Male chest reconstruction

Male chest reconstruction
Transgender man with healed double incision chest reconstruction, 2020
ICD-9-CM	85
[edit on Wikidata]

Male chest reconstruction refers to any of various surgical procedures to masculinise the chest by removing breast tissue or altering the nipples and areolae. Male chest reconstruction may be performed in cases of gynecomastia and gender dysphoria. Transmasculine people may pursue chest reconstruction, also known as top surgery, as part of transitioning.

The removal of breast tissue in male chest reconstruction is a type of mastectomy called a subcutaneous (under the skin) mastectomy. This type of mastectomy removes tissue from inside the breast (subcutaneous tissue), as well as excess skin. The surgeon then contours the chest into a masculine shape, altering the size and position of the areolae and nipples as needed.

Those undergoing male chest reconstruction may opt to forgo nipple grafts, with the intent of having a completely blank, flat chest, or, to have them tattooed on at a later date. Some patients may also request specific shapes for the nipples that will be reattached, such as hearts or stars; some surgeons may have no qualms with providing this service, while others may feel less skilled or experienced in creating 'non binary' top surgery chests.^[1][2][3]