Accessing gender-affirming care can be challenging when you’re facing down medical and legal limitations. If you’ve wondered, how old do you have to be to get top surgery, we’ll clear up any doubts or misconceptions.
Plastic surgeons require patients to meet multiple requirements to ensure their physical safety and confidence in the end results. If you’re considering surgery procedures for yourself or for your child, it’s important to learn why these limitations exist and what your options are before proceeding.
Which Age Can You Receive Gender Affirming Procedures?
This answer is still subject to change as laws around transgender health continue to evolve in the United States. As of the date of this post, nearly half of all American states have banned gender-affirming surgery for children between the ages of 13 and 17.
However, these laws can still change as new bills are introduced and passed. If you want to learn about available surgery techniques or surgery grants in your state, review your state’s laws around gender-affirming surgical procedures. Some states allow top surgery procedures for young adults that reach the age of majority, which can range between 18 and 21.
How old should you be for top surgery with parental consent? Any child who hasn’t reached the age of majority will need the permission of a legal guardian to pursue top surgery.
Which Age is Too Young for Top Surgery?
Gender dysphoria can affect transgender and non-binary youth at any age, though there are still necessary limitations for top surgery. Most plastic surgeons won’t perform surgery on children under the age of 16 for legal, medical, and mental health reasons.
Firstly, many insurance providers won’t provide coverage for prospective top surgery candidates that haven’t reached the age of majority. Secondly, surgeons need to ensure patients are able to make a fully informed decision surrounding details like the surgery cost, surgery techniques, and end top surgery results.
Lastly, since children are still mentally and physically developing, a mental health evaluation is still important to ensure patients are ideal candidates. These evaluations follow the strict ethical guidelines of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (or WPATH).
Important Questions to Ask Before Seeking Out Gender-Affirming Surgery
Gender-affirming care looks a little different for everyone. Whether you’re living with gender dysphoria or are weighing the pros and cons of surgical procedures, your personal goals are valid.
Asking these following questions can help push back confusion to make room for a confident, honest decision:
- Am I satisfied with the current gender-affirming clothes and tools I’m using, such as chest binders or padded underwear?
- Would I feel more comfortable and confident with reduced breast tissue and a flat chest?
- Will I experience reduced or eliminated gender dysphoria after top surgery procedures?
- Will I be able to take off several weeks to focus on a full recovery after a top surgery procedure?
- Are there any other parts of my appearance that I want to change besides the chest area?
Diagnostic Criteria to Consider Before Committing to Top Surgery
While gender-affirming surgeries are similar to plastic surgery in terms of health-related details, they’re still distinct due to the mental and social wellness involved. As such, consider the following diagnostic criteria before undergoing surgery.
Letter of Recommendation
Gender-affirming surgery usually requires at least one letter of recommendation, such as a therapist, psychologist, or primary physician. Ideally, this letter should come from a medical professional that is well-versed in gender dysphoria and can advocate on the behalf of the patient.
Physical Health
Transgender surgery can take the form of breast reduction, breast augmentation, or reconstructive surgery. Some patients seek out double incision top surgery to drastically reduce breast tissue, while others may prefer keyhole top surgery for their reduced scarring.
No matter the type of top procedure surgery, physical condition is important for post surgery recovery since patients need to dedicate several weeks to recover from the swelling, bruising, and tenderness. They might need to take prescription medications to help with the pain alongside wearing compression garments to aid with healing.
Top surgery patients also need to temporarily change their lifestyle and avoid certain habits to promote a full recovery (like smoking and drinking).
Potential Health Issues
Medical health issues like blood clotting disorders, a high weight, or a history of smoking can lead to potential complications during recovery. As such, an in-depth evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon are vital to ensure the safest possible procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Top Surgery?
Narrowing down a suitable top surgery is a complex evaluation of out of pocket costs, changing laws, and potential treatments like hormone therapy. Below are a few questions people commonly ask before reaching out to a private practice for an initial consultation.
Can You Get Top Surgery With Parental Consent at 14?
The majority of FTM Top surgeons won’t perform surgery on a patient younger than 16, even with parental consent. The plastic surgeons who will consider a younger age may still face legal restrictions due to evolving legislation restricting gender-affirming care.
How Expensive is Top Surgery?
The final costs depend on the patient’s insurance coverage, facility fees, the surgeon’s expertise, and the type of procedure performed. Some top surgery costs range between $3,000 to $5,000, while others may reach $10,000 or higher.
Speaking with a plastic surgeon will help you narrow down costs so you can get closer to the surgical procedure you need.
What is the immediate recovery period like for Facial Feminization Surgery?
The first few days after surgery are the most intensive part of recovery from Facial Feminization Surgery. Patients can expect swelling, bruising, facial numbness, and some discomfort. Pain and tenderness are most pronounced in the first 48 hours and can be managed with prescribed medication.
Following your surgeon’s instructions is crucial during this time; this typically includes resting, keeping your head elevated, and using cold compresses to manage swelling.
Reach Out to Aesthera Plastic Surgery for Gender-Affirming Surgery
For several years, Dr. CV Chegireddy at Aesthera Plastic Surgery has remained dedicated to providing transgender and non-binary patients with the gender-affirming care they deserve. Navigating insurance costs and the recovery process is easier when you have a strong support system on your side—and it often starts with answering common questions like how old do you have to be to get top surgery.
Our experienced staff will answer all your concerns and questions about navigating medical decisions for children or young adults. Schedule a consultation with our online form and we’ll get back to you swiftly.
