Tips and Tricks in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Gender Affirming Care

Background:

• Gender-affirming mastectomy is a crucial procedure for treating gender dysphoria.
• It significantly enhances the quality of life for transgender and gender-nonbinary individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify controllable operative variables for achieving aesthetic and reproducible outcomes in double-incision mastectomy.
• To outline critical factors for optimizing chest wall contour, nipple position, and scar concealment.

Main Methods:

• Focus on defining the pectoralis muscle for chest wall contour.
• Strategic incision planning along the inferior and lateral borders of the pectoralis major.
• Ensuring complete breast tissue removal in specific chest and axillary regions.

Main Results:

• Incisions placed outside the inframammary fold and thorough tissue removal create aesthetically pleasing chest walls with concealed scars.
• Nipple resizing and repositioning inferiorly and laterally enhance aesthetic outcomes.
• Preoperative planning and on-table adjustments are vital for achieving desired results.

Conclusions:

• Controlling chest wall contour, nipple position, and scar placement are paramount for aesthetic success in gender-affirming mastectomy.
• Meticulous surgical planning and execution lead to gender-congruent and aesthetically pleasing chest results.