A comparison of perioperative safety for breast augmentation in cis- vs. trans patients

Gender-affirming surgery provides a psychosocial benefit to transgender women. However, increased medical complexity within the transgender population has limited access for some transgender women. This study compared patient population comorbidities and 30-day peri-operative safety following primary augmentation mammoplasty between cis- and transgender women.

Data were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database between 2007 and 2016. Transgender patients were identified using ICD-9 &10 codes for gender dysphoria. Categorical variables were compared using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests while independent t-tests were used for continuous variables. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

There were 4,234 breast augmentations identified in cisgender women and 137 in transgender women. Transgender women had a higher frequency of ASA-II and ASA-III patients (P<0.001), diabetes (P<0.001), hypertension (P=0.006), and active smoking status (P<0.001). Despite the higher comorbidity burden and routine use of hormonal therapy, there were no significant differences between populations in major or minor peri-operative complication rates.

Top surgery improves quality of life in transgender women. Despite the more complex pre-operative risk profile in the transgender population, there is no difference in peri-operative safety profiles. Plastic surgeons treating this patient population should consider more liberal surgical indications for reconstructive top surgery compared with cosmetic breast augmentation.