Illustration of an MTF transgender woman with long hair, wearing a yellow top and green pants, representing gender transition and body positivity.

Gender Affirming Breast Augmentation

What Is MTF Top Surgery?

MTF top surgery, also called transfeminine breast augmentation or chest feminization surgery, uses breast implants to create a fuller and more feminine chest contour. At Evita Clinic in Seoul, the procedure is individually planned according to chest width, rib-cage shape, pectoral muscle thickness, existing breast development, skin quality, and the patient’s desired size and projection.

The goal is to create a chest that reflects the patient’s identity while maintaining proportion, structural stability, and long-term aesthetic balance.

Medical review: Francis Jeon, MD, Board-Certified Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeon
Last medically reviewed: July 19, 2026

Dr. Francis Jeon
Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeon

Dr. Francis Jeon is a board-certified thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon and the founder of Evita Clinic. Before establishing the clinic in 2009, he gained extensive experience in heart, lung, vascular, and chest-wall surgery at a leading university hospital. Since then, he has focused on chest and body-contouring procedures, including breast surgery, gynecomastia surgery, and gender-affirming top surgery.
His background in thoracic surgery provides a detailed understanding of chest-wall anatomy, pectoral muscle structure, vascular supply, and soft-tissue balance. In MTF top surgery, he applies individualized pocket design, proportion-based implant selection, and careful tissue handling to create a feminine chest contour while considering symmetry, implant coverage, scar placement, and long-term stability.

Dr. Jeon is a WPATH member and incorporates relevant principles from the WPATH Standards of Care Version 8 into informed consent, individualized assessment, and gender-affirming surgical planning.

2025 WPATH Membership Badge

Surgical Approach & Procedure Details

Surgical Techniques

Implant-Based Breast Feminization

Implant-based breast feminization is the primary technique used in MTF top surgery to create a fuller, more feminine chest contour. It is particularly appropriate for patients whose breast development from hormone therapy is limited and who desire additional projection and volume.

The procedure involves careful implant selection based on chest width, soft tissue thickness, and desired breast shape. Strategic pocket creation and balanced positioning are essential to achieve symmetry and long-term stability.

Recovery time: Approximately 1–2 weeks
Cost: Determined by implant type and individualized surgical plan

Implant Placement Options

Dual Plane Approach (Most Common)

In a dual-plane approach, the upper portion of the implant is covered by the pectoral muscle, while the lower portion lies beneath the breast tissue. This can provide smoother upper-pole coverage while allowing the lower breast to expand more naturally. It is often considered for patients with limited native breast tissue, but the final pocket and plane are selected according to tissue thickness, muscle anatomy, chest width, and desired contour.

• Improved upper pole transition
• Reduced visibility of implant edges
• Enhanced implant stability

Placement is selected based on anatomical structure and aesthetic goals.

Incision Options

Precision and Scar Management

Incision placement plays a critical role in surgical precision and long-term scar visibility. The most commonly used method is the inframammary fold incision, which allows accurate pocket creation and optimal implant positioning.

In selected cases, a periareolar incision may be considered when anatomy permits and adequate tissue is present.

• Inframammary fold incision (most common)
• Periareolar incision (selected cases)
• Scar placement planned for minimal visibility

Final incision choice is determined by chest anatomy, skin quality, and overall surgical strategy.

Same-Day Procedure

Structured Postoperative Monitoring

MTF top surgery at Evita Clinic is performed as a same-day procedure under monitored anesthesia care (MAC), using tumescent local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. General anesthesia is not used. Vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure, and patients remain in the recovery area for approximately 4 to 6 hours before discharge. Patients are discharged only after they are fully alert and medically stable.

  • Same-day outpatient procedure
  • Tumescent local anesthesia with intravenous sedation
  • Continuous monitoring during surgery and recovery
  • Discharge after approximately 4–6 hours of observation

MTF Top Surgery Cost in Korea

Evita Clinic uses transparent fixed pricing in Korean won. The total price depends primarily on the selected Mentor® implant type rather than the patient’s gender identity. The surgical plan and implant dimensions are confirmed after evaluating chest width, soft-tissue thickness, existing breast development, and the patient’s desired proportions.

Breast Feminization Approach at Evita Clinic

At Evita Clinic, MTF breast augmentation is guided by structural precision and long-term aesthetic planning.
Each procedure is designed to achieve harmony between chest anatomy and feminine contour.

Personalized Surgical Design

Every surgical plan is customized based on:

  • Chest width
  • Rib cage shape
  • Existing breast tissue
  • Overall body proportions

The goal is to create a balanced, natural-looking feminine silhouette rather than focusing solely on volume.

Precise Implant Selection

Implant size, projection profile, and material are selected collaboratively after careful anatomical evaluation.

This ensures that the chosen implant enhances femininity while maintaining proportion, structural support, and long-term stability.

Meticulous Pocket Creation

Implant pockets are created with careful attention to symmetry, muscle dynamics, and tissue preservation.

Proper pocket design is critical to:

  • Maintaining implant stability
  • Preventing asymmetry
  • Supporting natural contour development

Scar-Minimizing Technique

Strategic incision placement combined with refined suturing techniques promotes:

  • Discreet scar positioning
  • Smooth healing progression
  • Improved long-term aesthetic outcome


1

Starting Your MTF Top Surgery Journey

Consultation

Choosing MTF top surgery is a significant decision that requires careful planning and professional evaluation.

During your consultation, Dr. Francis Jeon evaluates your chest anatomy, hormone therapy history, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Based on this assessment, a personalized surgical plan is developed, including implant selection, incision strategy, and recovery preparation.

You will receive clear information about the procedure, expected outcomes, potential risks, and postoperative care to support informed decision-making in a respectful and confidential environment.

mtf top surgery consultation evita clinic seoul
mtf breast augmentation surgery evita clinic seoul


2

Enhancing Yourself Through Surgery

Operation

Patients are required to fast for at least 6 hours prior to surgery. The procedure is performed under Monitored Anesthetic Care (MAC) and typically takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Throughout the operation, vital signs are continuously monitored to ensure safety and stability. Surgical precision is prioritized to achieve balanced implant positioning and natural contour formation.

After surgery, patients remain in the recovery area for structured observation before discharge. Detailed postoperative instructions and a supportive compression garment are provided to promote healing and implant stabilization.


3

Embrace the Change

Recovery

Recovery is a gradual process focused on stable healing, comfort, and long-term aesthetic refinement.

Mild swelling, tightness, and temporary sensitivity are common during the first few days. Most patients are able to resume light daily activities shortly after surgery while avoiding strenuous movement.

Sutures are typically removed within 1–2 weeks, and structured scar management protocols are introduced early to optimize healing. Final breast shape continues to soften and settle over several months as swelling gradually subsides.

  • Light daily activity: approximately 3–5 days
  • Suture removal: approximately 10–14 days, when required
    Avoid heavy lifting and upper-body exercise: approximately 4–6 weeks
  • Supportive garment: according to individual instructions
    Initial implant settling: approximately 2–3 months
  • Recommended stay in Korea: at least 7 days; approximately 10 days when possible
MTF top surgery recovery and follow-up with Dr. Jeon at Evita Clinic

MTF TOP Surgery – Frequently Asked Questions

What is MTF Top Surgery?

MTF Top Surgery, also known as transfeminine breast augmentation, is a gender-affirming surgery designed to create a feminine chest for transgender women and transfeminine individuals.
The procedure is typically performed using breast implants to achieve a natural feminine breast contour.

MTF Top Surgery is suitable for transgender women and transfeminine or non-binary individuals seeking a more feminine chest.
Each patient is evaluated individually based on body structure, chest anatomy, skin quality, and personal goals.

Feminizing hormone therapy is not an absolute requirement for MTF top surgery. However, when medically appropriate and desired by the patient, allowing time for natural breast development before surgery may help clarify the amount of additional volume and skin expansion needed. The decision and timing are individualized according to age, health history, hormone use, existing breast development, and surgical goals.

At Evita Clinic, MTF Top Surgery is performed using breast implants only, without fat grafting.
The surgical plan is customized based on chest width, tissue characteristics, and desired breast shape, with a focus on long-term safety and natural results.

The inframammary fold incision is the standard approach at Evita Clinic because it provides direct access for precise pocket creation, implant positioning, and bleeding control. A periareolar incision may be considered in selected patients when the areolar diameter and existing tissue are appropriate. The final incision is confirmed after examination.

Evita Clinic primarily uses the Dual Plane technique, where the upper portion of the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, and the lower portion rests under the breast tissue.
This technique helps reduce implant visibility, improves upper-chest coverage, and creates a more natural feminine breast slope—especially important for patients with limited natural breast tissue.

Implant type, size, and placement are carefully planned to achieve the most natural feminine chest possible.
However, results may vary depending on individual rib cage structure, skin elasticity, and soft tissue volume.
The goal is harmony with the body rather than excessive size.

Yes. Choosing an excessively large implant from the start can increase the risk of complications such as implant malposition, rippling, bottoming-out, or tissue strain.
In some cases, a staged approach—starting with a moderate size and increasing later—may be recommended for safety and long-term stability.

No. Breast implants are long-term medical devices, but they are not lifetime devices. They do not need to be replaced automatically at a fixed number of years; however, implant rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast shape, or the patient’s preferences may eventually make imaging, revision, removal, or replacement appropriate.

Possible risks include bleeding, hematoma, infection, delayed wound healing, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, implant visibility or rippling, malposition, bottoming-out, capsular contracture, implant rupture, seroma, unsatisfactory contour, and the need for implant removal, exchange, or revision surgery. Rare implant-associated conditions are discussed during informed consent according to the implant type and current safety information.

Smoking and nicotine use should be stopped at least one week before surgery and for at least two weeks after surgery. A longer period may be recommended according to wound-healing risk. This includes cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine-containing products.

For international patients, it is recommended to stay in Korea for at least 10 days to 2 weeks after MTF Top Surgery.
This allows adequate time for postoperative monitoring, wound checks, and follow-up care before returning home.

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