Comfortable in Their Own Skin

After years of struggling with a large chest, Elliot Gordon (name changed for privacy) decided to look into top surgery, which is the removal of breast tissue to create a more masculine appearance. It’s a form of gender-affirming care.

Gordon developed breasts at a young age and not only found them uncomfortable but as they got older, they did not identify as a woman and did not want breasts. “I never liked having breasts. They caused back and neck pain,” says Gordon. In addition, Gordon has a strong family history of breast cancer. They reached out to Luminis Health to learn about surgical treatment options.

After learning about Gordon’s discomfort, identity and family history, the breast surgery and plastic surgery teams decided to work together to treat Gordon.

A Luminis Health breast surgeon performed a double mastectomy to remove breast tissue. The plastic surgery team worked on the reconstruction and design of incisions to give Gordon an aesthetic flat closure.

“It was a great experience,” says Gordon. “Everyone treated me with respect and kindness. I could not have asked for a better team.”

“It was an honor to treat Gordon,” says Derek Masden, MD. “Not only did surgery reduce Gordon’s risk of cancer, it helped them feel comfortable in their own skin.”

In Gordon’s case, the surgery was considered a mastectomy, which is used to treat breast cancer and can be done preventatively for those with a high risk of developing cancer. In other cases, breast removal for gender-affirming care is considered top surgery. While not related to cancer, it is incredibly important for the lives of transgender people. Here are a few benefits of gender-affirming care:

• Improves Mental Health: Gender affirming care can significantly reduce gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that transgender individuals may experience.
• Improves Body Satisfaction: Hormone therapy and surgeries can help transgender individuals feel more comfortable and satisfied with their bodies, reducing feelings of distress or discomfort associated with physical characteristics incongruent with their gender identity.
• Strengthens Relationships: Gender affirming care can help transgender individuals build healthier relationships with themselves and others by fostering self-acceptance, authenticity, and open communication.
• Supports Long-Term Health Outcomes: Gender affirming care can contribute to better long-term health outcomes by addressing both physical and mental health needs, ultimately reducing healthcare disparities among transgender individuals.

If you or someone you know is interested in gender-affirming surgery, please visit our Plastic Surgery group to request a consultation.