Navigating Breast Augmentation in Your Gender Affirming Surgery Journey
Medically reviewed and updated: September 2026
Reviewed by Dr Daniel Fleming, Medical Director at MINKST – 25+ years of cosmetic surgery experience, with experience in breast augmentation for transgender and non-binary patients.
Breast augmentation as part of a gender reassignment surgery is a procedure undergone by many transgender individuals, particularly transgender women and non-binary people who seek to align their physical appearance with their gender identity.
At MINKST, we are dedicated to providing a premium breast augmentation journey at an affordable price. Our surgeons / doctors are highly experienced in breast augmentation and fat transfer procedures for transgender patients. Below is some information to help educate and prepare you for the next stage of your gender transition journey:
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consulting with your healthcare provider
Prior to making the decision to undergo surgery, it is essential to have thorough discussions with your GP or a psychologist experienced in transgender healthcare to understand gender dysphoria and the risks and benefits of surgery.
Consultation with your MINKST Surgeon / Doctor
Leading up to your consultation our expert team will inform and guide you to ensure you are prepared and ready to get the most out of your consultation.
During your consultation, your MINKST surgeon / doctor will work with you to develop a personalised surgical plan. You will discuss the general risks of surgery and review any medications you take.
Supporting your mental health will be crucial and we will require a psychological evaluation from your healthcare provider to ensure you are prepared for surgery and that it is the right next step for you.
See some of our results here of past transgender patients and more results for breast augmentation on our results page.
Hormone Therapy
Many transgender women undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) before considering breast augmentation. Oestrogen and anti-androgens can promote natural breast development. However, the extent of growth varies, and many still opt for augmentation to achieve their desired breast size and shape.
If you are currently taking HRT it is possible to undergo surgery at the same time. However, some hormone medications might interact with anaesthesia or other medications used during surgery. Your MINKST surgical team needs to be aware of all medications you’re taking to plan accordingly.
Considerations and risks specific to transgender patients
As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries risks, you can find a list to risks on our breast augmentation page. You will also discuss risks at length during your surgery consultation.
In addition to standard surgical risks, there are some considerations that are particularly relevant to transgender and non-binary patients:
Hormone therapy and surgery
If you are taking oestrogen or other hormone therapies, your MINKST team needs a full list of your medications before surgery. Some hormone therapies may affect bleeding risk or anaesthetic requirements. Your surgeon will advise whether any temporary adjustment to HRT is needed in the period around surgery, and will coordinate with your prescribing healthcare provider where necessary.
Chest anatomy considerations
Transgender women and non-binary people assigned male at birth may have a broader chest wall and less natural breast tissue than cisgender patients. This can influence implant sizing, placement and the overall approach to surgery. Your MINKST surgeon will take your individual anatomy into account when developing your surgical plan, and will discuss what is achievable for your body specifically.
Psychological preparation and support
MINKST will require a psychological evaluation from a healthcare provider who is aware of your background and medical history, confirming diagnosis of gender dysphoria and your readiness for surgery. This is a standard and supportive part of the process, not a barrier – it helps ensure that surgery takes place at the right time and with the right support in place.
MINKST also offers chest reconstruction surgery for transgender men and non-binary people seeking a masculinising chest – learn more on our dedicated procedure page.
If you’re considering undergoing breast augmentation, we would love to discuss your options and provide a quote.
Get in touchFrequently Asked Questions
For many transgender individuals, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prior to breast augmentation surgery can be beneficial but is not required. Oestrogen can promote natural breast growth, creating a better foundation for implants, but undergoing HRT before surgery is not a necessity.
Yes, your MINKST surgeon / doctor will require a psychological evaluation from your healthcare provider, aware of your background and medical history, for diagnosis of your gender dysphoria.
For transgender men and non-binary individuals, top surgery typically refers to masculinising chest surgery, which involves the removal of breast tissue to create a male-contoured chest.
Gender reassignment surgery (GRS) or gender affirming surgery (GAS) involves procedures to align physical traits with an individual's gender identity. Key surgeries include top surgery (mastectomy or breast augmentation), bottom surgery (phalloplasty, vaginoplasty, orchiectomy), facial feminisation, and body contouring. These surgeries, along with hormone therapy and psychological support, aim to alleviate gender dysphoria.
Results can look excellent and natural for transgender patients, though the surgical approach may differ. Transgender women and non-binary people assigned male at birth may have a broader chest wall and less existing breast tissue, which influences implant sizing and placement choices. Your MINKST surgeon will develop a personalised surgical plan based on your individual anatomy to achieve the best possible result for your body.
Many surgeons recommend allowing HRT to take effect for at least one to two years before proceeding with breast augmentation, as oestrogen can promote natural breast development and provides a better foundation for surgery. However, HRT is not required before surgery, and timing is individual. Your MINKST surgeon and your prescribing healthcare provider can help you consider the right timing for your specific situation.