I want to start my transition. Can I get implants without having ever done HRT??

Honestly, the choice is really up to you. Many want to start hormones first and wait to see how their body changes before discussing a breast augmentation. I would suggest that you consult with your primary care physician to get his or her opinion. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Hello,Thank you for your question. The choice is yours ultimately. If you plan to undergo horemone therapy, you may wish to begin and evaluate those results first before planning BA surgery because your pre-op anatomy will change. I recommend that you discuss your options with your primary care physician further before proceeding. Be sure to book your surgical consultation with a board certified plastic Surgeon.All the best

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health recommends the following criteria for breast augmentation (implants or lipofilling) in male to female transgender patients: well-documented gender dysphoria, ability to make informed decision, adult age (not a minor), and a healthy medical status. Although not a criterion, they also recommend feminizing hormone therapy for a minimum of 12 months prior to breast surgery in order to maximize breast growth for the best possible surgical results. 

Thank you for your question. Best wishes to you as you begin your transition. Medically speaking, there is no reason to delay breast augmentation while awaiting hormone therapy. However hormone therapy alone will cause breast and nipple enlargement so ideally it is best to hold off on surgery until we see the hormone effects on size, since this could affect the implant volume we choose to give you the size you desire. 

As you are aware, having an experienced physician or therapist guide you through the transition is desirable. These practitioners can usually refer you to surgeons who have experience helping transgender persons. My preference is to include the practitioner in the in the pre-operative discussion to ensure we all are on the same page. Make sure your surgeon is board certified and has experience doing breast augmentation. Good luck to you. 

Dear jlewis2145,Not every transitioning patient uses hormones so it is not a pre-requisite before having surgery. If you intend on starting hormones in the future, you may want to hold off on picking implant sizes until you see what your body can do naturally. If you anticipate needing the kind of size jump only obtainable with implants, you could discuss moving forward with your surgeon before the hormones.You should google and read "Standards of Care for the Health of Transexual, Transgender, and Gender-Nonconforming People, Version 7" or WPATH-SOC. This may be very helpful to you and your care providers in deciding the best time for your surgery.Best of luck!