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Female Body Shape and Different Body Types

Often, persons assigned female at birth (AFAB) and who go through an estrogenic puberty tend to store fat in regions of the body such as the hips, buttocks and thighs. Sometimes, trans women and non-binary and gender-diverse feminine spectrum trans folks who underwent an androgenic puberty may experience discomfort or gender dysphoria related to their body fat distribution.  It’s possible to reduce these feelings of dysphoria through a variety of surgical and lifestyle choices. However, there are limitations which we’ll cover below.

The Difference Between Androgenic and Estrogenic Body Forms

The pubertal development someone undergoes generally determines the bone structure they will have as an adult. Alterations in the bony framework are unlikely with hormone therapy, and surgical modification of the pelvis comes with significant risks that can outweigh the benefits based on current surgical techniques.

Androgenic Body Forms (assigned male at birth, pass through a testosterone-influenced puberty)

• Increased subcutaneous fat deposition along the abdomen and flanks
• Narrow pelvic brims (see figure A below)
• Lower body fat than estrogenic forms
• Common waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the ratio of 0.85 to 0.95 (differences in fat deposition lead to varying degrees of WHR)
• Gluteal form has a ‘flatness’ or concavity (see figure C below)

Estrogenic Body Forms (assigned female at birth, pass through an estrogen-influenced puberty)

• Greater proportion of fat deposited in the gluteal areas and hips
• Wider pelvic brims (see figure B above)
• 10% more body fat compared to androgenic forms
• Common waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the ratio of 0.65 to 0.80 (The WHR varies due to differences in fat deposition)
• Gluteal form has a ‘fuller’ round shape (See figure D above)

The Effect of Hormone Therapy on Body Physique

It has long been assumed that the hormone estrogen was largely responsible for the difference in fat distribution. While every body produces estrogen, levels tend to be significantly higher in people who are AFAB. As a result, AFAB folks tend to develop breasts and are more prone to store subcutaneous fat around the hips and thighs. People who are AMAB tend to produce far less estrogen.

In order to reduce the physiologic changes that occur during and after puberty, transwomen and transfeminine folk may take estrogen or estradiol. This hormone helps to achieve a feminization through introduction of breast development, altered fat distribution, softening skin and altering mood. Patients may also take testosterone blockers such as spironolactone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, leuprolide, finasteride, and progesterone.

Although Dr. Mosser doesn’t require anyone to be on HRT for body contouring or top surgery, being on estrogen for a year prior may have a positive effect on fat distribution and gluteal shape.

MTF/N Body Contouring

WHR (mentioned previously) is used to compare the narrowest aspect of the space between the ribs to the widest aspect of the buttocks. Although an absolute number is not agreed upon, most tend to suggest that 0.7 is an approximate WHR that would reduce experiences of gender dysphoria.

As you can see in the above figures, gluteal forms differ. An AMAB gluteal form tends to have a flatness or concavity at the mid-lateral buttock, and a relative absence of lateral hip fullness. A smooth inward sweep of the waist and lower back are characteristic of a more feminine form. Therefore, approaches in body contouring for transwomen and feminine-spectrum trans folks aim at increasing the fatty tissue in the gluteal region to highlight a distinct transition from the lower back.

Lowering the waistline through MTF/N trunk liposuction in the abdominal and flank regions can have a significant impact on the fit of feminine clothing, which tends to accentuate the waist.

Different Body Types

Every body is unique, and here are four examples of AFAB body types. Use these images to help guide your decision making around your gender-affirming body contour goals. Schedule a consultation with us so we can learn more about your body contouring goals.