Gender-affirming microvascular breast reconstruction

Abstract

Gender-affirming surgery (GAS), including breast feminization, is requested and performed with increasing frequency. Transgender women may seek chest feminization surgery to address gender dysphoria, and such procedures have been shown to increase psychosocial and sexual well-being. Despite the potential effects of hormone therapy and androgen blockade on breast development, the results of glandular growth in adult transgender women are typically disappointing and are often inadequate to achieve the patient’s goals. When evaluating options for breast construction, an implant-based approach meets the needs of most patients. However, patient choice, implant complications, acquired and congenital alterations of chest anatomy and the unique challenges of feminizing a natal male chest occasionally require consideration of other options. We review the few cases of gender-affirming breast reconstruction using autologous tissue published in the literature and summarize the senior author’s approach and technique. We also review two cases of autologous chest feminization by the senior author. Ultimately, while implant-based reconstruction should continue to be the default procedure and offered to the majority of patients, several factors need to be considered when determining the optimal approach to breast feminization for a given patient. In patients with congenital or acquired deformities or a variety of factors where a reasonable outcome cannot be achieved with implants, autologous reconstruction should remain an option.