LGBTQ surgery is a term used to describe the surgical procedures that can be used to affirm the gender identity of transgender and gender-diverse people.
There are a variety of different types of LGBTQ surgery, including:
⦁ Top surgery: This is surgery on the chest to create a more masculine or feminine chest. For transgender men, top surgery may involve removing the breasts and creating a more masculine chest. For transgender women, top surgery may involve breast augmentation or breast reconstruction.
⦁ Bottom surgery: This is surgery on the genitals to create a more masculine or feminine genital anatomy. For transgender men, bottom surgery may involve phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, or orchiectomy. For transgender women, bottom surgery may involve vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, or hysterectomy.
⦁ Genital electrolysis or laser hair removal: This is the removal of hair from the genital area. This can be done as a preparation for bottom surgery, or as a standalone procedure for transgender people who want to remove unwanted hair.
⦁ Voice surgery: This is surgery to change the pitch and quality of the voice. This can be done for transgender people who want to have a voice that matches their gender identity.
⦁ Facial feminization surgery: This is surgery to feminize the face of transgender women. This may involve procedures such as rhinoplasty, brow lift, jawline reduction, and chin augmentation.
⦁ Facial masculinization surgery: This is surgery to masculinize the face of transgender men. This may involve procedures such as rhinoplasty, brow lift, jawline augmentation, and chin reduction.
It is important to note that not all transgender and gender-diverse people choose to have surgery. Some people may choose to have surgery as part of their transition, while others may not. There is no right or wrong answer, and the decision of whether or not to have surgery is a personal one.
If you are considering LGBTQ surgery, it is important to talk to a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your individual needs and goals. There are many different surgeons who specialize in LGBTQ surgery, so it is important to find one who is experienced and knowledgeable in this area.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
⦁ The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has a comprehensive guide to transgender health care, including information on LGBTQ surgery.
⦁ The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has a directory of board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in transgender care.
⦁ The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has a list of resources for transgender people, including information on finding a qualified healthcare provider.
“LGBTQ surgery” is a broad term that encompasses various surgical procedures that may be relevant to individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. These surgeries can be classified into two main categories: gender-affirming surgeries and sexual orientation-related surgeries.
⦁ Gender-affirming surgeries: These are surgical procedures performed to align an individual’s physical characteristics with their gender identity. They are typically sought by transgender individuals as part of their gender transition. Some common gender-affirming surgeries include:
⦁ Gender confirmation surgery (also known as gender reassignment surgery or sex reassignment surgery): These procedures involve altering the genitals to match the individual’s gender identity. This can include vaginoplasty (creation of a neovagina) for transgender women and phalloplasty or metoidioplasty (creation or enhancement of a neophallus) for transgender men.
⦁ Chest reconstruction (top surgery): This surgery is primarily sought by transgender men and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth to remove breast tissue and create a more masculine chest appearance.
⦁ Facial feminization surgery (FFS) or facial masculinization surgery (FMS): These procedures involve a combination of surgical techniques to alter facial features to align with an individual’s gender identity.
⦁ Sexual orientation-related surgeries: While there are no specific surgeries directly related to sexual orientation, individuals of any sexual orientation may choose to undergo procedures for various reasons unrelated to their sexual orientation. For example, some individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, may opt for cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation, liposuction, or rhinoplasty for personal aesthetic preferences.
It’s important to note that not all LGBTQ individuals seek or require surgery as part of their identity affirmation or personal goals. Decisions regarding surgeries are highly personal and should be made in collaboration with qualified healthcare professionals who specialize in LGBTQ healthcare and have experience in providing gender-affirming or other relevant surgeries.
If you or someone you know is considering any type of surgery related to gender affirmation or other reasons, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive information, guidance, and support throughout the process.