Transgender Body Contouring: What You Need to Know

Pros

• The procedure gives transgender women a more traditionally feminine figure, especially around the waist, hips, and buttocks.
• It’s an outpatient surgery, so you’re able to go home the day of the procedure.
• Results are permanent, provided you don’t gain or lose a significant amount of weight.

Cons

• This surgery usually requires general anesthesia, which comes with some risk of adverse reaction. 
• Recovery usually involves two weeks of downtime and up to six weeks of reduced activity while you heal.
• If you choose to have a Brazilian butt lift, you’ll need to find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who follows the latest safety guidelines, to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.

The price you pay will depend on the experience level of your surgeon, their practice location, and the combination of procedures you choose.

You’ll be put under general anesthesia by your plastic surgeon for the entirety of your procedure.

First, your doctor will perform liposuction to narrow your waist or accentuate the curve of your butt.

The fat removed during liposuction is purified and injected into the hips and buttocks, to create more volume. In some cases, butt or hip implants may also be inserted, to create even more definition. 

You should be able to go home the same day, but you’ll be groggy, so arrange to have someone there to take you.

The length of your recovery will depend on which procedures you have. 

• After liposuction and fat transfer alone, you’ll need up to a week of downtime. You can expect to have some swelling, bruising, and inflammation for up to six weeks. 
• After a Brazilian butt lift or butt implants, you’ll need up to two weeks of downtime and must avoid rigorous activity for up to a month.  
• Tummy tuck recovery also involves two weeks of downtime, and you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks. 

If your surgeon recommends a compression garment, to restrict discomfort and swelling, you’ll have to wear it constantly (except when you shower) for at least two weeks before gradually reducing the time you wear it over the next three weeks. 

If you’ve had fat transfer to your hips and buttocks, you’ll need to avoid sitting or lying on your back for two weeks while the fat cells acclimatize to their new location. 

You’ll see your final results after all swelling subsides and the scars begin to heal, which takes about six weeks.