Gender reassignment surgery is becoming more popular as many patients with gender dysphoria are seeking to achieve the outward appearance of the sexual persona that they feel they possess inside. The procedures performed in order to achieve the secondary characteristics of the desired sex are called transgender cosmetic surgery, and they can be done either before or after sexual reassignment surgery (SRS). Gender reassignment is a complex process that involves psychological, physiological, and physical changes. While there is considerable debate about the types and classifications of this condition, the general consensus is that medical and surgical gender transition remains one of the best treatment options for patients with gender dysphoria.
The SRS procedures performed in a male-to-female transgender patient includes vaginoplasty, clitorolabioplasty, penectomy and orchidectomy. In the female-to-male patients, the procedures include oophorectomy, hysterectomy, and penile and scrotal reconstruction. These are the core or primary procedures in gender reassignment surgery. Although sexual reassignment surgery (SRS) is appropriate for some, for many others, this may not be possible or desirable. Some gender dysphoric patients may simply wish to have the outward appearance of the opposite sex. These procedures are considered secondary operations in the process of gender reassignment.
A wide range of secondary operations help achieve this goal for the gender dysphoric patient. Many of these operations involve the face. Of paramount importance in identity development, the face forms the basis for creating personality and emotional foundation of an individual. Other secondary operations deal with the body and are especially important in completing the transition for these patients.
In male-to-female patients, a number of procedures are performed to change the sexual appearance of the patient. These procedures are often performed after the patient has had hormonal therapy and has undergone electrolysis and laser hair removal of the face and body.
A partial list of these procedures is provided below:
Body contour operations help achieve a more feminine shape. Breast augmentation may be performed during the primary SRS operation or separately. If performed before the SRS operation, a complete psychological assessment has to be done, and the patient is expected to have been on hormone replacement drugs for some time prior to this operation.
A partial list of secondary body contour operations in male-to-female transgender operations is provided below:
Female-to-male patients, likewise, undergo psychological evaluation and receive hormonal therapy prior to undergoing surgery. Primary operations for gender reassignment in this group include removal of the uterus and ovaries, closure of the vagina, phalloplasty, creation of a scrotal sack and placement of testicular implants, and mastectomy.
Apart from altering the hairline with electrolysis and laser hair removal, a partial list of procedures designed to create secondary sexual characteristics in female-to-male patients are listed below:
Body contouring procedures designed to alter the female shape to a more masculine shape are as follows:
The choice of which operation to do first will depend on the complexity of the procedure. These procedures are often combined, but, ultimately, a multi-staged operation may be necessary given the complexity of the operations that need to be performed. Dr. Marefat will discuss with you the best course of action specifically suited to your particular condition.
Dr. Marefat and the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss transgender cosmetic surgery in Virginia. Schedule an appointment online or call one of our locations at 703-516-7600 (Arlington area) or at 703-560-9583 (Woodbridge).
Dr. Marefat offers a number of financial assistance programs and payment programs to cover the cost of transgender cosmetic surgery treatments in Virginia. Please visit the patient financing section of our website for more details or ask the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery about these options so that you can get started with transgender cosmetic surgery treatments in Virginia today.
