What is Gender Affirmation Surgery?
Gender affirmation surgery includes a range of surgical procedures designed to align an individual’s physical body with their identity. The fundamental goal of these procedures is to alleviate the distress known as gender dysphoria, which can arise from a conflict between a person’s gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. By modifying physical characteristics, the surgery helps individuals achieve a body that feels more harmonious and authentic to their true selves.
Who is a Good Candidate for Top Surgery?
Ideal candidates for gender affirmation surgery (top surgery) are adults aged 18 or older who have been consistently living in their authentic gender identity for a minimum of two years. We strongly recommend ongoing collaboration with a qualified mental health professional throughout your journey.
For individuals receiving hormone therapy, it’s crucial to allow adequate time before proceeding with surgical intervention. Hormone treatments create significant physical transformations in the chest and breast regions, and these anatomical changes must reach complete stabilization prior to surgery.
The Different Types of Gender Affirmation Surgeries
Gender affirmation surgery usually involves procedures that make an individual more masculine or feminine.
Facial feminization is a popular gender affirmation surgery a procedure that alters the characteristics of one’s face to create a more feminine appearance. This includes techniques such as brow and forehead contouring, a nose job, adding volume to the cheeks, lip plumping or reshaping, and jawline contouring. Facial feminization is often performed on transgender women who desire to align their external features with their gender identity.
“Top” surgery may achieve an individual’s desire of being more masculinizing, feminizing or non-binary based on their prefrences. Transmasculine (Female to Male) top surgery or gender-affirming mastectomy involves removing breast tissue and reshaping the chest to create a more masculine or non-binary appearance. For Transfeminine (Male to Female) top surgery involves enhacing the size and shape of the breasts to create a more feminine appearance of the chest. Top surgery is performed as a single stage procedure and patient’s are discharged home on the same day.
“Bottom” surgery, or genital reconstruction, could involve vaginoplasty to create female genitalia for transgender women, while for transgender men, it may involve phalloplasty to construct a penis.
Top Surgery Recovery
Following your Gender Affirmation surgery procedure, you’ll remain in our comfortable recovery area until Dr. CV Chegireddy clears you for discharge. During the initial recovery phase, gentle movement is encouraged to promote healthy circulation and minimize the risk of complications, though activity should remain limited to light walking only.
The specialized compression garment applied immediately after surgery plays a crucial role in your healing process and must be worn consistently throughout recovery. This garment effectively manages post-surgical swelling and helps minimize any bruising that may develop. Our dedicated team remains available around the clock to address any questions or concerns that arise during your recovery period, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Preparing for Gender Affirmation Surgery: Consultation and Evaluation
Our experienced plastic surgeon will carefully listen to your goals, concerns, and expectations during the initial consultation. Dr. CV Chegireddywill explain the various surgical options, discussing potential risks and complications.
Following the consultation, an evaluation will determine if you are physically and mentally prepared for gender affirmation surgery. This may involve medical tests such as blood work or imaging scans to assess your current health status. Additionally, a psychological evaluation may be performed to ensure that you clearly understand the implications involved in undergoing this surgical journey.
It is crucial to provide comprehensive information during this phase so that our team can tailor their approach to your particular needs while prioritizing your safety throughout every process. We follow the guidelines from the World Professional Assiociation of Transgender Health (WPATH) and ensure you are prepared prior to surgery.
Cost of Gender Affirmation Surgery
The price of gender-affirming surgery can vary depending on the specific procedures performed, the surgeon, general anesthesia fees and other necessary care. Health insurance coverage may be available for gender affirmation surgery if it is deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider and covered by an individual’s health plan. However, each insurance plan has criteria for determining medical necessity and coverage eligibility.
Surgery patients should check with their insurance providers to decide whether or not they qualify for coverage. We will work with you to obtain authorization from your insurer, which might require a letter from our plastic surgeon and submission of photographs. Schedule a consultation today with an Aesthera Plastic Surgeon for a personalized quote on a gender affirmation procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gender Affirmation Surgery
Who is eligible for gender affirmation surgery?
Eligibility for gender affirmation surgery varies depending on the individual and the requirements of the healthcare provider. Generally, individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a mental health professional who has undergone hormone therapy may be considered candidates for these surgeries. It is essential to consult with qualified surgeons and mental health professionals to determine eligibility and seek appropriate guidance.
Are there any risks associated with these surgeries?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved in gender affirmation surgeries, including infection, bleeding, wound complications, anesthesia risks, scar formation, and loss of sensation or function in certain areas. However, these risks can be minimized through careful pre-operative evaluations and post-operative care experienced surgeons provide.
Is gender affirmation surgery reversible?
Many gender affirmation surgeries are irreversible or challenging to reverse due to the complexity of the procedures. Individuals must receive proper counseling and guidance before making decisions about surgery.
What other aspects of transition are essential besides plastic surgery?
Gender affirmation surgery is just one aspect of gender transition. Other essential components can include social transition (e.g., name and pronoun changes), hormone therapy, counseling or therapy support, and support from friends, family, and the community.
Do I need to stop taking hormones before my reconstructive surgery?
Most patients are able to continue taking there hormones for gender-affirmation surgery. It is important to discuss your individual hormone medications with the plastic surgeon during your consultation. We will review the risks and benefits of hormones while undergoing surgery during the consultation.
Will I have sensation of my nipple after gender-affirming mastectomy surgery?
Most commonly after gender-affirming mastectomy surgery (male top surgery) the sensation to the nipple is lost due to the cut nerve endings providing sensation. Dr. CV Chegireddy is able to reinnervate the nipple by connecting the cut nerve endings though a novel technique. This technique offers a trendemdous improvement in quality of life by preserving nipple sensation after gender-affirming mastectomy surgery. During your consultation Dr. CV Chegireddy will reviewr the importance of nipple sensation and whether you are a candidate for this novel technique.
What is my recovery after top gender-affirmation surgery?
People who undergo gender-affirmation surgery should see an improvement in pain in 1-2 weeks. After 8 weeks, they will be able to resume normal activities.
Where will my incision be placed for top gender-affirmation surgery?
For top masculinzation surgery the incision can be around the nipple (periareolar) or with the double incision technique across the chest. The incision choice will depend on the amount of breast tissue, skin quality and patient’s goals. For transfeminine top surgery the inicision is usually very small in the breast crease to place an implant.
What surgeries can I include in my gender-affirmation procedure?
A gender-affirmation procedure can include several surgeries depending on the desired outcome of the patient. Aesthera Plastic Surgery offers top surgery, top surgery with body contouring, top surgery with liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks, and fat transfer in combination with breast augmentation and Brazilian Butt Lifts.
What surgical technique options are available for gender affirming top surgery?
The surgical technique varies based on your goals and anatomy. For a more masculine appearance (FTM top surgery), procedures involve breast tissue removal through periareolar or double-incision methods. For transfeminine patients, breast implants including silicone implants create feminine contours. Dr. CV Chegireddy will discuss the best approach during consultation. Most patients return to light activities within two to three weeks following their gender affirming top surgery procedure
How does Dr. CV Chegireddy evaluate transgender patients for their gender affirming procedure?
During your consultation, Dr. CV Chegireddy will thoroughly review your medical history and discuss your goals for the transition process. For male to female patients, he will assess whether saline implants or other enhancement options best suit your desired outcome, while also evaluating factors like excess skin that may need to be addressed. The evaluation considers how your own skin quality and elasticity will respond to the surgical changes, ensuring the most natural and aesthetically pleasing results for your individual anatomy and transition goals.
What should I expect during recovery from top surgery to achieve a masculine chest?
Recovery from top surgery requires maintaining realistic expectations about the healing process while following specific post-operative guidelines. Patients experiencing gender dysmorphia who seek alignment between their assigned sex and gender must be in good health before undergoing this transformative procedure. During recovery, you'll wear a compression garment continuously to support healing in the chest area and minimize swelling. Dr. CV Chegireddy will make every effort to use a small incision technique when possible to achieve your aesthetic goals while reducing scarring. Light walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots, though activity should remain limited during the initial healing phase to ensure optimal results.
What financing options are available for nonbinary individuals and other patients seeking top surgery in the Atlanta area?
A good candidate for top surgery includes female to male, male to female, and nonbinary individuals who are committed to achieving their desired results through this transformative procedure. Dr. CV Chegireddy evaluates each patient's overall well being and ensures they are physically and mentally prepared for surgery under general anesthetic. During recovery, patients will use ice packs to manage swelling and discomfort as part of their healing process. Aesthera Plastic Surgery also offers various financing options to make this life-affirming procedure accessible to qualified candidates seeking to align their physical appearance with their authentic identity.
Experience Aesthera
Take control of your future by taking this significant step towards transitioning genders through our expert care at Aesthera Plastic Surgery. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate support, personalized solutions, and exceptional care throughout your gender affirmation surgery journey. Schedule an appointment with us today so that we can guide you through each phase of this complex procedure designed to align your physical appearance with your authentic self.
Experience Aesthera
Take control of your future by taking this significant step towards transitioning genders through our expert care at Aesthera Plastic Surgery. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate support, personalized solutions, and exceptional care throughout your gender affirmation surgery journey. Schedule an appointment with us today so that we can guide you through each phase of this complex surgical procedure designed to align your physical appearance with your authentic self.
