What is Body Masculinization Surgery?
Body masculinization surgery for transgender men includes body contouring procedures designed to transform the torso and lower body for a more masculine appearance. Procedures are performed on specific areas of the body such as the lower abdomen, lower back, buttocks, hips and upper thighs using liposuction. The results obtained through surgery can be far greater than those achieved by diet, exercise and hormone therapy alone.
Body Contouring for Transgender Men
Cisgender men typically have a V-shaped torso and carry less weight in the lower abdomen, hips, buttocks and thighs. Cisgender women, on the other hand, tend to carry more weight in these areas, with pockets of additional fat and tissue below the navel and on the upper thigh just below the buttocks. Through a combination of diet, exercise and hormone therapy, transgender men may be able to control these fat deposits to an extent. Small fluctuations in weight, however, will often be sent “straight to the hips” so to speak. Through liposuction, our surgeons can target and remove the fat cells from specific problem areas, freeing them from the mercy of these small weight changes.
Body contouring with liposuction is an effective way for transgender men to achieve a more masculine appearance for the body. While liposuction is a common surgical procedure that has been in use for decades, its use for the masculinization of transgender individuals requires specialization as the desired outcomes may be very different from those of cisgender patients. Surgeons at the Crane Center specialize in liposuction and body contouring for transgender individuals and have a unique understanding of the targeted body shape adjustments that will result in a significantly more masculine appearance.
Cisgender men also tend to have less curvy midsections and more defined delineations between the thighs and buttocks. Body contouring and sculpting through liposuction allows surgeons to carefully control the shape adjustments in these areas to reduce the hourglass features and create a more square and angular hip and buttock. Incisions are small and can often be made in areas that will be hidden by the normal folds of the skin at the point where the buttocks meet the thigh.
The type and extent of body masculinization surgery to pursue will depend on many factors including your body type, health status and personal desires. Age and weight are also factors determining whether or not your liposuction contouring will need to be accompanied by the removal of excess skin resulting from the reduction in underlying tissue. Historically, excess skin removal has been required in approximately 50% of cases.
Learn More About Body Masculinization
Every case is unique and these optional gender-affirming procedures may not be right for everyone. The surgeons at the Crane Center are experts in body masculinization and will consult with you to determine the right combination of procedures to achieve your desired results. Contact us to schedule an appointment.