Can Coolsculpting be used to reduce breast size in sex change operation?

Question

Can an individual with a biologically female identifying as a transgender man, for example, use Coolsculpt to form existing breasts into more masculine ones? Would the original breasts have to be a certain size or shape? Trying to avoid anesthesia.

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

The breasts are made up of both fatty tissue and glandular tissue. CoolSculpting could not affect the glandular tissue, so the results would not be predicable. It's also not possible to use CoolSculpting to help reshape existing tissue into new contours, such as changing the female breast shape into a male chest profile. An in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help give you more insight into what your options may be.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hi there,Coolsculpting is designed to freeze and eliminate fat cells. Female breast tissue is not the same as fatty tissue, and will not respond to the treatment. With that being said, you cannot treat your breasts. Your best option is to consult with a plastic surgeon and discuss a different route to remove your breasts. Good luck.

Frank P. Albino, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting does not work well for dense breast tissue and will only provide a mild reduction for fat in the breast.  It is not my recommendation for the treatment you seek.  It is most important to be seen and evaluated by a plastic surgeon to determine your best course of treatment.  Your options may include liposuction or mastectomy. Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment so please see a Board Certified or Board Eligible Plastic Surgeon to evaluate if you may benefit. Good luck!
  
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or healthcare professional for any questions you have about your own medical condition.

Julie A. Maughan, MD · Answer

CoolSculpt would not be a great option for this.  CoolSculpt kills fat cells (and only 20-25% of the cells).  The breast tissue has other tissue within.  A plastic surgeon would be the best provider to find the right option for you.  Best wishes!

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

No, CoolSculpting cannot be used to reduce breast tissue in women.  It is designed to killed subcutaneous fat cells.  Consult with a Board Certified Plastic surgeon to see what your options are.

Hadley Claire King, MD, FAAD · Answer

Avoiding anesthesia is a driving motivation for many people who seek out coolsculpting as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Unfortunately, CoolSculpting is unlikely to provide you with the results you are looking for.
The breast tissue combines glandular tissues and adipose or fatty tissue. CoolSculpting may be able to reduce some of the fatty tissue but glandular tissue will not respond to a CoolSculpting treatment. This could result in lopsided, asymmetrical results.

Fortunately, very good results can be seen with surgical options.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

No, breast tissue will not respond to Coolsculpting, which is designed to remove fat. Consult in person with an experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeon to understand your options.

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

CS is not indicated for the breast and can result in an uneven contour in that area. Please consult a plastic surgeon for this matter.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Coolsculpting is a technology that takes advantage of the observation that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other tissue types.  The device freezes fat and as a result some of the fat resorbs with each treatment.  The limitation, however, is that the breast tissue is a mix of adipose tissue (fat) and gland.  The glandular tissue will not respond to cold, nor will the skin envelope.  Consequently, the true answer to your inquiry will depend on a discussion of your expectations and a thoughtful physical examination that assesses breast size, composition (glandular or fatty), and quality of the skin envelope.  An A cup breast that feels soft and has a fair amount of fat may show some response, whereas a D cup firm breast probably would not.  I would emphasize however that the use of coolsculpting in this setting would be very unusual.  Most patients transitioning undergo a modified subcutaneous mastectomy that removes both skin and soft tissue, while preserving  the nipple and areola.  I would encourage you to find a BCPS with an interest and expertise in transgender medicine and surgery for a formal consultation.  Best of luck.

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

Breasts are a combination of breast tissue and fat. Coolsculpting can reduce (not eliminate) fat, and, won't work on breast tissue. So, your breast size will likely reduce, some, but, nothing predictable (could end up sagging or misshapen,) and, almost certainly, "not enough".

Can Coolsculpting be used to reduce breast size in sex change operation?

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