Feminizing Surgery Overview

Overview:

• Feminizing surgery, also known as gender-affirming or gender-confirmation surgery, aligns the body with a person's gender identity.

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• Surgical options include:

• Top surgery (breast augmentation)

• Bottom surgery (removal of testicles, or removal of both testicles and penis with creation of a vagina, labia, and clitoris)

• Facial and body-contouring procedures

• Not everyone opts for feminizing surgery due to its high costs, associated risks, and the need for ongoing medical care.

• Surgeries can affect fertility, sexual sensations, and body perception.

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Why it’s done:

 

• Many individuals pursue gender affirming surgery to address the discomfort or distress caused by the mismatch between their gender identity and the sex assigned at birth, a condition known as gender dysphoria.

• For some, gender affirming surgery is a crucial and natural step in affirming their sense of self. Others may decide against surgery, as each person has a unique relationship with their body and should make choices that align with their personal needs.

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Feminizing surgery options include:

• Orchiectomy: Removal of the testicles.

 

Vaginoplasty:

• Penectomy: Removal of the penis.

• Removal of the testicles.

• Creation of a vagina (vaginoplasty).

• Creation of a clitoris (clitoroplasty).

• Creation of labia (labioplasty).

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Breast augmentation: Increasing breast size and modifying your breast shape, also known as top surgery, can involve implants, tissue expanders, or fat transplantation from other body parts.

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Facial feminization surgery: Involves altering the jaw, chin, cheeks, forehead, nose, and areas around the eyes, ears, or lips to achieve a more feminine appearance.

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Body-contouring procedures:

• Abdominoplasty: Tummy tuck

• Liposuction: Fat removal from specific areas using suction.

• Fat grafting: adding fat to certain areas of the body to augment the volume there.

• Voice feminization therapy and surgery: Techniques to raise voice pitch.

• Tracheal shave: Reduction of the Adam's apple (thyroid cartilage).

• Scalp hair transplant: Moving hair follicles from the back and sides of the head to balding areas.

• Hair removal: Laser treatments or electrolysis to remove unwanted hair.

• It might not be the right time to undergo these surgeries if you have:

• Unaddressed significant medical conditions.

• Unaddressed behavioral health conditions.

• Any condition that affects your ability to give informed consent.