The mastectomy procedure performed by the plastic surgeon, should achieve more than just a flat chest: ideally, the subcutaneous mastectomy results in a chest which has an aesthetically pleasing male contour, is fully sensate, and has minimal scarring. The procedure consists of removal of most of the breast tissue and removal of excess skin. Sparing of the nipple and areola is sufficient if the nipple-areolar complex is appropriately sized and shaped, but often the reduction and repositioning of the nipple-areolar complex is required to approximate male nipples.