Body masculinization surgery is a gender affirming body contouring approach designed to help transgender men and nonbinary individuals achieve a more traditionally masculine appearance.
This set of plastic surgery procedures targets areas of feminine fat distribution and sculpts them to create a straighter, more angular body shape.
The results often go beyond what can be achieved with diet, exercise, or hormone therapy alone, allowing patients to attain a more masculine appearance that aligns with their true gender identity.
Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills with extensive experience in transgender surgery. He is highly skilled and compassionate, providing personalized care to help trans men achieve their aesthetic goals with the utmost respect and patient comfort.
WHAT IS BODY MASCULINIZATION SURGERY?
Body masculinization surgery (sometimes called FTM body contouring) refers to a collection of surgical techniques used to give the body a more masculine shape.
It primarily involves targeted liposuction and body sculpting procedures that remove stubborn fat deposits in the torso and lower body, helping create a more masculine appearance. Typical areas addressed include the flanks (love handles), lower abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks: regions where estrogen-driven fat often creates feminine curves. By contouring these areas, the surgeon can eliminate an “hourglass” look and emphasize a straight, angular silhouette. For example, rather than a rounded hip-to-thigh transition, the goal is a smoother line from the waist through the hips, and a firmer, toned buttock that doesn’t protrude in a curvy way.
Cisgender men naturally tend to carry less fat in the lower body and have more of a V-shaped torso, whereas trans masculine patients might still have feminine fat distribution despite testosterone therapy.
Body masculinization surgery directly addresses this by removing unwanted fat cells from specific “problem areas.” The procedure is highly customized to each patient’s needs. One person may need liposuction just at the outer thighs and hips, while another might benefit from a more extensive sculpting of the abdomen and back. In some cases, additional surgical steps like excising excess skin (for instance, a tummy tuck to remove loose skin after significant weight loss) are combined with liposuction to achieve the best results.
BENEFITS OF FTM BODY MASCULINIZATION
Body masculinization surgery offers numerous benefits for transgender men beyond the obvious physical changes. Below are some of the key advantages of FTM body contouring and how it can positively impact patients:
- More masculine body shape - By sculpting a broader-looking upper body and slimming the hips, thighs, and buttocks, FTM body masculinization gives you a traditionally masculine silhouette. You’ll achieve a straighter, V-shaped torso and more angular physique.
- Clothes will fit better - A more masculine torso and lower body contour mean that men’s clothing will fit better. Pants and jeans rest naturally when excess hip and thigh fat is gone, and shirts drape more comfortably over a flatter abdomen.
- Relief from gender dysphoria - After masculinization surgery, patients often report feeling more at ease mentally and emotionally. They can move through life with less anxiety about their body, resulting in improved overall well-being.
- Results beyond hormone therapy or exercise - Even with diligent diet, workouts, and hormone therapy, some fat deposits won’t budge due to genetics and estrogen influence. Body masculinization uses targeted liposuction to remove these stubborn pockets of fat.
Personalized, natural-looking transformation - Every body is different, and Dr. Schwartz customizes body contouring procedures to your anatomy and goals. You’ll simply look like yourself, just with a more masculine build.
REAL TRANSFORMATIONS
See how trans men achieved a more masculine appearance in our before-and-after gallery
WHY CHOOSE DR. SCHWARTZ FOR BODY MASCULINIZATION?
Choosing the right surgeon for your masculinization procedure is crucial for both your results and your experience. Dr. Jaime Schwartz has earned a reputation as a leading expert in transgender body contouring, and he offers several distinct advantages:
- Expert in transgender body contouring - Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with gender affirming procedures, including body masculinization. He understands the unique anatomical considerations and goals of transgender men, and has helped many patients in the transgender community achieve the masculine physiques they desire.
- Personalized approach - There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all. Dr. Schwartz takes a personalized approach with every patient he sees, working with them to build a tailored treatment plan to help them reach their goals.
- Compassionate support for patients - Known for his warm, professional demeanor, Dr. Schwartz and his team pride themselves on providing compassionate, respectful care to transgender patients. From the moment you walk into the Beverly Hills office, you’ll be welcomed into an environment that prioritizes inclusivity, understanding, and patient comfort.
- Comprehensive aftercare and recovery support - Dr. Schwartz’s commitment to your well-being continues through the entire recovery process, including a tailored recovery process (more on this in a moment) to help you heal as quickly as possible and get back to everyday life.
WHAT TO EXPECT: CONSULTATION THROUGH RECOVERY
Undergoing body masculinization with Dr. Schwartz is a journey that involves careful planning, a safe procedure, and attentive follow-up. Here is what you can expect at each stage, from your initial visit to full recovery:
Consultation and Planning
Your experience begins with a private, personalized consultation with Dr. Schwartz. In this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history in detail. Dr. Schwartz will examine your areas of concern (such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, etc.) and talk with you about the changes you envision in your body.
He will explain the surgical options that can achieve your desired outcome. For example, how targeted liposuction will address specific pockets of fat or whether you might benefit from any skin-tightening procedure. This is also the time to ask questions about anesthesia, recovery, and anything else on your mind.
By the end of the consultation, Dr. Schwartz will have crafted a customized surgical plan for your body masculinization. He’ll ensure you understand each recommended step and will provide pre-operative instructions (like maintaining a stable weight, stopping certain medications, and arranging for post-surgery care) so you feel fully prepared and confident moving forward.
Surgical Procedure
On the day of surgery, you will arrive at Dr. Schwartz’s accredited surgical facility in Beverly Hills.
After check-in and pre-op preparations, you’ll meet the anesthesia team who will administer general anesthesia. Dr. Schwartz will perform the body contouring procedures, making small incisions in discreet locations (often hidden in natural creases).
He uses liposuction to carefully remove fat from the targeted areas such as the flanks, hips, thighs, and lower abdomen, sculpting a more masculine outline. If excess skin removal (for example, a mini tummy tuck) is part of your plan, that will be done once the fat is removed to ensure a tight, firm contour.
The surgery may last a few hours depending on the extent of treatment.
Afterward, you’ll rest in a recovery suite as the anesthesia wears off. You can expect to wake up wearing a specialized compression garment on the treated areas. This helps reduce swelling and supports your new contours.
In most cases body masculinization is an outpatient procedure, so once you are alert and stable, you’ll be able to go home the same day with a friend or family member. Dr. Schwartz will give you and your caregiver detailed instructions for the initial recovery and a phone number to contact if you have any concerns after hours. Before you leave, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check on your healing progress.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Thanks to Dr. Schwartz’s signature Rapid Recuperation™ protocol, the healing process is designed to be smoother, faster, and more comfortable than traditional recovery timelines. This approach combines gentle surgical techniques, advanced anesthesia methods, and proactive aftercare to reduce swelling, bruising, and downtime.
Most patients experience mild soreness and fatigue for the first few days, but discomfort is often well managed with minimal medication.
Because of the Rapid Recuperation™ system, many patients are up and moving the same day and can return to light daily activities within a few days. Most take about one week off work. More strenuous activities, including lifting and exercise, should be avoided for 2–3 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Schwartz.
You’ll return for scheduled follow-ups so Dr. Schwartz can monitor your healing and make sure you’re recovering well. As the swelling fades over the first few weeks, your new shape will begin to take form. By one to two months post-op, most patients are fully back to their daily routines and enjoying the visible results of their masculinization surgery.
Throughout your recovery, Dr. Schwartz and his team will be available to answer questions and support you every step of the way. The goal of Rapid Recuperation™ isn’t just faster healing: It’s a safer, more comfortable experience from start to finish.
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READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY?
Your journey toward a more comfortable and authentic life can start with a single step.
If you’re considering body masculinization surgery, Dr. Jaime Schwartz and his team in Beverly Hills are here to support you with expertise, professionalism, and compassion. Contact our office today to schedule your personalized consultation and take the next step in your gender affirmation process.
We are honored to help transgender men and nonbinary patients achieve a more masculine appearance that reflects who they truly are.
Our clinic is located off Wilshire and La Cienega in Beverly Hills.