Affirm your gender identity with a mastectomy for transmasculine and nonbinary individuals seeking a flatter chest. At Transitions, our board-certified surgeons—Dr. Leif Rogers and Dr. Walter J. Joseph—specialize in gender-affirming care, using advanced techniques to create natural-looking, masculine contours that align with your authentic self.
Achieve a Masculine Chest That Aligns With Your Authentic Self
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. This procedure is commonly chosen by transmasculine and nonbinary individuals as part of their gender transition. At Transitions, our surgeons use advanced techniques to achieve natural, symmetrical results tailored to your anatomy and goals.
The procedure involves removing glandular breast tissue, fatty tissue, and sometimes excess skin. Depending on your chest size and skin elasticity, our surgeons may recommend different techniques, such as double incision with free nipple grafts or periareolar (keyhole) mastectomy. Each approach is chosen to preserve chest wall structure, enhance definition, and ensure optimal nipple placement to create a result that feels comfortable and visually affirming.
Mastectomy Can Address These Concerns:
- Feeling dysphoric about the presence of breast tissue
- Desire for a flatter, more masculine or androgynous chest
- Discomfort wearing chest binders for long periods
- Difficulty finding clothing that aligns with gender expression
- Physical discomfort from heavy or pendulous breasts
- Emotional distress linked to chest appearance in social or intimate settings
- Limitations in physical activity due to chest size or binding
Do I Qualify for a Mastectomy?
You may qualify for a mastectomy if you’re a transmasculine or nonbinary individual seeking chest masculinization. The ideal candidates are generally in good physical health, have realistic expectations, and experience gender dysphoria related to their chest. Whether you’re just beginning your transition or have been binding for years, this procedure may be right for you.
During your consultation at Transitions, our surgeons will carefully assess your chest anatomy, skin elasticity, overall health, and surgical goals. We’ll also review your medical history and discuss any hormone therapy you may be undergoing. Every detail is considered to ensure your treatment plan is safe, personalized, and aligned with your vision for your authentic self.
What Are the Benefits of a Mastectomy?
Choosing a mastectomy as part of your gender-affirming journey can be deeply liberating—both physically and emotionally. For many transmasculine and nonbinary individuals, this surgery offers lasting relief from chest dysphoria and supports a more authentic self-image in daily life. Here are some of the key advantages of a mastectomy:
- Achieving a flatter, more masculine or androgynous chest contour
- Reducing or eliminating the need to wear a binder
- Enhancing comfort and ease in physical activities
- Expanding clothing options that better align with gender expression
- Improving confidence in social, intimate, and professional settings
- Creating a lasting sense of alignment between body and gender identity
Choose Your Ideal
Mastectomy Technique
At Transitions, we personalize each mastectomy to match your anatomy, goals, and skin characteristics. Our board-certified surgeons will recommend the most appropriate technique based on chest size, skin elasticity, and nipple positioning. Two primary surgical options are commonly used: the double incision and the periareolar (keyhole) technique.
Double Incision Technique
The double incision technique is the most common approach for individuals with medium to large chest sizes or lower skin elasticity. It involves two horizontal incisions made below the pectoral muscles, through which breast tissue and excess skin are removed. The nipples are resized and repositioned as free nipple grafts to achieve a natural, masculine contour. This method offers excellent chest definition and creates a flat, sculpted appearance.
Periareolar (Keyhole) Technique
The periareolar technique—also known as the keyhole method—is best suited for individuals with smaller chests and good skin elasticity. It involves a small incision around the edge of the areola, allowing breast tissue to be removed without repositioning the nipple. Because the scar is limited to the areola’s border, this results in minimal visible scarring. While less invasive, it may not be ideal for those seeking more extensive reshaping.
The Day of Your Mastectomy
You’ll arrive at our in-house surgical facility, where our care team will help you prepare. After meeting with your surgeon one last time to review your plan, you’ll receive general anesthesia to keep you fully asleep during the procedure. Your surgeon will then begin the carefully planned technique—either double incision or periareolar—based on your anatomy and goals.
During surgery, breast tissue is removed to create a flatter chest, and your nipples may be resized and repositioned if needed. Surgical drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup. Once your incisions are closed, you’ll be moved to our recovery area, where your vitals will be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia. Most patients can return home the same day.
Your Recovery Experience After Mastectomy
After your mastectomy, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and tightness in your chest during the initial healing phase. You’ll wear a compression garment to support the chest contour, reduce swelling, and help the skin adhere smoothly to the underlying tissue. Surgical drains, if placed, are typically removed within one to two weeks.
Most patients feel ready to return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, though you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous movement for 4 to 6 weeks. Our team will guide you through every step of recovery, from incision care to resuming normal routines. Follow-up visits are also scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.
Transition Into Your Authentic Self…
Transitions is a comprehensive, gender-affirming surgical center where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered at every step of your transition journey. Our surgeons combine advanced techniques with compassionate care to help you achieve a chest that reflects who you truly are. Whether you’re early in your transition or ready to take the next step, please schedule your consultation in Pasadena and Beverly Hills today.
Redefining
Gender-Affirming
Care & Aesthetics
Transitions: Where Your True Self Emerges
BEVERLY HILLS: 310.860.8915PASADENA: 626.537.3737
