Gender surgery is called gender affirmation surgery. It is also known as gender confirmation surgery.
Understanding Gender Affirmation Surgery
Gender affirmation surgeries are a series of procedures aimed at aligning a transgender individual's physical appearance with their gender identity. These surgeries are a critical part of the transition process for many transgender people.
Who Performs These Surgeries?
- A multispecialty team of medical professionals performs these surgeries.
- This team typically includes board-certified plastic surgeons.
- Other specialists might include endocrinologists, urologists, and other medical professionals as needed.
Goals of Gender Affirmation Surgery
The primary goals of gender affirmation surgery are to:
- Provide transgender individuals with the physical appearance of the gender they identify with.
- Enhance functional abilities to align with their gender.
- Improve quality of life.
Types of Surgeries
Gender affirmation surgeries vary greatly depending on the individual's specific needs. Some common procedures include:
- Top Surgery: Procedures to create a more masculine chest (mastectomy) or feminine breasts (breast augmentation).
- Bottom Surgery: Procedures that modify the genitals, such as vaginoplasty for trans women and phalloplasty or metoidioplasty for trans men.
- Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS): Procedures that alter facial features to appear more feminine.
- Facial Masculinization Surgery: Procedures that alter facial features to appear more masculine.
- Voice Surgery: Procedures that alter voice pitch to align with the individual’s gender identity.
Importance of a Multi-Specialty Approach
The fact that gender affirmation surgeries are performed by a multi-specialty team highlights the complexity of these procedures. It underscores the need for a holistic approach where various experts work together to meet the physical and emotional needs of transgender patients. The care encompasses more than just physical transformations, but also focuses on the overall well-being and psychological aspects of the transition.
