Are you thinking to yourself, “I know all about chest binding dangers, that’s why I’m using a specifically designed chest binder from FTM underworks…. I’m safe!”

You’re wrong!

Most people seem to know that binding with tapes and bandages can be dangerous, but few people realize that the same risks apply to chest binders.

And the damages do occur: bruised ribs, deformed ribs, broken ribs, lung collapse,….

Here’s the story from a guy who’d been wearing ONLY  Underworks binders for 6 years:

• He developed costochondritis (rib inflammation)
• His ribs are deformed and compressed into his lungs
• Some of his muscles have shifted position….

Chest Binding Dangers – FTM Transition

Watch this chest binding dangers video first to see what and what happens when a binder compresses the ribs.

Chest and Ribs Anatomy

If you take a look at the illustrations, you will see that the binder sits right on top of the ribs.

The compression here can damage small blood vessels, compress the breast tissue, slow down blood flow to the lymph nodes, and create clots (that could get to the heart and provoke a mild heart attack).

The ribs have a very important role: they protect the lungs located right below them.

Unfortunately ribs are fairly easy to break.

• Some people break a rib just from sneezing too hard
• If you’ve ever learned to perform CPR on those modern mannequins, you know that it’s actually hard NOT to break the patients ribs

What Happens If A Rib-Bone Fractures?

• If you’re lucky you are left with severe pain.
• If you’re not so lucky, the rib punctures the lung as it breaks.

Upon the puncturation of the lung, air starts filling the space between the chest wall and the lung itself, resulting in partial or full collapse of the lung (also known as pneumothorax).

This can be lethal.

Did I scare you off?

I don’t think so. For many of us, chest binding is a necessity and we are willing to take some risks. (I bind using a binder too!)

But what I do hope for is for transguys to stop binding so tight that they permanently damage their bodies and mess up their chances of getting top surgery later on.

Chest Binding Dangers – The Symptoms

That being said, get familiar with a few of the symptoms associated with lung collapse so you can go to the hospital right away (or take a friend to the hospital) if you notice these symptoms:

• Sharp stabbing chest pain or pressure (that worsens on breathing or deep inhalations)
• The pain may radiate to the back and/or shoulder
• Feeling out of breath

• Dry cough

 

Top 8 Chest Binding Dangers:

Thanks to Evan_J’s comment on Laura’s Playground for this list, and for sharing the stroy of the transguy with Ch.. at the top of this article!

1. Small vessel damge and tissue injury
2. Bruising and fracturing of ribs
3. Lung Collapse
4. Spinal (back) problems
5. Low blood flow to the heart (could result in a heart attack)
6. decreased lung compacity (lungs only functioning to 30 and 40 %)
7. Decreased blood flow in the lymph nodes in the breast area. This could cause clots, damage to your circulation and lead to lymphatic cancer due to the bacteria build up and clogging of the lymph-nodes.
8. There have been reports about clots, blood clots and lack or circulation causing numbness and permanent loss of sensation in the breast/chest area.

Related Chest binding articles you might be interested in:

• Introduction to chest binding
• 5 Chest binding methods (2 DIY)
• Evan_J’s comment on Laura’s playground

 

Did you learn something new and interesting in this article?

If you did, please share this page with other transguys. It’s life saving stuff!

1. Chest Binders

The chest binder is by far the safest and most efficient binding method. They are made of compressing material and come in varying sizes, designs, colors and were specifically designed to flatten out the female chest.

You might want to check out this video on chest binding, and this article on chest binders (including compression vests).

Pros:

1. Very efficient
2. Won’t move out of place or fall off even when exercising (although I recommend using a sports bra for intense workouts)
3. They are relatively quick and easy to put on and take off
4. Used correctly they won’t damage your skin.

Cons:

1. They can be expensive ($40~$80 + shipping)
2. Might be uncomforable for individuals with particularly large chest.

DIY Chest Binding Methods (cheaper)

Check out this quick video to follow along

2. The “TransInnovated Epic Compression Shorts” DIY Chest Binding Method

Thanks to Nekoboi17 (youtube) for sharing this method. 

Skills required:

• Knowing how to use scissors
• Know how to sew a very small patch of fabric.

1. Get some compressing shorts. Adjust for your chest size.
2. Cut the shorts using scissors along the dotted red lines (see illustration).
3. Sew the part together along the green lines (see illustration).

 

… And Voila, you can put it on
(PS: you might have to try out different short sizes at first until you get the one that provides you with the amount of compression you like).

Pros:

1. Cheaper ($15 ~ $ 40)
2. You can adapt it to fit your size (also works for larger breasts).

Cons:

1. Might not last too long
2. Might not bind as well as chest binders.

3. The “FTM Hacked T-shirt – version 1.0” DIY Chest Binding Method

Whatever binding method you use, I think everyone who wants to pass on a regular basis should have heard of this method. It’s so simple that it can be used anywhere in the world no matter what country you happen to be in.

Thanks to Vynnie (youtube) for sharing this method.

Skills required:

• Cutting with scissors
• Some arm acrobatics

 

1. Get a Large T-shirt (larger than your regular size).
2. Cut off the lower part of the T-shirt along the red dotted line (see illustration).
3. Wrap the newly created “shirt ring” around your chest (there should be extra fabric hanging on the side).
4. Then, twist the T-shirt around at the side (creating 2 “rings:” one around your chest and one hanging on your side)
5. Try to fit that second ring aver your arms until it lands on top of your breasts (where the first ring already is).

(PS: you might have to try out different short sizes at first until you get the one that provides you with the amount of compression you like).

… and voila. Nothing else is required.

Pros:

1. Cheaper (all you need is a large T-shirt)
2. Can do it anywhere in the world, even if you’re on vacation at the most remote place on earth.
3. Can be adjusted to your specific size.

Cons:

1. Might not bind too well
2. May fall out of place

4. The Neoprene Waist Trimmers Binding Method

Neoprene is the kind of material used in diving suits and neoprene waist trimmers are relatively easy to find.

• While they are virtually useless as a slimming method, they work quite well as a chest binding method

Pros:

1. Cheaper ($ 7 ~ $ 40)
2. Binds pretty well

Cons:

1. Will make you sweat
2. Will quickly damage your skin if you wear them for too long.
3. Pretty thick and more difficult to “hide” under T-shirts.

Tips:
Use a thin tank top in between your skin and the neoprene (See illustration).
Attach the velcro part of the waist trimmer on your side, (under your arm pit).

5. Tape and Ace bandages

I will not cover these methods as I do not recommend them. They are dangerous and can damage your lungs, ribs, spine and breast tissue.

 

Extra Tip For Individuals with Larger Breasts

When binding, try to move each breast to the side (towards the arm pits) rather than towards the middle. This will make you look “larger” on the sides, and “flatter” on the front (similar to most bio males).

That’s it guys,

Here are a few additional links you might want to check out:

• My other Chest Binding video
• Nekoboi17′s original Youtube video
• Vynnie’s original youtube video.

Amazon links (I’m an affiliate):

• Neoprene Waist Trimmers
• Spandex Shorts

If you found these methods helpful, feel free to share them with your friends, and write about your experience in the comment section below!