MTF Top Surgery at Des Moines Plastic Surgery

Feminizing Top Surgery in Des Moines

mtf top surgery

What is MTF Top Surgery?


MTF (Feminizing Top Surgery) is a gender-affirming surgical procedure designed to enhance the chest with breast implants, creating a more feminine contour. This procedure is a significant step in the transition journey for many transgender and non-binary individuals, helping to align their physical appearance with their gender identity.

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery, Dr. Marcano and our experienced team provide personalized, high-quality care to ensure the best possible results. We understand the importance of this procedure and are dedicated to offering a supportive and affirming experience from consultation to recovery.

mtf top surgery des moines ()

Who is a Candidate for MTF Top Surgery?

Ideal candidates for MTF Top Surgery include individuals who:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have a persistent desire to achieve a more feminine chest contour
  • Are in good overall health and have no medical conditions that could impair healing
  • Have realistic expectations about the surgical outcomes
  • Have been evaluated and approved by a mental health professional, as required by WPATH guidelines

Surgical Techniques Offered

Dr. Marcano specializes in multiple techniques for MTF Top Surgery, customizing the approach to best fit each patient’s body type and desired results:

  • Breast Augmentation with Implants: The most common method, involving the placement of silicone or saline implants to enhance breast size and shape.
  • Fat Grafting: In some cases, fat from other areas of the body can be transferred to the chest to create a softer, more natural-looking result.
  • Hybrid Augmentation: A combination of implants and fat grafting to achieve optimal breast shape and volume.

What to Expect: The Surgical Process

  1. Consultation: During your consultation, Dr. Marcano will assess your goals, medical history, and physical characteristics to recommend the most suitable surgical technique.
  2. Surgery: MTF Top Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2-3 hours. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.
  3. Recovery: Patients can expect some swelling and bruising, with a recovery period of approximately 4-6 weeks. A surgical bra will be worn to support healing, and most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 2 weeks.
  4. Results: Full results become visible as swelling subsides, with scars fading over time. We provide post-surgical scar care recommendations to help optimize healing.

Why Choose Des Moines Plastic Surgery?

  • Expertise & Experience: Dr. Marcano is a highly skilled plastic surgeon with years of experience performing gender-affirming surgeries.
  • Compassionate & Affirming Care: Our team is dedicated to providing a respectful and inclusive environment for all patients.
  • Customized Approach: We tailor each procedure to the patient’s body type, goals, and preferences.
  • Advanced Techniques: We utilize the latest surgical methods to ensure natural-looking results and minimal scarring.

Frequently Asked Questions

MTF top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure that enhances the chest with breast implants or fat grafting to create a more feminine shape. Dr. Marcano customizes each procedure based on your body type, aesthetic goals, and surgical preferences.

Candidates should be:
✔️ Transgender women or non-binary individuals seeking a more feminine chest
✔️ In good physical health with realistic expectations
✔️ Non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery
✔️ Following WPATH guidelines 

During your consultation with Dr. Marcano, he will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and create a surgical plan tailored to your needs.

Hormone therapy (HRT) is not required, but it can help develop natural breast tissue, improving surgical outcomes.

We offer both saline and silicone implants, available in different shapes and sizes to match your desired look. Dr. Marcano will help you select the best option based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

  • Over-the-muscle (subglandular): Less invasive, faster recovery, and ideal for patients with existing breast tissue.
  • Under-the-muscle (submuscular): Provides a more natural slope, but requires a longer recovery.

Dr. Marcano will recommend the best placement based on your body type and desired outcome.

Yes! Fat grafting can be used alone or combined with implants to enhance breast volume naturally. This technique transfers fat from another area of your body (like the abdomen or thighs) to the chest for a softer, natural feel.

If you have been taking estrogens for more than 5 years, a screening mammogram will be required prior to surgery.

Most patients take 2-4 weeks off from work and avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Full results and implant settling can take several months. Dr. Marcano provides detailed post-op care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Dr. Marcano places incisions in a discreet areas, under the breast fold (an inframammary incision).

Scarring fades over time, and we offer scar treatments to minimize their appearance.

Most patients experience tightness and soreness in the first 1-2 weeks. Dr. Marcano provides pain management options to keep you comfortable. Swelling gradually subsides over several weeks.

As with any surgery, risks include:
❗ Infection
❗ Implant rupture or displacement
❗ Capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant)
❗ Asymmetry
❗ Changes in nipple sensation

Dr. Marcano takes every precaution to minimize risks and ensure the best possible results.

Some patients experience temporary numbness or hypersensitivity after surgery. In most cases, sensation returns within 6-12 months, but permanent changes are possible.

We offer financing through CareCredit to make surgery more accessible. Learn more about surgery financing options here. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering MTF Top Surgery, we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Des Moines Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marcano and take the next step in your gender-affirming journey.

Related Procedures

Have a question?

Send Us A Message Here!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

What People Are Saying

Explore the inspiring journeys and remarkable transformations of our satisfied patients through their heartfelt testimonials.

assoc abps
allergan top logo ()
assoc award topdoc ()
CityView Best icon
Diamond HALO sciton logo