Mastectomy

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which breast tissue is removed to achieve a masculine appearance of the chest. It is a safe and effective surgery to treat gender dysphoria in transgender men.

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Mastectomy in Spain

Mastectomy can be carried out in different ways depending on the size of the breasts. If the breasts are small, you could undergo a mastectomy with subcutaneous nipple conservation, in which the skin, nipple and areola are preserved. This procedure minimizes scarring, has a faster recovery period and usually preserves nipple sensation. If the breasts are bigger, the nipples and areolas may need to be removed, resized, and grafted back into place. This causes more scarring and loss of feeling in the nipples.

The surgeon will determine which is the most appropriate technique for the patient, always taking into account his specific characteristics. Spain is a leader in clinical research based on the most advanced procedures, pioneering in genital, plastic and aesthetic surgery, making them one of the most important treatments in Spain.

VidasPrime puts at your disposal prestigious doctors with extensive experience in this surgery who apply the most successful techniques. You will achieve a male chest contour with excellent aesthetic results and the smallest possible scars, improving your self-esteem and contributing to considerably cure gender dysphoria.

We know how important it is to take this step to start a full life, so we want to be by your side and offer you support at all times during this process. In addition, we offer you quick access to our clinics without waiting lists.

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    Treatment characteristics

    This surgical procedure is suitable for adult transgender women with documented gender dysphoria who have undergone the necessary psychological evaluations and hormonal treatments to reach the final transition stage.

    Before the gender reassignment intervention is performed, the following requirements need to be met, as the changes the patient undergoes are irreversible:

    • Being of full legal age.
    •  Have undergone hormonal therapy for a minimum period of 9 months before the gender reassignment intervention.
    • Maintain contact with a psychologist who can rule out the existence of a transitory psychological condition and who certifies that the patient suffers a real process of transsexuality.
    • Have a certificate processed by a psychiatrist that confirms the diagnosis of transsexuality. This is a necessary legal requirement to carry out the surgical procedure.
    • Sign an informed consent that states the irreversibility of the surgery as well as the possible complications resulting from it.

    Mastectomy is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes between 5 to 7 hours depending on the technique which the surgeon considers necessary.

    These are the different techniques to perform the mastectomy depending on the size of the breasts:

    • Periareolar technique: this surgical technique is used when the breast is small. It consists of making an incision around the areola, through which glandular tissue is removed. This technique allows scars to be minimal.
    • Extended periareolar technique: this technique is usually used when the breasts are voluminous. It consists of making a periareolar incision and another one that is extended towards the armpit area, through which the glandular tissue is extracted. In this case, the scars are more evident than in the periareolar technique, although, with the passage of time, they may be concealed by hair.
    • Free graft technique: the surgeon usually chooses the areola graft technique when the patient is a smoker and has really large breasts.

    If you are a carrier of genetic mutations that increase your risk of breast cancer, you may also choose to have your nipples and areolas completely removed, and then have surgery or a tattoo to recreate their appearance.

    After surgery, you may have to spend the night in the hospital. One or two small plastic tubes may be placed where your breasts were removed to drain any fluid that builds up after surgery. You may not be able to bear weight on your upper body for six weeks.

    After the Mastectomy and recovery, the patient will have a defined, breast free, male torso.

    If everything goes well, you can return to your country once the stitches are removed, which will be approximately 10 days post surgery. However, if you are able to stay in Spain longer, you should ideally remain for three or four weeks in order to monitor your progress. You will be reach full recovery in two to four months.

    Ezra Gent

    United Kingdom

    Ezra Gent tells us about his life as a transgender man and talks about his search for appropriate treatment in Spain with VidasPrime. He also talks about the care he received and his stay abroad for his surgery.

    Relevant information

    Advantages

    • Transformation according to your sexual identity
    • Swimming, playing sports, dressing as you wish without wearing bandages on your chest under your clothes
    • Increased self-confidence
    • Emotional stability

    Risk

    • Reaction to the anesthesia
    • Infection
    • Alterations in the sensitivity of the areola-nipple complex

    Treatment itinerary

    Before treatment

    • Check that you have prepared all the personal documentation (credit card, cash, passport, Identity Card…), medical (reports, prescriptions, images…) and travel (confirmation of accommodation booking, travel tickets…)​.
    • If you take medication of any kind not related to the surgery, do not forget to take with you the necessary amount for your stay in Spain, as well as the medical prescription that will allow you to travel with it without problems.​

    During treatment

    • Once you are in Spain, you will have to make an appointment with your specialist. During this visit, the doctor will open your medical record (for which you will be asked to provide all your medical documentation), perform a physical examination and tell you if any further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
    • If it is not necessary and everything is confirmed, your doctor will tell you when you must go to the preoperative study and will confirm the time of admission for the day of your surgery.
    • If the surgeon has told you to stop taking any medication a few days before the surgery, such as anticoagulants, please do not forget to follow the exact instructions given by the doctor or you will not be able to have the operation!
    • The same goes for any fasting that the doctor indicates, if you do not comply – You will not be able to have the surgery either.

    After treatment

    • After a mastectomy you will need to wear a compression bandage for approximately one month, it is also recommended that you wait at least that long before sleeping on your side.
    • Within two or three days after the operation, the drains will be removed.
    • You will not be able to drive for at least one week (this will depend on your progress).
    • You must not lift or overexert yourself or perform exercises involving chest movement such as running, jumping etc. you must also avoid impact sports.
    • You should follow the instructions given to you by your doctor and the expert physiotherapists to start walking; do not forget that you will need to use crutches so as not to overload the joint and you should avoid any physical overexertion such as from running, carrying weight, sudden rotations or doing impact sports
    • Remember that your recovery time will vary depending on your age, your physical condition, your lifestyle habits and your attitude.
    • Keep in mind that your successful recovery also depends on you!

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