Shape, Position and Dimension of the Nipple Areola Complex in the Ideal Male Chest: A Quick and Simple Operating Room Technique

Abstract

Introduction

The anatomical features of the chest identify an individual as male or female and even the smallest details of these features determine the appropriate appearance for each gender. In female-to-male patients, the creation of an aesthetically pleasing male chest is the most important step. Incorrect positioning of the nipple areola complex (NAC) on the chest wall and suboptimal shaping and sizing of the NAC are common pitfalls in male NAC creation.

Patients and Methods

We have analyzed the anatomical chest features of 26 water polo players, to verify our hypothesis of the relationship between the pectoralis major muscle and NAC and to create a method for repositioning the NAC that is applicable in the operating room, is easy, practical and reproducible without the use of formulas and based on an easily identifiable landmark.

Results

In our reference group, the NAC has a constant relationship with the pectoralis major muscle, positioned on average 3 cm medial to the lateral border of the pectoralis muscle and 2.5 cm above the inferior pectoralis major insertion. This supports our hypothesis and our surgical technique. We use the index finger to find a vertical axis and a line 2.5 cm above the inferior pectoralis shadow to find the horizontal axis. We also introduce a modification to the receiving site to recreate an oval areola more similar to that of an ideal male chest.

Conclusions

Our anatomical study and statistical analysis support a consistent relationship between the position and shape of the NAC and the borders of the pectoral muscle. We have used this relationship to develop our "trick," which is easily applicable in the operating room to find the NAC position without using formulas and numbers. This method allowed us to place the NAC in a position very close to that of a typical male subject, and it permitted us to reduce the surgery time.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.