Body Masculinization

Undergoing a female-to-male transition looks different for every person who does it. Some do not want or need gender-affirming surgery to present as their true selves, while others may experience debilitating gender dysphoria without gender-affirming surgery. Body masculinization surgery (BMS) is a highly individualized procedure and requires a skilled surgeon with experience in gender-affirming procedures. Dr. Javad Sajan at Allure Esthetic is an ideal choice for body masculinization surgery.

The goal of body masculinization surgery is a body sculpting combination of procedures that change a female-shaped body in order to create a male-presenting body. It most commonly treats the parts of the body that tend to be distinctly feminine such as the hips, buttocks, and thighs. However, it also can address the chest/breasts as well.

The procedure can help reduce or eliminate gender dysphoria which improves the quality of life for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Some people may see adequate changes in their bodies from using hormone therapy, but, if not, then body masculinization can help further masculinize the body.

Beyond the obvious differences, the male and female bodies carry weight differently. This causes them to have different body shapes that broader society identifies as broadly male or female. Men also have an easier time building muscle and tend to have less fat overall than women. Thus, a major component of body masculinization is fat removal via liposuction.

Men carry fat primarily in their upper body, while women carry most of their fat in their lower body. For example, women tend to have more voluminous buttocks, hips, and thighs. In contrast, they have smaller shoulders, waists, and stomachs. Even if they gain weight in these areas, it is not usually the prominent parts of their body.

During body masculinization, Dr. Sajan removes fat and volume from the more feminine areas to achieve a more male appearance. He may also transfer some of the fat to enhance the more masculine areas. This creates a more rectangular or V-shaped body associated with men. He will cater it to your normal bone structure so that it looks as natural as possible.

Like all surgeries—medical or elective—body masculinization comes with benefits and risks. While in many cases the benefits outweigh the risks, they need to be considered to ensure the safest surgery possible. Dr. Sajan will evaluate the risks in conjunction with your medical history and lifestyle to determine if you are a good candidate for BMS.

The benefits of body masculinization surgery include:

• Treatment of gender dysphoria
• Fit better into men’s clothing
• Reduction of traditionally feminine body features such as the hips, buttocks, and thighs
• Masculine physique
• Creation of a rectangular body shape
• Improvement in quality of life
• Can remove skin if necessary
• Easy to combine with cosmetic procedures like a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift
• Minimal scarring
• May be covered by insurance
• Surgical and clinical staff experienced in working with transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming patients
• Performed by one of the top plastic surgeons offering gender affirming surgery in the United States

What are the risks of body maculinization?

As far as the risks of body masculinization, it depends on the exact procedures performed, but they are generally typical risk factors associated with surgery. Certain patients may be at higher risk of complications than others. Some of the risks and possible complications include:

• Infection
• Fluid collection
• Contour irregularities
• Blood clots
• Fat embolism
• Nerve damage
• Skin necrosis
• Internal puncture
• Complications associated with general anesthesia

Body masculinization can contain several different types of surgery to make the body appear more masculine. This is because everyone’s starting anatomy is unique and does not need or benefit from the same procedures. Nearly all body masculinization procedures will contain some level of liposuction, sometimes it makes up the entirety of the surgery. Below are the two procedures most commonly performed during body masculinization.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from the body. While it does not remove large quantities of fat from any one area, it is the perfect way to contour the body. Cosmetically, it can help reveal toned muscles and also remove stubborn pockets of fat around the body. Thus, for patients seeking FTM body masculinization, it allows Dr. Sajan to create a masculine body shape.

Sometimes, the fat removed is transferred to other parts of the body. This can help further enhance the contours of the body to match your ideal result. This is less common with masculinization surgeries but does sometimes occur.

Top Surgery

Top surgery—while often performed separately—is sometimes combined with body feminization. FTM top surgery removes the breasts and sculpts a masculine or flat chest. Patients can also choose whether or not to have their nipples placed back on their chest.

Candidates for body masculinization would like to achieve a more masculine appearance. Dr. Sajan uses the guidelines established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to help determine whether or not a patient is an ideal candidate for body masculinization. Ideal candidates should meet the following general requirements:

• Are in good mental and physical health
• Are old enough to consent to the procedure
• Have a thorough understanding of the procedures involved
• Have had a complete consultation with Dr. Sajan
• Have persistent gender dysphoria
• Have realistic goals about what can be achieved with body masculinization

Are There Other Surgeries Used To Masculinize The Body?

Yes, Dr. Sajan may perform other surgeries such as a tummy tuck, brachioplasty, and less commonly, the placement of pec implants. Facial masculinization is generally performed in a separate surgical session. Other procedures may be added on a case-by-case basis.

Is Body Masculinization Covered By Insurance?

Body masculinization is often covered by most insurance companies. However, there may be stipulations. Contact us and one of our dedicated gender affirming insurance coordinators will help you navigate your insurance coverage and company.

At Allure Esthetic, we do accept most major insurance plans. Unfortunately, we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. You can find out more about how insurance works for body masculinization on our page about transgender insurance coverage.

Patients are also welcome to pay out of pocket or seek financing instead of going through insurance. In this case, we do work with outside financing companies including Care Credit. You can find more information about financing on our financing page.

Can I Build Muscle After Surgery?

Yes, once you have fully recovered from surgery, you can return to lifting and working out regularly. This can help accentuate the results of body masculinization by adding muscle and further making the body take on a more male presenting appearance. It is important that you do not begin exercising too early after surgery because this can hinder your results.

Do I Have To Be On Hormones To Get Body Masculinization Surgery?

No, but if you take hormones or plan to in the future, you may consider waiting to see what changes your body naturally undergoes. Some patients are happy with these changes and may not require surgery anymore. The hormones may also cause unwanted changes after surgery, so you should be stable on hormones before you have the procedure. Finally, this is not the end-all-be-all. Patients can still undergo body masculinization regardless of if they take hormones or not.

How Much Is Body Masculinization Surgery With Dr. Sajan?

If you’re paying out of pocket, the entire cost of body masculinization is hard to calculate. It depends on the number of liposuction areas and the exact procedures included. At your consultation appointment, you will receive a customized, tentative price estimate based on your unique needs.

Dr. Javad Sajan is one of the leading body masculinization surgeons in the US. He has performed hundreds of gender affirming surgeries with varying techniques. One of the best surgeons for gender affirming surgery in the world, Dr. Sajan provides the best body masculinization surgery.

Allure Esthetic makes the experience of seeking gender affirming surgery comfortable and seamless. Dr. Javad Sajan and Allure Esthetic do not consider body masculinization a purely cosmetic surgery, it is often lifesaving. Additionally, we strive to create an affirming and safe environment by asking for your pronouns and using your preferred name.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sajan at Allure Esthetic, call us at 206-209-0988. You can also reach out via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.