Gender affirmation surgeries, also known as gender confirmation surgeries or gender reassignment surgeries, are procedures performed to help individuals transition physically to their affirmed gender. Different surgeries may be recommended depending on an individual’s desired outcomes and medical needs. Here are some common types of gender affirmation surgeries:
- Top Surgery (Chest Reconstruction):
- Double Mastectomy (Bilateral Mastectomy): Removal of breast tissue to create a more masculine chest for transgender men or non-binary individuals assigned female at birth.
- Breast Augmentation: Implantation of breast implants to enhance breast size for transgender women or non-binary individuals assigned male at birth.
- Bottom Surgery (Genital Reconstruction):
- Vaginoplasty: Surgical creation of a vagina for transgender women or non-binary individuals assigned male at birth. This may involve penile inversion techniques or alternative methods.
- Phalloplasty: Surgical construction of a penis for transgender men or non-binary individuals assigned female at birth. This procedure often involves grafting tissue from other parts of the body, such as the forearm or thigh.
- Metoidioplasty: A procedure to release the clitoris, which has been hormonally enlarged through testosterone therapy, to create a small penis for transgender men or non-binary individuals assigned female at birth.
- Scrotoplasty: Creation of a scrotum for transgender men or non-binary individuals assigned female at birth, often as part of phalloplasty or metoidioplasty procedures.
- Clitoroplasty: Surgical shaping or reduction of the clitoris for transgender women or non-binary individuals assigned male at birth.
- Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS):
- Forehead Reconstruction: Reshaping of the forehead to create a more feminine appearance.
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping): Alteration of the nose to achieve a more feminine contour.
- Jaw Contouring: Surgical modification of the jawline to soften masculine features.
- Tracheal Shave: Reduction of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage) to create a smoother neckline.
- Cheek Augmentation: Enhancement of cheekbones to achieve a more feminine facial profile.
- Voice Feminization Surgery:
- Procedures to alter the pitch and resonance of the voice to sound more feminine for transgender women or non-binary individuals assigned male at birth.
These surgeries are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals seeking gender affirmation. It’s important for individuals considering these procedures to consult with qualified healthcare professionals, including surgeons experienced in transgender healthcare, to discuss their options and goals.