peritoneum as a graft in the construction of the canal of the neo-vagina. This is harvested with the help of the robot.
Hair removal is NOT mandatory before vaginoplasty. The hair follicles are removed surgically during the vaginoplasty procedure.
Dilation of the vaginal canal is a critical part of the postoperative recovery process of penile-inversion vaginoplasty. Failure to dilate will result in the collapse of the vaginal vault and loss of vaginal depth.
You will visit the office each week, for at least four weeks following surgery, to learn how to dilate correctly. We know dilation can be time-consuming and difficult initially, but it will become much easier.
In this technique, the testicles and the erectile parts of the penis are removed, and a sensate clitoris is reconstructed from the glans penis.
A neo-vaginal canal is also made between the rectum and the prostate. The lining comes from the penis and scrotum’s skin and a graft from the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a smooth tissue lining in the inner wall of the abdominal cavity that secretes a natural lubricant. After the patient has fully healed, the peritoneum tissue will look identical to vaginal mucosa.
This type of facelift is ideal for individuals experiencing early to moderate signs of aging in the mid-face but who do not yet need a more extensive lift. It can provide a refreshed, youthful look with more subtle changes compared to a traditional facelift. Recovery time is generally shorter, and the results can last several years, especially when combined with good skincare and maintenance treatments.
In some circumstances, patients may request a zero-depth vaginoplasty. Simply put, this gender-affirming genital surgery configures the external male genitalia into a female form.
The goal is to create a natural-appearing vulva complete with a sensate neo-clitoris and a female-positioned urethra. However, no vaginal canal is created, and therefore no grafts are required from the skin of the penis, scrotum, or peritoneum.
Being that no vaginal canal is created, the patient will not be able to receive a partner through penetrative intercourse.
Dr. Keith and Dr. Marano routinely perform revision surgery for patients who underwent gender-affirming genital surgery in other countries or with other surgeons.
Insurance often covers these and may require collaboration with board-certified urologists or gynecologists. These procedures may help to improve the overall function and aesthetics of the female genitalia.
There are myriad options for feminizing the faces of our transfeminine patients. Both surgical and non-surgical options are available. Dr. Marano and his team will gladly discuss the options available at your consultation in New Jersey.
Rhinoplasty – Nose contouring and feminizing surgery are available. Sometimes, collaboration with our Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) colleagues will be required. This can often be combined with other facial feminization procedures.
Botox® and fillers – Injectables are a safe and effective way to help feminize facial structure and anatomy. Botox® and fillers are often used before or in addition to surgical facial feminization procedures.
Tracheal Shave (Chondrolaryngoplasty): The tracheal shave, commonly known as Adam’s apple reduction surgery, involves making a small incision over the cartilaginous prominence of the voice box. The cartilage is then shaved to create a more flat or convex shape to the neck’s profile. This softens and feminizes the appearance of the neck.
Male To Female (MTF) Body Contouring: MTF body contouring consists of multiple procedures to help accentuate the hips and buttock areas. This can include options like liposuction and fat grafting. The procedure is performed by harvesting fat from areas with excess fat, commonly the “love handles,” abdomen, and thighs. In addition to these typical areas, we focus on the lower back and thigh areas to accentuate the buttocks and hips as much as possible.
Gender-affirming surgery is highly personalized and based on the unique goals of each individual.
The cost of your procedure will vary based on factors like the types of procedures being performed and the extent of the work required to provide the desired results. Our team will review cost and payment options with you during your consultation.
Taking the step towards gender-affirming surgery is a significant moment in your transition journey. At East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, our experienced surgical team guides you through every stage of the process, from initial consultation to post-operative care. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your MTF or transfeminine surgical goals in a supportive and understanding environment.
To book your appointment, call 201.449.1000 or follow this link to see our locations so you can find the closest office to you. Our staff will provide all the information you need to start your journey with East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery. We look forward to being a part of your transformative journey.
