Gender reassignment surgery, also known as sex reassignment surgery or gender confirmation surgery, is a medical procedure that helps individuals transition from one gender to another by altering their physical characteristics to align with their gender identity. The specific procedures involved in gender reassignment surgery vary depending on whether it is male to female (MTF) or female to male (FTM) transition.
MTF gender reassignment surgery typically involves:
⦁ Orchiectomy: Removal of the testes to eliminate testosterone production.
⦁ Vaginoplasty: Creation of a neovagina using existing genital tissue or through a combination of tissue grafts.
⦁ Clitoroplasty: Construction of a clitoris from the glans of the penis or other tissue.
⦁ Labiaplasty: Creation of labia majora and labia minora using tissue from the scrotum or other sources.
⦁ Breast augmentation: Placement of breast implants to achieve a more feminine chest contour.
FTM gender reassignment surgery typically involves:
⦁ Mastectomy: Removal of breast tissue to create a more masculine chest appearance.
⦁ Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and sometimes the ovaries.
⦁ Metoidioplasty or phalloplasty: Reconstruction of the genitalia to create a neophallus. Metoidioplasty uses the enlarged clitoris created by hormone therapy, while phalloplasty involves creating a penis using tissue grafts from other parts of the body.
⦁ Scrotoplasty: Creation of a scrotum using tissue grafts or the labia majora.
⦁ Urethroplasty: Lengthening of the urethra to allow for urination through the reconstructed penis.
It’s important to note that gender reassignment surgery is a complex and highly individualized process. It typically requires a multidisciplinary approach involving psychological evaluation, hormone therapy, counseling, and ongoing medical care. The specific procedures and techniques used may vary depending on the surgeon’s expertise and the individual’s unique circumstances and goals.
It’s essential to consult with experienced medical professionals who specialize in transgender healthcare to discuss the available options, potential risks and benefits, expected outcomes, and post-operative care. They can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the gender reassignment surgery process.