[Thoracic reassignment surgeries]

Abstract

Thoracic reassignment surgeries are the most common gender reassignment surgeries. They represent the first and sometimes the only step in the reassignment process for transgender patients. Surgical techniques for thoracic reassignment derive from those used for the cisgender population and are accessible to plastic surgeons who do not usually treat transgender patients. On the other hand, there are some anatomical differences between men and women that they should understand, for instance, the positioning of the neo-NAC, the neo-inframammary fold and the scars. It is therefore important to understand these anatomical differences in order to optimize the cosmetic results of these surgeries so that they correspond to the expectations of these patients. In addition, the plastic surgeon will also have to be careful to adapt his approach to the relational level, with these patients, such as avoiding misgendering or using the "dead name". Finally, even if these operations are theoretically covered at 100% by the French health insurance, a request for prior agreement may be required in certain cases.

Keywords: Augmentation mammaire; Breast augmentation; Chest feminization; Chirurgie de réassignation de genre; Féminisation thoracique; Gender reassignment surgery; Masculinisation thoracique; Mastectomie; Mastectomy; Thoracic masculinization; Top surgery; Torsoplastie; Transgender; Transidentité.