Evaluating Access and Outcomes in Gender-affirming Breast Augmentation: A Comparative Study of a County Hospital and an Academic Center.

Background: Research on the diverse patient population undergoing gender-affirming breast augmentation remains scarce. We compared patients undergoing this procedure at San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG), a county hospital, and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), an academic medical center.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary gender-affirming breast augmentation at ZSFG (August 2019 to June 2023) and UCSF (March 2015 to June 2023).

The complexity of online patient education materials for wound care strategies: A readability analysis.

Background: In the United States, over 6 million people are affected by chronic wounds. Patients often rely on the Internet for treatment information; however, these educational materials typically exceed the average eighth-grade health literacy level. This study aimed to assess the readability and language accessibility of online patient education materials on wound care strategies.

Gender Is a Spectrum: Evaluating Current and Novel Ways to Inquire About Gender Identity in the Health Care Setting.

Purpose: The use of visuals to inquire about gender in the clinical setting has been rare. We developed a survey that included a visual spectrum to assess perceptions about the most and least inclusive ways of inquiring about gender in patients with gender dysphoria.

Methods: The survey included a multiple-choice question (MCQ), free-response question, and a visual spectrum on which respondents were asked to select one box that best depicts their gender.

Paraspinous Muscle Flaps in Complex Pediatric Spine Surgeries: A 12-Year Single Institution Experience.

Purpose: The benefits of paraspinous flaps in adult complex spine surgery patients are established in the literature; however, their use in pediatric patients has not been well described. This study compares clinical outcomes with and without paraspinous muscle flap closure in pediatric patients who have undergone spine surgery.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all pediatric spine surgeries at the University of California, San Francisco from 2011 to 2022.

Perceptions of a virtual education platform: how plastic surgery education has progressed during the COVID-19 pandemic at one academic institution.

Background: To continue education during the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a Virtual Education Platform (VEP) and Virtual Visiting Professorship (VVP) in March 2020 into our plastic surgery residency curriculum. This study investigated resident and guest speaker perceptions of the VEP since the start of the pandemic.

Methods: The VEP consists of weekly VVP lectures and usual conferences held over Zoom.

Double-incision mastectomy after reduction mammaplasty for persistent gender dysphoria: a case report.

Most patients undergo just one type of gender-affirming top surgery, but some will have a double-incision mastectomy after reduction mammaplasty. We describe a 46-year-old transgender man who requested a flatter chest after undergoing reduction mammoplasty the previous year. We also provide three considerations to guide surgical decision-making in this situation.

The Effect of Pectoral Nerve Blocks on Opioid Use and Postoperative Pain in Masculinizing Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Bilateral masculinizing mastectomy is the most common gender-affirmation operation performed. Currently, there is lack of data regarding intraoperative and postoperative pain control for this population. It is the authors' aim to study the effects of the pectoral nerve (Pecs) I and II regional nerve blocks in patients undergoing masculinizing mastectomy.

Developing Gender-Affirming Surgery Curricula for Plastic Surgery Residency and Fellowship via Delphi Consensus.

Background: Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is a rapidly growing field within plastic surgery, and residents and fellows must receive appropriate training. However, there are no standardized surgical training curricula. The objective of this study was to identify core curricula within the field of GAS.

Microfluidics-free single-cell genomics with templated emulsification.

Current single-cell RNA-sequencing approaches have limitations that stem from the microfluidic devices or fluid handling steps required for sample processing. We develop a method that does not require specialized microfluidic devices, expertise or hardware. Our approach is based on particle-templated emulsification, which allows single-cell encapsulation and barcoding of cDNA in uniform droplet emulsions with only a vortexer.

Morphometric Analysis of Gender-affirming Breast Augmentation.

Unlabelled: According to cisgender respondents, the "preferred" feminine breast has a 45:55 upper-to-lower pole ratio. Preferred breast ratios have not been evaluated for transgender women undergoing breast augmentation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the preferred breast ratio according to the transgender population and, thus, better inform surgeon planning.

Evaluating the Quality and Reliability of Gender-affirming Surgery Videos on YouTube and TikTok.

Background: Social media platforms have changed the way medical information is disseminated. Transgender patients may utilize social media to learn about gender-affirming surgery (GAS). Although videos on social media are readily accessible, their content is not verified or peer-reviewed.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Techniques for Management of Postoperative Lymphatic Leaks After Groin Surgery.

Purpose: Plastic surgeons are often consulted to manage postoperative groin lymphatic leaks that may lead to serious sequelae if not promptly treated. Because there are no standardized guidelines for best treatment practices, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the outcomes of multiple management modalities to ultimately guide decision making for surgeons.

Methods: Literature surrounding lymphatic leaks in the groin was reviewed from PubMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from January 1, 2000, to December 1, 2020 according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines.

The Incidence of Breast Cancer After Gender-Affirming Mastectomy in Transmen.

Background: The incidence of breast cancer in transmale patients and their continued risk after gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) has not been well established. Plastic surgeons who offer GAM are often one of the few medical professionals sought out by this population, placing them in a unique position to not only deliver surgical care but also improve access to preventative cancer care.

Methods: We reviewed the senior author's experience with GAMs over the past 5 years for any incidence of breast cancer noted after or at time of surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Complications of the Groin Following Open Lower Extremity Revascularization with Plastic Surgery Closure.

Introduction: Lymphatic complications following vascular procedures involving the groin require prompt treatment to limit morbidity. Several treatments have been described, including conservative management, aspiration, sclerotherapy, and direct lymphatic ligation with or without a muscle flap have been described. To date, there is no data indicating which treatment results in the shortest time to recovery.

Prophylactic Muscle Flaps in Primary Vascular Procedures of the Groin.

Background: Complications following vascular procedures involving the groin can lead to significant morbidity. Achieving stable soft tissue coverage over sites of revascularization can help mitigate complications. Prior evidence supports the use of muscle flaps in reoperative groins and in high risk patient populations to reduce postoperative complications.

Evaluation of Dual-port versus Single-port Tissue Expanders in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Immediate tissue expander placement in postmastectomy breast reconstruction can be complicated by seroma or infection, requiring further imaging studies or interventions. This study compares dual-port tissue expanders, with both an aspiration and expansion port, with single-port expanders in terms of postoperative complications and further interventions.

Methods: Patients with immediate tissue expander placement from March 2019 to March 2020 were reviewed.

Systematic review of fertility preservation options in transgender patients: a guide for plastic surgeons.

Transgender patients often desire to have biological children. However, their reproductive potential is often negatively impacted by gender affirming surgery (GAS) such as gender confirmation surgery (bottom surgery) and medical hormone therapy. Therefore, counselling patients on fertility preservation options before initiating gender-affirming treatments is prudent to avoid reducing their reproductive potential.

Nipple-areola complex reconstruction in transgender patients undergoing mastectomy with free nipple grafts: a systematic review of techniques and outcomes.

Nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction in transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals undergoing chest wall masculinization surgery is critical for adequate satisfaction and aesthetic results. Here, we conducted a systematic review to find the various techniques and outcomes of NAC reconstruction in double-incision mastectomy and free nipple grafts (DIM-FNG). A comprehensive search of several databases was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines.

Transgender and Gender-nonbinary Patient Satisfaction after Transmasculine Chest Surgery.

Background: Transmasculine chest surgery is the most common surgery performed in transmasculine patients, with high overall acceptance and low postoperative complication rates. Trends have shown clear improvement in quality of life and satisfaction. However, to the best of our knowledge, overall patient satisfaction after transmasculine chest surgery and associated factors are largely unknown.

Building a Multidisciplinary Academic Surgical Gender-affirmation Program: Lessons Learned.

Background: Every day, we see more patients present to hospitals and clinics seeking gender-affirmation care to ameliorate the symptoms of gender dysphoria. However, to provide a multidisciplinary approach, it is important to offer an integrated clinical program that provides mental health assessment, endocrine therapy, physical therapy, research, and the full spectrum of surgical services devoted to transgender patients. This article describes our experience on building a specialized, multidisciplinary, academic state-of-the-art gender-affirmation program.

Regret after Gender-affirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence.

Background: There is an unknown percentage of transgender and gender non-confirming individuals who undergo gender-affirmation surgeries (GAS) that experiences regret. Regret could lead to physical and mental morbidity and questions the appropriateness of these procedures in selected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of regret in transgender individuals who underwent GAS and evaluate associated factors.

Quantifying the Psychosocial Benefits of Masculinizing Mastectomy in Trans Male Patients with Patient-Reported Outcomes: The University of California, San Francisco, Gender Quality of Life Survey.

Background: Gender-affirming surgery is a medically necessary treatment to alleviate gender dysphoria for transgender patients. Although previous studies suggest improved psychosocial outcomes after gender-affirming surgery, there are no transgender-specific instruments available to assess its effects on patient quality of life.

Methods: Using qualitative methods, the authors developed the first quality-of-life survey, the University of California, San Francisco, Gender Quality of Life (UCSF Gender QoL) survey, for trans male patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy.