What is the hip feminization surgery?

Hip feminization surgery is a cosmetic procedure that aims to create a more feminine shape of the hips by augmenting the width and curvature of the pelvic bone. This surgery can be a desirable option for transgender women who want to achieve a more hourglass figure and enhance their gender expression. In this blog post, we will explain what hip feminization surgery is, how it is performed, what are the benefits and risks, and who is a suitable candidate for this procedure. We will also introduce you to Dr. Mehmet Fatih Okyay, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in hip feminization surgery and other gender-affirming procedures.

What is the difference between hip feminization surgery and other hip augmentation methods?

Hip augmentation is a general term that refers to any technique that increases the size or shape of the hips. There are different methods of hip augmentation, such as fat transfer, silicone implants, or metal implants. However, not all of these methods can achieve the same results or address the same needs of transgender women.

Fat transfer, also known as liposculpture or lipofilling, involves harvesting fat from one part of the body (usually the abdomen) and injecting it into the hips. This method can create a natural-looking and soft-feeling result, but it has some limitations. First, it requires enough donor fat to be available, which may not be the case for some transgender women who have a low body fat percentage. Second, it does not change the underlying bone structure of the hips, which may still be narrow or angular. Third, it has a high rate of fat absorption by the body, which means that some of the injected fat will disappear over time and may require repeated treatments.

Silicone implants are another option for hip augmentation. They are made of solid or semi-solid silicone material that is shaped like a half-oval or a teardrop. They are inserted under the skin and muscle of the hips through small incisions on the lower back. Silicone implants can create a more dramatic and permanent change in the hip width and projection, but they also have some drawbacks. First, they may look or feel unnatural or hard, especially if they are too large or too close to the surface. Second, they may cause complications such as infection, inflammation, implant displacement, capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant), or implant rupture.

Hip feminization surgery is a new and innovative technique that uses metal implants to widen and curve the pelvic bone itself. The metal implants are custom-made for each patient using a 3D printer and are attached to the iliac crest (the curved ridge at the top of the pelvic bone) with screws. This method can create a more feminine shape of the hips at the skeletal level, which can enhance the overall body proportions and harmony. Hip feminization surgery has several advantages over other methods of hip augmentation. First, it does not depend on the availability or quality of donor fat or silicone implants. Second, it does not alter or damage the soft tissue of the hips, which preserves its natural appearance and sensation. Third, it has a low risk of complications such as infection, implant migration, implant failure, or nerve damage.

How is hip feminization surgery performed?

Hip feminization surgery is performed by Dr. Mehmet Fatih Okyay, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience and expertise in gender-affirming procedures. Dr. Okyay is one of the few surgeons in the world who offers this innovative technique and has successfully performed it on many transgender women.

The procedure takes less than an hour under general anesthesia and involves the following steps:

• A 3D scan of the patient’s pelvis is taken to create a digital model of their bone structure.
• Based on this model, metal implants are designed and printed using titanium alloy, which is biocompatible and durable.
• Small incisions are made on the lower back (posterior superior iliac spine) to hide the scars with clothes.
• The muscles are undermined to create a tunnel for the implant.
• The implants are drilled with screws onto the surface of the iliac crest.
• The incisions are closed with sutures and covered with dressings.

What are the benefits and risks of hip feminization surgery?

Hip feminization surgery can provide several benefits for transgender women who want to achieve a more feminine body shape. Some of these benefits are:

• Increased hip width and curvature, which can create an hourglass figure and improve body proportions.
• Enhanced gender expression and confidence, which can positively affect mental health and well-being.
• Permanent results that do not require maintenance or revision.
• Minimal scarring that can be easily concealed with clothing.
• Short recovery time that allows patients to resume normal activities within a few days.

Like any surgical procedure, hip feminization surgery also carries some risks and potential complications. Some of these risks are:

• Pain, swelling, bruising, or numbness in the surgical area, which usually subside within a few weeks.
• Infection, bleeding, or hematoma (blood collection), which may require antibiotics or drainage.
• Loosening of the implant or screw, which may cause discomfort or asymmetry and may require revision surgery.
• Injury to the nerves, blood vessels, or organs near the implant, which may cause temporary or permanent damage and may require additional treatment.
• Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome, which may be due to unrealistic expectations, poor communication, or technical errors and may require revision surgery.

Who is a suitable candidate for hip feminization surgery?

Hip feminization surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every transgender woman who wants to have wider hips. It is a highly individualized procedure that requires careful evaluation and consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon. Some of the factors that determine the suitability of a candidate for hip feminization surgery are:

• Age: The ideal age for hip feminization surgery is between 18 and 40 years old. Younger patients have more flexible and adaptable bones that can accommodate the implants better. Older patients may have more brittle or osteoporotic bones that may not support the implants well.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy can affect the fat distribution and muscle mass of the hips. Patients who have been on hormone therapy for at least one year may have more feminine hips than those who have not. However, hormone therapy alone may not be enough to create the desired hip shape for some patients, especially if they have a narrow or masculine bone structure.
• Body type: The body type of the patient can influence the feasibility and outcome of hip feminization surgery. Patients who have a slim or athletic build may benefit more from hip feminization surgery than those who have a chubby or muscular build. Patients who have excess fat or skin on their hips may need to undergo liposuction or skin excision before or after hip feminization surgery to achieve optimal results.
• Expectations: The expectations of the patient should be realistic and aligned with the capabilities and limitations of hip feminization surgery. Patients should understand that hip feminization surgery can create a more feminine shape of the hips, but it cannot change other aspects of their body such as their height, weight, chest size, or facial features. Patients should also be aware of the possible risks and complications of hip feminization surgery and be prepared to deal with them if they occur.

Conclusion

Hip feminization surgery is a new and innovative technique that can help transgender women achieve a more feminine shape of the hips by augmenting the width and curvature of the pelvic bone. This procedure can provide several benefits such as improved body proportions, enhanced gender expression, and permanent results. However, it also carries some risks and potential complications that should be considered carefully. Hip feminization surgery is not suitable for everyone and requires a thorough evaluation and consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Okyay is one of the few surgeons in the world who offers this procedure and has successfully performed it on many transgender women. If you are interested in hip feminization surgery or any other gender-affirming procedure, you can contact Dr. Okyay through his website here.

Visit the Dr.MFO Instagram profile for examples of successful Surgeries.

FAQ

Q: How much does hip feminization surgery cost?

A: The cost of hip feminization surgery depends on various factors such as the location, the surgeon, the hospital, and the implant size. According to Dr. Okyay, the cost for the implant is $4,500, and the hospital fee is $10,000, including anesthesia and other supplies.

Q: How long does it take to recover from hip feminization surgery?

A: The recovery time from hip feminization surgery varies from patient to patient depending on their healing process and their adherence to post-operative instructions. Generally speaking, patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few days after surgery. However, they should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or pressure on their hips for at least six weeks after surgery.

Q: Will I need to wear a compression garment after hip feminization surgery?

A: Yes, you will need to wear a compression garment around your hips for about four weeks after hip feminization surgery. This will help reduce swelling, bruising, and bleeding and support your implants in place.

Q: Will I have visible scars after hip feminization surgery?

A: Hip feminization surgery involves making small incisions on the lower back that are hidden by clothing. The scars are usually very faint and barely noticeable after they heal. However, some patients may have more visible or keloid scars depending on their skin type and genetics.