Masculinizing surgery includes a series of surgical procedures aimed at reshaping the body contours of trans men to create a more masculine appearance. While hormone therapy helps to masculinize physical traits, it may not always be enough to achieve the desired results – especially in areas like fat distribution, chest shape, or abdominal definition. In such cases, body masculinization surgery offers the physical alignment many trans men are seeking.
What does masculinizing surgery involve?
Body masculinization surgery allows trans men to shape their silhouette in a way that aligns with their gender identity. While societal definitions of “masculinity” may vary and are often shaped by binary views, many trans men feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies when their gender identity and physical appearance are in harmony.
Transmasculine surgery enables the reshaping of the body and chest to appear more toned and muscular. This can be achieved through various procedures such as liposculpture, pectoral augmentation, or mastectomy.
Most common Masculinizing Surgeries
Here are four of the most requested body masculinization procedures among trans men:
Mastectomy:
This surgery involves the removal of breast glandular tissue while preserving the areola and nipple. These are then repositioned and resized to create a flat and masculine-looking chest.
There are three main techniques used in mastectomy: periareolar, extended periareolar, and free nipple graft. The best option depends on the breast size and the patient’s medical history. Liposuction may also be combined with mastectomy to reduce scar size and enhance contour.
Liposuction or Liposculpture:
Liposculpture is used to remove excess fat from specific body areas. Due to sexual dimorphism, fat distribution in male and female bodies differs significantly. While hormone therapy can influence this distribution, surgery is often needed to fully reshape the body.
Liposculpture in trans men aims to remove fat accumulations from areas like the abdomen or thighs, sculpting a more traditionally masculine silhouette. At IM GENDER, we use 4D liposculpture, which also allows fat repositioning through lipofilling. Filtered fat can be transferred to the glutes to enhance muscular appearance.
Pectoral implants:
This surgery aims to enhance the chest area using implants. Silicone gel implants are placed beneath the chest muscle to create a more defined, masculine pectoral contour. At IM GENDER, we use next-generation cohesive silicone implants.
Abdominoplasty:
This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens loosened abdominal muscles, resulting in a firmer, flatter belly. For trans men, abdominoplasty is often used to masculinize the waist and abdominal region. When combined with abdominal etching through liposculpture, it helps achieve a sculpted six-pack look.
Preparing for Transmasculine Surgery
Once a trans man decides to proceed with body masculinization surgery, it is crucial to choose a qualified medical team like IM GENDER. That means working with a plastic surgeon who has experience in masculinizing surgeries for trans patients. 
It’s important to have a thorough consultation to resolve any doubts about preoperative preparation, surgical options, recovery time, and expected outcomes.
Be sure to clearly express your goals to the surgeon so they can recommend the most appropriate techniques and provide realistic expectations. Depending on your age and medical history, the surgeon may request tests to ensure you’re in good health before surgery.
If you smoke, it’s strongly advised to stop at least four weeks before surgery to avoid complications in healing. You should also inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking.
At IM GENDER, you’ll find surgeons with over 20 years of experience in gender-affirming procedures, including both genital and masculinizing body surgeries.
Want to learn more about masculinizing surgery? At IM GENDER, we are specialists in personalized, safe, and effective procedures. Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.