Masculinizing mastectomy with nipple-areola graft autotransplantation for female-to-male transsexualism

Abstract

To develop the method of masculinizing mammoplasty with nipple grafting female-to-male transsexuals with BMI >30 kg/m2, large breast volume and severe ptosis. There were 114 mastectomies in 57 patients with nipple grafting technique. The methods of areola grafting and scar design were modified to improve aesthetic results. Inclusion criteria were BMI >30 kg/m2, breast size B+ and severe ptosis (Regnault grade ≥2). Anonymous survey for evaluation of aesthetic outcome and quality of life was performed a year after surgery. Postoperative complications included hematoma (5.2%), seroma (7.9%), tangential graft necrosis (9.6%), wound dehiscence (0.8%), ligature-induced inflammation (1.7%), scar hypertrophy (12.2%). Three patients (5.2%) developed nipple hypersensivity in long-term postoperative period. Three patients (5.2%) required redo urgent surgery for hematoma. Additional surgical correction of scar hypertrophy was performed in 4 patients (7%). In a year after surgery, patients rated aesthetic postoperative result as 4.45 out of 5 scores. Masculinizing mammoplasty with areola autotransplantation is preferable for FtM transsexuals with large breast volume and severe ptosis. This surgery ensures a good aesthetic result with minimal secondary corrections and complication rate.