• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.262-266
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• 2019

Transsexual individuals with gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder are rare, with a prevalence reported to range from 0.002% to 0.014%. Studies have shown that mastectomy yields significant improvements in body image and self-esteem in female-to-male transsexual patients. In patients with grade III breast ptosis, mastectomy with a nipple-areolar complex (NAC) graft is the most commonly used technique, although it has several disadvantages. In the case described herein, a bilateral mastectomy preserving the NAC in an inferior pedicle was performed. Additionally, a thin superior thoracic dermal-fat flap was preserved and eventually sutured at the previous inframammary fold, preventing an inverted T scar. This case shows the advantage of this technique for preserving the blood supply and innervation of the NAC, with a low hypopigmentation risk. Furthermore, in this technique, the patch effect does not impair the results of the NAC graft, and there is no need to use an inverted T scar that may result in thoracic feminization.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2023

Background An increasing number of nonbinary patients are receiving gender-affirming procedures due to improved access to care. However, the preferred treatments for nonbinary patients are underdescribed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the goals and treatments of nonbinary patients. Methods A retrospective study of patients who self-identified as nonbinary from our institutional Gender Health Program was conducted. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, surgical goals, and operative variables were analyzed. Results Of the 375 patients with gender dysphoria, 67 (18%) were nonbinary. Over half of the nonbinary patients were assigned male at birth (n = 57, 85%) and nearly half preferred the gender pronoun they/them/theirs (n = 33, 49%). A total of 44 patients (66%) received hormone therapy for an average of 2.5±3.6 years, primarily estrogen (n = 39). Most patients (n = 46, 69%) received or are interested in gender-affirming surgery, of which, almost half were previously on hormone therapy (n = 32, 48%). The most common surgeries completed or desired were facial feminization surgery (n = 15, 22%), vaginoplasty (n = 15, 22%), mastectomy (n = 11, 16%), and orchiectomy (n = 9, 13%). Nonbinary patients who were assigned male at birth (NB-AMAB) were more often treated with hormones compared to nonbinary patients assigned female at birth (NB-AFAB) (72% vs. 30%, p = 0.010). Conversely, patients who were AFAB weremore likely to complete or desire surgical intervention than those who were AMAB (100% vs. 63.0%, p < 0.021). Conclusion Majority of nonbinary patients were assigned male at birth. NB-AFAB patients all underwent surgical treatment, whereas NB-AMAB patients were predominantly treated with hormone therapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2022

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) refers to a set of procedures aimed at altering the features of a masculine face to achieve a more feminine appearance. In the second part of this two-part series, assessment and operations involving the midface, mandible, and chin, as well as soft tissue modification of the nasolabial complex and chondrolaryngoplasty, are discussed. Finally, we provide a review of the literature on patient-reported outcomes in this population following FFS and suggest a path forward to optimize care for FFS patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.503-510
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• 2021

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) incorporates aesthetic and craniofacial surgical principles and techniques to feminize masculine facial features and facilitate gender transitioning. A detailed understanding of the defining male and female facial characteristics is essential for success. In this first part of a two-part series, we discuss key aspects of the general preoperative consultation that should be considered when evaluating the prospective facial feminization patient. Assessment of the forehead, orbits, hairline, eyebrows, eyes, and nose and the associated procedures, including scalp advancement, supraorbital rim reduction, setback of the anterior table of the frontal sinus, rhinoplasty, and soft tissue modifications of the upper and midface are discussed. In the second part of this series, bony manipulation of the midface, mandible, and chin, as well as soft tissue modification of the nasolabial complex and chondrolaryngoplasty are discussed. Finally, a review of the literature on patient-reported outcomes in this population following FFS is provided.