Chest Surgery

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Chest Surgery

Below are the surgical options for transgender patients. Typically a team from multiple specialties will perform these surgeries. They could include: plastic surgeons, urologists, ear nose and throat surgeons and gynaecological surgeons. The goal is to affirm the physical appearance and functional abilities of the gender that they identify as. Not all transgender people will undergo surgical intervention and pathways for gender affirmation differ widely, depending on the individual, their goals, their health and their needs.

Note: Gender affirming surgeries are not specifically identified within the current Medicare Benefits Schedule, some may be an option for a Medicare rebate but this is often unclear. Gender affirming surgeries are often also restricted in the state-based public hospital services of Australia. ASPS are active participants in the Australian Collaborative on Access to Gender Affirming Medical Services (ACA-GAMS). The purpose of the Collaborative is to work towards improving access to gender affirming surgeries and health related services.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

Below is a list of gender affirming chest surgery types:

Feminising chest surgery, by any method, including but not limited to, insertion of prostheses, autologous fat graft or local flaps
Masculinising chest surgery without surgical repositioning of the nipple areolar complex
Masculinising chest surgery with surgical repositioning of the nipple areolar complex

What is feminising chest surgery?

Feminising chest surgery is surgery to achieve a more feminine looking appearance through a surgical procedure that uses saline or silicone implants to augment the size and shape of the breasts.

Feminising chest surgery requires informed decision making to ensure the result meets the desired outcome. There are a variety of techniques to perform the surgery including a variety of sizes and shapes of breast implants and a more subtle technique: autologous fat grafting.

What is masculinising chest surgery?

Masculinising chest reconstruction surgery, also known as “top surgery,” is a surgical option for transgender people who want to reduce or remove their breasts, to achieve a more masculine chest.

There are a variety of surgical techniques. These include the most common double incision procedure, as well as minimal scar techniques such as the keyhole or periareolar incision, as well as different skin excision procedures and procedures which may preserve the nerve supply to the nipples, such as the inverted T or the buttonhole technique. A thorough discussion with a surgeon who is comfortable with performing all of the available methods is the best way to match your desires, priorities and anatomy with the best procedure for you.

What is re-positioning of the nipple areola complex?

The nipple areolar complex may be surgically re-positioned during mastectomy to achieve a natural appearing masculine chest. A thorough discussion with your surgeon on your desired outcome is essential.

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This website is intended to provide you with general information only. This information is not a substitute for advice from your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and does not contain all the known facts about this procedure or every possible side effect of surgery. It is important that you speak to your surgeon before deciding to undergo surgery. If you are not sure about the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment, or anything else relating to your procedure, ask your surgeon to explain.