Fish Mouth Mastectomy
What is Fish Mouth Mastectomy?
Fish Mouth Mastectomy is a gender-affirming chest surgery designed for transgender men and non-binary individuals. It involves the removal of breast tissue using a curved incision that resembles the shape of a fish’s mouth. This technique helps achieve a flatter chest while preserving nipple sensation and contour. It is particularly suitable for individuals with small to medium-sized chests.
Why Choose Fish Mouth Mastectomy?
- Provides a natural-looking, masculine chest contour
- May help preserve nipple sensation better than other methods
- Suitable for individuals with small to moderate chest size
- Results in minimal scarring compared to other mastectomy techniques
Am I Ready for Fish Mouth Mastectomy?
- Aged 18+ (or as per medical guidelines)
- In good overall health, with no major medical conditions affecting healing
- Stable weight within a healthy range
- Non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before surgery.
- Clear understanding of the surgery, healing process, and expected outcomes
- Realistic expectations regarding scarring and nipple sensation
- Strong emotional support system in place
- Consultation with a mental health professional if required
What Happens During Fish Mouth Mastectomy?
Your surgeon will discuss your goals, medical history, and whether this technique is the right choice for you. They will also explain the procedure and recovery timeline in detail.
Fish Mouth Mastectomy is performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience during surgery.
- The surgeon makes a curved incision on each side of the chest, shaped like a fish’s mouth.
- Breast tissue is carefully removed to create a flatter chest.
- The skin is repositioned, and the nipples may be adjusted or resized if necessary.
- The incisions are closed with sutures, and a compression binder is applied.
The surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on individual anatomy.
Recovery Timeline
- It is typical to experience swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort.
- A compression binder must be worn to support healing.
- Movement of the arms should be limited to avoid strain on the incisions.
- Most people return to light activity within 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid doing hard exercise and heavy lifting.
- Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing.
- Over time, scars will continue to flatten and vanish.
- The final chest contour becomes more defined.
- Any changes in nipple sensation will stabilise.
Benefits of Fish Mouth Mastectomy
- Creates a natural, masculine chest contour
- Minimises visible scarring compared to other techniques
- Potential for better preservation of nipple sensation
- Provides long-term gender-affirming results
Schedule Your One-on-One Session
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I retain nipple sensation after surgery?
Nipple sensation may be preserved better than in other mastectomy techniques, but some loss is still possible.
How long do I need to wear a compression binder?
Your surgeon will usually recommend a time frame of 4 to 6 weeks.
When can I resume physical activity?
Light activities may be resumed after 2-3 weeks, while more strenuous exercises should wait 6-8 weeks.
Will my scars be noticeable?
The scars are usually well-placed and fade over time, becoming less visible with proper care.