Background: Gender-affirming mastectomy has been shown to significantly improve body image, quality of life, and psychosocial functioning among transmasculine individuals in the immediate postoperative period. However, few studies have examined the persistence of patient-reported outcomes over time. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate chest satisfaction and quality of life several years following gender-affirming mastectomy. Methods: A cross-sectional patient-reported outcome measure survey study was conducted from February 2022 to July 2022 among individuals who were greater than two-years postoperative from gender-affirming mastectomy. The primary outcomes were scores on the BODY-Q Chest and Nipples scales and the Gender Congruence and Life Satisfaction (GCLS) Chest, Psychological Functioning, and Life Satisfaction subscales. Results: Of the 237 patients surveyed, 152 individuals completed the survey instrument (64% response rate). Responders’ median current age was 31 years old, with a median time since surgery of 3.4 years. Responders reported high satisfaction with chest and nipple appearance, reflected in median BODY-Q Chest and Nipples scores of 87/100 and 90/100, respectively. GCLS scores were similarly high, with medians of 5.0/5.0 for Chest, 4.8/5.0 for Psychological Functioning, and 3.9/5.0 for Life Satisfaction. Conclusions: Gender-affirming mastectomy is associated with high chest appearance satisfaction, psychological functioning, and life satisfaction several years after surgery. These findings affirm the persistent benefits of GAM and offer valuable evidence for patients, providers, and policymakers. Future research should include multi-center, prospective studies with extended follow-up to further evaluate the long-term effects of gender-affirming surgical interventions.
Haley et al. (Fri,) studied this question.