Is Gender Affirming Surgery Right For You?
Patients who will find the most success in gender confirmation surgical procedures are happy, healthy, self-assured individuals who are committed to a gender transition and well along in their journey. If existing medical or mental health issues exist, they should be well controlled before undertaking a serious elective surgery.
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In addition to having a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the impact that gender confirmation surgery may have on your life, consider surgery as your next transitional step if:
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You’ve been diagnosed with persistent gender dysphoria
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You have been living as a member of your desired sex
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You are of the age to make consent
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You’ve been under the care of a mental health care provider who can provide a letter in support of your decision to undergo surgery
WPATH Standards
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health, has provided a set of standards for health care professionals in proceeding with a patient’s plans for gender confirmation surgery:
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For some procedures, patients are required to have undergone hormone therapy for a period of twelve months.
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For breast augmentation: Patients ages 35 years and older must have a normal baseline mammogram prior to surgery.
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Patients must undergo medical clearance by their primary care physician prior to surgery.
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Patients are required to have a letter from their gender therapist, psychiatrist, primary care physician, or psychologist stating that transgender surgery is the next step in your transition process.