Gender-affirming surgery (also known as gender confirmation surgery or gender reassignment surgery) refers to a range of surgical procedures that can help transgender individuals bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. These procedures can be an important part of a transgender person’s journey to feeling more comfortable and at home in their body. The specific procedures will vary depending on the individual’s needs and goals, but may include genital surgery, breast augmentation or removal, facial feminization or masculinization surgery, and body contouring procedures.

It is important to note that not all transgender people choose to undergo gender-affirming surgery, and it is not necessary for an individual to have surgery in order to be transgender. The decision to undergo surgery is a deeply personal one that should be made in consultation with medical professionals, including mental health providers who specialize in gender identity issues. It is also important to note that access to gender-affirming surgery can be limited by factors such as cost, insurance coverage, and geographic location.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. There are different types of hysterectomies, including total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix), subtotal hysterectomy (removal of the uterus but not the cervix), and radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina). The procedure can be performed through an abdominal incision or through the vagina, and it may be done with or without removing the ovaries. Hysterectomy is most commonly associated with cisgender women, but it may also be sought by transgender men as part of their gender transition.

Hysterectomy can have a variety of physical and emotional impacts, and it is important for individuals to discuss their options and potential risks and benefits with a medical provider. Some potential benefits of hysterectomy may include relief from chronic pain or heavy bleeding, treatment for cancer or other conditions affecting the reproductive organs, or reduction in gender dysphoria for transgender men. However, the procedure also carries some potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to other organs. Additionally, removal of the ovaries may lead to early menopause and an increased risk of certain health conditions. It is important for individuals to carefully consider their options and potential risks and benefits before undergoing a hysterectomy.

Orchiectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the testicles. This procedure is most commonly sought by transgender women as part of their gender transition, but it may also be performed for medical reasons such as testicular cancer. The procedure can be performed through a small incision in the scrotum or through the inguinal canal, and it can be done with or without removing the scrotum.

Orchiectomy is a relatively simple procedure that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Removing the testicles can help to reduce testosterone levels in the body, which can help to reduce masculine characteristics and promote feminization. However, it is important to note that this procedure alone may not be sufficient to achieve a person’s desired gender presentation, and other procedures such as hormone therapy and genital surgery may also be necessary. Orchiectomy carries some potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures, but complications are rare. It is important for individuals to discuss their options and potential risks and benefits with a medical provider before undergoing an orchiectomy.

Voice surgery, also known as voice modification surgery or voice feminization surgery, refers to a variety of surgical procedures to alter the voice. This type of surgery is most commonly sought by transgender individuals who want to change the pitch or quality of their voice to better align with their gender identity. The specific procedure will depend on the individual’s goals and their vocal anatomy, and it may involve altering the length, tension, or shape of the vocal cords.

Voice surgery can be a complex and nuanced procedure, and it is important for individuals to work with a medical provider who has experience in this area. Some common voice surgeries include thyroplasty, which involves implanting a silicone or cartilage implant to adjust the position or tension of the vocal cords, or cricothyroid approximation, which involves shortening the distance between the cricoid and thyroid cartilages to increase the pitch of the voice. Voice surgery may also be accompanied by speech therapy or other techniques to help the individual learn to use their new voice effectively. It is important for individuals to carefully consider their options and potential risks and benefits before undergoing voice surgery.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a group of surgical procedures aimed at altering the facial features to create a more feminine appearance. This type of surgery is most commonly sought by transgender women, but it may also be performed for medical reasons or by cisgender women who are unhappy with their facial features. FFS may include a variety of procedures, such as forehead contouring, rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, lip lift, jaw reshaping, and chin contouring. The specific procedures performed will depend on the individual’s goals and their unique facial features.

FFS is a complex and intricate procedure that requires significant skill and expertise on the part of the surgeon. It is important for individuals to work with a surgeon who has experience in this area and who can provide realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. FFS can have a significant impact on a person’s appearance and may also help to alleviate gender dysphoria. However, the procedure carries potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and scarring. It is important for individuals to carefully consider their options and potential risks and benefits before undergoing FFS.