Citation
Rifkin WJ, Robinson IS, Kloer C, Cripps CN, Boyd CJ, Blasdel G, Zhao LC, Bluebond-Langner R. Gender-affirming Mastectomy: Comparison of Periareolar and Double Incision Patterns. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 May 25;10(5):e4356. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004356. PMID: 35646495; PMCID: PMC9132529.
Abstract
Gender-affirming mastectomy has become one of the most frequently performed procedures for transgender and nonbinary patients. Although there are a variety of potential surgical approaches available, the impact of technique on outcomes remains unclear. Here we present our experience performing periareolar and double incision mastectomies, with a focus on comparing patient demographics, preoperative risk factors, and surgical outcomes and complication rates between techniques. Retrospective review identified patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy by the senior author between 2017 and 2020. Patients were stratified according to surgical technique, with demographics and postoperative outcomes compared between groups. In total, 490 patients underwent gender-affirming mastectomy during the study period. An estimated 96 patients underwent periareolar mastectomy, whereas 390 underwent double incision mastectomy. Demographics were similar between groups, and there were no differences in rates of hematoma (3.1% versus 5.6%, respectively; P = 0.90), seroma (33.3% versus 36.4%; P = 0.52), or revision procedures (14.6% versus 15.8% P = 0.84) based on technique. Our results demonstrate no difference in the rates of postoperative complications or revision procedures based on surgical technique. These results also suggest that with an experienced surgeon and proper patient selection, both techniques of gender-affirming mastectomy can be performed safely and with comparable outcomes.
Key Points
- Published in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open in 2022.
- Indexed in PubMed as PMID 35646495.
- Mapped to Gender-Affirming Surgery, Outcomes, Methods & Education.
- Abstract available from PubMed and rendered as static text on this page.
Clinical Relevance
This publication supports a focused body of work on gender-affirming surgery, including patient-centered outcomes, robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, complications, revisions, and measurement of surgical quality.