The minimum age for gender confirmation surgery varies significantly depending on a variety of factors, including the type of surgery, the individual patient’s readiness and health status, and local laws and guidelines.

In many places, genital surgeries such as vaginoplasty or phalloplasty are typically not performed until an individual is at least 18 years old, the age at which they are legally considered an adult and able to give informed consent.

Chest surgery (top surgery), which is often less complex and irreversible than genital surgery, may sometimes be performed on minors, usually no earlier than the late teenage years, but this is dependent on various factors including parental consent, the assessment of healthcare providers, and local laws and guidelines.

Before any surgery, mental health professionals and medical doctors typically conduct thorough evaluations to assess the individual’s persistent gender dysphoria, the ability to give informed consent, and overall physical and mental health.

Hormone therapy, another significant part of many people’s transition, can be started in the teenage years, often after the onset of puberty. For younger adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria, the use of puberty blockers might be considered, usually around the onset of puberty, to temporarily halt the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

These are general guidelines as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021 and can vary by country, local laws, individual healthcare providers, and the unique circumstances of each patient. Always consult with knowledgeable healthcare providers for the most accurate and personalized information.