A study conducted by a team of researchers from the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (HC-UFPE) concluded that many transgender men suffer from the use of the 'binder' – a band that disguises breast volume – while waiting to undergo mastectomy, and also to protect themselves from transphobia. Shortness of breath, skin injuries, and a feeling of compression in the chest are some of the reports collected among 60 men over 18 years old, according to a publication on the UOL website.
According to plastic surgeon Humberto Pinto, the accessory is a short-term solution until the surgery to remove the breasts is performed. “Plastic surgeries for transgender individuals are a reality for us, and we know the importance for this community not only for aesthetic reasons but also for social integration,” says the doctor.
According to data from Data SUS, regarding transgender individuals, in 2014, 32 body change surgeries were performed. By 2019, the number more than tripled, rising to 133 surgeries, and with the pandemic, the number fell to 38 surgeries. Currently, it is returning to normal.
According to Humberto, in addition to breast removal through mastectomy, many feminization surgeries are performed, such as the placement of implants and others. “We perform facial surgeries, with a visual transformation where we give the face feminine features. The surgery can be a combination, according to each person's desire; we can perform procedures on the nose, mouth, cheekbones, etc.,” points out the surgeon.
Dr. Humberto has also been performing gender reassignment surgeries for many years; according to him, more than 60 surgeries have been performed here in the state. Gender reassignment is nothing more than sex change, and we perform it for both trans men and women. “Reassignment consists of reconstructing the penis in place of the vagina or amputating the penis to construct the vagina,” he explains.
According to the plastic surgeon, these are delicate surgeries, and patients receive psychological support and all the assistance before and after the procedure. “The satisfaction of these individuals is evident after the surgeries, and for us, the feeling is also uplifting,” affirms the doctor.
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