- Why Consider MTF Breast Augmentation?
- What to Expect During Your Consultation
- Choosing the Right Implants
- Surgical Approach and Techniques
- Recovery and Aftercare Support
- Key Considerations Before Surgery
- FAQs About MTF Breast Augmentation
- Considering MTF Breast Augmentation with Dr Gary Kode
- Further Reading related to MTF Breast Augmentation, Implants Only Melbourne
Breast augmentation can form an important part of the gender affirmation journey for many transgender women. For individuals seeking to achieve additional breast volume and contour beyond what hormone therapy provides, implant-only breast augmentation may be an option to consider.
At his Melbourne practice, Dr Gary Kode, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, offers personalised implant-only breast augmentation. His approach combines detailed assessment, precision surgical technique, and comprehensive aftercare, all centred around supporting informed and individualised patient choices. Every step is designed to help patients make well-considered decisions about their gender affirmation journey.
Why Consider MTF Breast Augmentation?
Breast development through hormone therapy varies significantly. For some transgender women, hormone therapy alone may result in modest breast growth. For others, the chest may remain relatively flat, with differences in skin elasticity, chest width, and underlying muscle structure compared to cisgender women.
Breast augmentation with implants offers several advantages:
- Enhanced breast volume: creating a fuller chest appearance that better aligns with the patient’s gender identity and aesthetic preferences.
- Improved body proportions: helping balance the silhouette, particularly when paired with hip and waist dimensions.
- Feminine chest contour: providing more rounded upper breast fullness that hormone therapy alone may not achieve.
- Personal empowerment: supporting patients in aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity (without making any emotional benefit claims).
At his Melbourne practice, Dr Gary Kode assists patients in navigating these decisions with sensitivity, expertise, and a strong emphasis on individual choice.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Consultations with Dr Gary Kode are conducted personally, ensuring continuity of care from the very first meeting. His focus is on creating a supportive, informative environment where patients feel heard and respected.
The consultation typically includes:
- Anatomical Assessment:
- Examination of the chest wall structure, including the width, projection, and symmetry.
- Assessment of skin thickness, elasticity, and any pre-existing breast tissue development.
- Amount of subcutaneous fat, which is useful in concealing the breast implant.
- Discussion of Aesthetic Goals:
- Understanding the patient’s desired breast size, shape, and overall appearance.
- Exploration of photos or examples to communicate preferences clearly.
- Implant Education:
- Overview of implant types, including shape (round vs anatomical), surface texture (smooth vs microtextured), and gel cohesivity options.
- Sizing discussions using implant sizers or 3D imaging tools (if available).
- Review of Surgical Techniques:
- Explanation of incision placement, implant pocket creation, and expected surgical steps.
- Risk and Limitation Discussion:
- Transparent outline of potential risks, including asymmetry, implant malposition, capsular contracture, and the need for future revision.
Consultations are conducted in Dr Gary Kode’s Melbourne rooms, offering privacy and professional surroundings to support open and honest conversations.
Choosing the Right Implants
Implant selection is highly individualised and tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle factors. Dr Gary Kode places great emphasis on thorough planning to ensure a result that complements each patient’s body.
Key considerations include:
- Implant Size:
- Larger implants may offer dramatic volume increases but must be balanced carefully with skin stretch and tissue support.
- Smaller implants can provide a natural enhancement and are often preferred for those seeking more subtle changes.
- Implant Shape:
- Round implants are commonly selected for transgender patients to enhance upper breast fullness, particularly where there is less natural breast tissue.
- Anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants can be considered if the desired look is more sloped or natural, although they are less commonly chosen.
- Profile (Projection):
- High-profile implants create greater forward projection, suitable for narrower chests.
- Moderate-profile implants offer a softer, broader contour.
- Implant Texture:
- Smooth implants are generally preferred due to lower friction and potential movement advantages within the implant pocket.
- Gel Cohesivity:
- Softer gel implants move more naturally with the body, while firmer gels maintain a more structured shape. Softer gels feel better but firm gels show less rippling
Dr Gary Kode, an experienced Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, works closely with each patient to select an implant that supports long-term satisfaction while acknowledging the natural limitations of surgical outcomes.
Surgical Approach and Techniques
MTF breast augmentation surgeries with Dr Gary Kode are performed exclusively at fully accredited hospitals in Melbourne, such as Glenferrie Private Hospital and Masada Private Hospital, both offering state-of-the-art surgical environments.
Surgical steps typically involve:
- Anaesthesia:
- Procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, with experienced anaesthetists managing patient care throughout.
- Incision Placement:
- A small incision is made in the inframammary fold (under the natural breast crease) to minimise scar visibility and allow precise implant positioning.
- Creation of the Implant Pocket:
- Subglandular placement (above the muscle) is often preferred for transgender patients to achieve a more natural contour without significant distortion during chest muscle movement.
- In certain cases, submuscular or dual-plane placement may be discussed depending on tissue thickness and desired aesthetic outcomes.
- Keller Funnel Use:
- A no-touch technique using a sterile funnel allows careful, minimally invasive placement of the implant, potentially reducing bacterial exposure and trauma to tissues.
Throughout the procedure, Dr Gary Kode personally undertakes every critical step, ensuring high attention to detail and continuity of care for each patient.
Recovery and Aftercare Support
Recovery is an important phase of the surgical journey and is closely monitored by Dr Gary Kode and his team.
Typical post-operative milestones include:
- First 48–72 Hours:
- Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common. Pain management strategies are tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Week 1:
- Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation. Most patients can return to desk-based work if comfortable.
- Weeks 2–3:
- Continued improvements in swelling and breast shape. Light daily activities can usually be resumed.
- Weeks 4–6:
- Gradual return to exercise routines, avoiding heavy lifting or upper body strain until cleared by Dr Kode.
- Long-Term Care:
- Regular check-ups to monitor implant positioning, scar healing, and overall satisfaction.
Aftercare protocols may include:
- Wearing a supportive bra to maintain implant position.
- Hypafix tape is used for 3 months after surgery.
- Silicone-based products for scar management are used if allergy to the tape develops.
- Gentle massage techniques if advised for specific cases.
- Avoiding nicotine and certain medications to optimise healing.
Patients are supported throughout with access to advice, dressing changes if needed, and scheduled post-operative assessments at Dr Gary Kode’s Melbourne clinic.
Key Considerations Before Surgery
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure and carries potential risks and limitations that patients must fully understand before proceeding.
Risks discussed during consultation include:
- Capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant malposition, rotation, or displacement
- Visible or palpable implants
- Asymmetry between breasts, which may require revision
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent)
- General surgical risks such as infection, delayed healing, or anaesthesia-related complications
Important considerations:
- Implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement or revision in the future.
- Patients with thinner skin or limited existing tissue may experience implant edge visibility or rippling.
- Realistic expectations are crucial. Outcomes vary based on anatomy, healing processes, and long-term tissue changes.
At every stage, Dr Gary Kode places a strong emphasis on patient education and informed consent, ensuring that patients are empowered to make decisions based on complete, transparent information.
FAQs About MTF Breast Augmentation
Considering MTF Breast Augmentation with Dr Gary Kode
MTF breast augmentation with implants offers many transgender women an opportunity to achieve a chest contour that aligns more closely with their gender identity. Choosing implant-only augmentation requires careful planning, a clear understanding of risks, and expert surgical care.
At his Melbourne-based practice, Dr Gary Kode, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, provides comprehensive, patient-centred care tailored to individual goals and needs. His focus is on supporting patients through every stage of the journey — from consultation to surgery to post-operative follow-up — without making guarantees about outcomes, in full compliance with AHPRA guidelines.
If you are considering breast augmentation as part of your gender affirmation journey, a personal consultation with Dr Gary Kode can provide valuable insights and help you explore your options in a respectful, professional environment.
Further Reading related to MTF Breast Augmentation, Implants Only Melbourne
- Read more about Labiaplasty Melbourne
- Read more about Breast Augmentation Melbourne