Gender-affirming surgery: Difference between revisions

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'''Gender-affirming surgery''', also known as '''sex reassignment surgery''' (SRS), '''gender reassignment surgery''' (GRS), or '''gender confirmation surgery''' (GCS), refers to surgical procedures that alter an individual's physical appearance and existing sexual characteristics to resemble those typically associated with their identified gender. It is part of a treatment for gender dysphoria in transgender people.
{{Short description|Surgical procedures that help transgender individuals transition to their self-identified gender}}


== Overview == <!--T:2-->
== Overview ==
[[File:Double_mastectomy.jpg|thumb|right|A double mastectomy is a common gender-affirming surgery for transgender men.]]
'''Gender-affirming surgery''' refers to a variety of surgical procedures that transgender individuals may undergo to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. These surgeries are a critical component of [[gender transition]] for many transgender people, helping to alleviate [[gender dysphoria]] and improve overall quality of life.


These procedures are one component of the comprehensive care for transgender individuals, which may also include mental health services, hormone therapy, voice therapy, and various forms of social support. Not all transgender individuals choose or require surgery as part of their transition. Decisions about health care interventions are highly individual and should be determined in consultation with health care professionals and mental health professionals experienced in transgender health.
== Types of Gender-affirming Surgery ==
Gender-affirming surgeries can be broadly categorized into top surgeries, bottom surgeries, and other procedures that modify secondary sexual characteristics.


== Types of Surgeries == <!--T:3-->
=== Top Surgery ===
Top surgery involves altering the chest to reflect the individual's gender identity. For transgender men, this often involves a [[double mastectomy]], which is the removal of breast tissue to create a more masculine chest contour. For transgender women, top surgery may involve breast augmentation to create a more feminine appearance.


Gender-affirming surgeries can be categorized into two main types: top surgeries and bottom surgeries.
=== Bottom Surgery ===
Bottom surgery refers to procedures that alter the genitalia. For transgender women, this may include [[vaginoplasty]], which constructs a vagina, and [[orchiectomy]], the removal of the testes. For transgender men, bottom surgery may involve [[phalloplasty]] or [[metoidioplasty]], which construct a penis, and may also include [[hysterectomy]] and [[oophorectomy]], the removal of the uterus and ovaries, respectively.


=== Top Surgeries === <!--T:4-->
=== Other Procedures ===
In addition to top and bottom surgeries, gender-affirming surgery can include procedures such as [[facial feminization surgery]] for transgender women, which alters facial features to appear more traditionally feminine, and [[tracheal shave]] to reduce the prominence of the Adam's apple.


'''Top surgery''' typically involves breast augmentation or mastectomy. For transgender women, this could involve breast augmentation, while for transgender men, this could mean chest masculinization surgery (or "top surgery"), which is a type of mastectomy.
== Considerations and Outcomes ==
Gender-affirming surgeries are highly individualized, and the decision to undergo surgery is personal and varies from person to person. These surgeries can have profound positive effects on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with gender dysphoria. However, they also carry risks and require careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals.


=== Bottom Surgeries === <!--T:5-->
== Related Pages ==
* [[Transgender health care]]
* [[Hormone replacement therapy (transgender)]]
* [[Gender dysphoria]]
* [[Transgender rights]]


'''Bottom surgery''' generally refers to surgeries involving the genitalia and reproductive organs. These surgeries can be complex and may require multiple procedures over time.
[[Category:Transgender health]]
 
[[Category:Plastic surgery]]
For '''transgender women''', this can include:
 
* '''Vaginoplasty''': Construction of a vagina, which may involve penile inversion or the use of a segment of colon.
* '''Orchiectomy''': Removal of the testes.
* '''Labiaplasty''': Construction or modification of the labia.
 
For '''transgender men''', this can include:
 
* '''Hysterectomy''': Removal of the uterus.
* '''Oophorectomy''': Removal of the ovaries.
* '''Phalloplasty''': Construction of a penis using tissue from another part of the body, such as the forearm or thigh.
* '''Metoidioplasty''': A procedure that modifies the clitoris (which may have been enlarged through hormone therapy) into a penis.
* '''Scrotoplasty''': Construction of a scrotum, usually involving the use of testicular prostheses.
 
== Risks and Considerations == <!--T:6-->
 
As with any surgical procedure, gender-affirming surgeries carry potential risks, including infection, poor wound healing, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results. There may also be complications specific to the type of surgery. It is important for individuals considering these surgeries to discuss these potential risks with their health care provider.
 
== Legal and Ethical Considerations == <!--T:7-->
 
Access to gender-affirming surgery is a matter of human rights and has been recognized as such by numerous professional organizations, including the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). However, the availability of these surgeries and insurance coverage for them varies widely around the world.
 
== See Also == <!--T:8-->
* [[Transgender Health]]
* [[Gender Dysphoria]]
* [[Hormone Replacement Therapy (Transgender)]]
 
== External links == <!--T:10-->
* [https://www.wpath.org/ World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)]
{{stub}}
{{LGBT}}
[[Category:Transgender and medicine]]
[[Category:Surgery]]
[[Category:Transgender identities]]

Latest revision as of 05:22, 16 February 2025

Surgical procedures that help transgender individuals transition to their self-identified gender


Overview[edit]

A double mastectomy is a common gender-affirming surgery for transgender men.

Gender-affirming surgery refers to a variety of surgical procedures that transgender individuals may undergo to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. These surgeries are a critical component of gender transition for many transgender people, helping to alleviate gender dysphoria and improve overall quality of life.

Types of Gender-affirming Surgery[edit]

Gender-affirming surgeries can be broadly categorized into top surgeries, bottom surgeries, and other procedures that modify secondary sexual characteristics.

Top Surgery[edit]

Top surgery involves altering the chest to reflect the individual's gender identity. For transgender men, this often involves a double mastectomy, which is the removal of breast tissue to create a more masculine chest contour. For transgender women, top surgery may involve breast augmentation to create a more feminine appearance.

Bottom Surgery[edit]

Bottom surgery refers to procedures that alter the genitalia. For transgender women, this may include vaginoplasty, which constructs a vagina, and orchiectomy, the removal of the testes. For transgender men, bottom surgery may involve phalloplasty or metoidioplasty, which construct a penis, and may also include hysterectomy and oophorectomy, the removal of the uterus and ovaries, respectively.

Other Procedures[edit]

In addition to top and bottom surgeries, gender-affirming surgery can include procedures such as facial feminization surgery for transgender women, which alters facial features to appear more traditionally feminine, and tracheal shave to reduce the prominence of the Adam's apple.

Considerations and Outcomes[edit]

Gender-affirming surgeries are highly individualized, and the decision to undergo surgery is personal and varies from person to person. These surgeries can have profound positive effects on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with gender dysphoria. However, they also carry risks and require careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals.

Related Pages[edit]

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