BMI Is Not Associated With Chest-Specific Body Image, Complications, or Revisions in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

To analyze the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on clinical and patient-reported outcomes following gender-affirming mastectomy (GM). BMI is a barrier for obese patients seeking GM despite increasing evidence that it is safe in this population. Currently, little is known about the impact of BMI on chest-specific body image and satisfaction after GM. This single-center, cross-sectional study included individuals 18 years and older who underwent GM between 1990 and 2020 and were at least 2 years postoperative. Patient-reported chest-specific body image was measured using the BODY-Q and Gender Congruence and Life Satisfaction chest subscales. Satisfaction was measured using the Holmes-Rovner Satisfaction with Decision scale. Clinical and demographic variables were identified from the chart review. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine whether BMI was associated with chest-specific body image, satisfaction, and complications within 30 days or revisions in GM. Two hundred twenty-seven individuals meeting eligibility criteria were contacted to participate and 137 responded (60.4% response rate). The mean age was 29.1 (SD=9.0), and mean BMI was 30.9 (SD=8.0), with 26.4% (N=60) of the cohort having a BMI>35. Chest-specific body image and satisfaction with the decision did not vary by BMI or breast resection weight. Complications and revisions were not associated with BMI. Individuals undergoing GM reported high rates of satisfaction after GM regardless of BMI. Complication and revision rates did not vary significantly by BMI or breast resection weight. Surgeons should re-evaluate the role BMI plays in patient selection and counseling for GM.