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Background This study aimed to identify patient preferences and outcomes of chest masculinization surgery in patients identifying as nonbinary versus transgender (trans-) males. Methods Patients who underwent chest masculinization (2003–2022) were included. Demographics, medical comorbidities, surgical approaches, complications, secondary procedures, and BODY-Q chest module survey responses were compared between cohorts. Results Three hundred two patients were included. Thirteen percent identified as nonbinary and 87% as trans-male. The most common surgical approach in both groups was double incision with free nipple-areola graft (63% vs 71%, P = 0.33). Nonbinary patients more frequently opted for double incision without free nipple areola graft compared to trans-male patients (18% vs 2.7%, P < 0.001). Other unique surgical requests of nonbinary patients included nipple areola preservation and small breast mound preservation (5.2%) and balance between losing bulk and achieving a more androgynous appearance (5.3%). The survey response rate was 31% (93/302). Both groups reported improved quality of life postoperatively ( P = 0.16). Three nonbinary patients elected not to keep their nipple-areola complexes ( P = 0.005). Trans-male patients were more likely to report having a male chest as very important for their gender identity (82% vs 95%, P = 0.043). Nonbinary patients were less likely to prefer small nipples (82% vs 95%, P = 0.033) and 18% stated that they preferred no nipples (vs 2.7% trans-male patients, P < 0.001). Conclusions Nonbinary patients have distinct surgical preferences regarding nipple-areola complexes. Chest masculinization planning can differ for this group of patients compared to their trans-male counterparts.
Schafer et al. (2024) studied this question.