Crowdsourcing the Ideal Nipple-Areolar Complex Position for Chest Masculinization Surgery

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery
• Human Factors Research

Background:

• Chest masculinization surgery is increasingly performed.
• The optimal nipple-areolar complex (NAC) position for male chest masculinization remains undefined.
• Aesthetic outcomes are crucial for patient satisfaction in gender-affirming surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most aesthetically favorable nipple-areolar complex (NAC) position for male chest masculinization.
• To utilize crowdsourcing to gather preferences on NAC localization.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for NAC placement in chest masculinization.

Main Methods:

• Eight nipple-areolar complex (NAC) positions were digitally created based on existing literature.
• Amazon Mechanical Turk was used for crowdsourcing participant preferences.
• Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey HSD) was performed to compare NAC position favorability scores.

Main Results:

• 819 respondents participated in the survey.
• NAC positions C and A received the highest favorability scores.
• Lateral and inferior NAC placements were preferred over medial and superior placements.

Conclusions:

• Aesthetic preferences indicate that lateral and inferior nipple-areolar complex (NAC) placements are favored in male chest masculinization.
• The study recommends an inferior and lateral NAC position.
• Shared decision-making between patient and surgeon is essential for achieving aesthetic goals in chest masculinization.