Gender-affirming surgery (female-to-male)

Gender-affirming surgery (female-to-male) is a type of surgery that changes the physical appearance and function of a person's existing sexual characteristics to resemble that of their identified gender. It is part of a treatment for gender dysphoria in transgender people.

Overview

Gender-affirming surgery (female-to-male) involves several procedures that can be broadly categorized into top surgery and bottom surgery. Top surgery involves mastectomy, the removal of the breasts, and male chest reconstruction. Bottom surgery involves the construction of a phallus (phalloplasty or metoidioplasty) and may also include a hysterectomy or oophorectomy.

Procedures

Top Surgery

Top surgery for female-to-male transition includes bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) and male chest reconstruction. This involves the removal of breast tissue and reshaping the chest to create a masculine appearance.

Bottom Surgery

Bottom surgery for female-to-male transition can involve one or more of several procedures. These include:

• Phalloplasty: This is the construction of a penis using skin from another part of the body.
• Metoidioplasty: This procedure involves the creation of a penis from the clitoral tissue, which has been enlarged through hormone therapy.
• Hysterectomy: This is the removal of the uterus.
• Oophorectomy: This is the removal of the ovaries.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgery, gender-affirming surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Specific to these surgeries, risks can also include loss of sensation, complications related to urinary function, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic results.

See Also

• Gender dysphoria
• Transgender
• Gender-affirming surgery (male-to-female)