Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Chest Reconstruction
Chest Reconstruction
Chest reconstruction surgery is sometimes done as part of gender affirmation surgery when a person is changing their gender from female to male. During this surgery, procedures are done to remove breast tissue (mastectomy) and create the appearance of a male chest. All steps of this surgery are usually done at the same time (single-stage surgery). Exact surgical techniques may be different depending on the size of your breasts and nipples. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital.
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You have a well-documented, persistent gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is distress or discomfort that results when the gender assigned at birth differs from your gender identity.
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You have a letter of support from a mental health care provider.
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You have a history of living as a male.
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You have a surgical document signed by you. You must be old enough to consent. This age can vary.
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You understand the goals of the surgery and have realistic expectations.
Tell your health care provider about:
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Any allergies you have.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
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Any blood disorders you have.
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Any surgeries you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
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Infection.
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Bleeding.
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Allergic reactions to medicines.
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Damage to nearby structures or organs.
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Loss of nipple sensation.
What happens before the procedure?
Staying hydrated
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Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.
Eating and drinking restrictions
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8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
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6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
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6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
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2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.
Medicines
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
Surgery safety
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How your surgery site will be marked.
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What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These steps may include:
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Removing hair at the surgery site.
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Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.
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Taking antibiotic medicines.
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General instructions
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.
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If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult care for you for the time you are told. This is important.
What happens during the procedure?
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An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
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You will be given one or more of the following:
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A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
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A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
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A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
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Your surgeon will make incisions under your breasts.
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Breast tissue will be removed. Excess skin may also be removed.
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The skin may be repositioned over your chest muscles to create a male appearance. Sometimes implants are used.
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In some cases, your nipples may need to be repositioned.
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Drains will be placed under your skin to drain fluid that collects after surgery.
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The incision will be closed with stitches (sutures), staples, or adhesives.
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A pressure bandage (dressing) with elastic support will be placed around your chest.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
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Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
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You will have drains to remove fluid. They will be removed at your first visit after surgery.
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You will need to wear a special bandage to support your chest for best healing.
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You may be given medicines for pain.
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Do not drive until your health care provider says it is safe.
Summary
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Chest reconstruction surgery is surgery to create a male chest for people who are changing their gender from female to male.
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You will need to meet certain requirements before having this surgery.
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During this surgery, procedures are done to remove breast tissue and create the appearance of a male chest.
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This surgery is usually done under general anesthesia.
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After surgery, you will have an elastic support dressing to wear until your follow-up visit with your surgeon.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
