Progressive Tension Sutures in Gender Affirming Mastectomy

A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing the Effect of Progressive Tension Sutures and Drains to Drains Alone on Rates of Hematoma and Seroma in Gender Affirming Mastectomy for Transgender Men

50 patients seeking gender affirming mastectomy will be treated with different closure techniques in each side of their chest - one side will receive progressive tension sutures between pectoral fascia and the mastectomy flap, and the other side will not. Both sides will have drains in the mastectomy site. Rates of hematoma, seroma, and other complications will be compared between each chest side via standard statistical techniques for hypothesis testing.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being consulted for gender affirming mastectomy with the senior author (AH).
2. >18 years of age at the time of enrollment.
3. Transgender or gender nonbinary gender identity.
4. All co-morbidities and all indications.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age less than 18 years.
2. BMI < 23.