Understanding Gender-Affirming Surgery in Miami: A Comprehensive Guide
Gender affirmation surgery, also known as gender reassignment or gender confirmation surgery, is typically performed by a board certified physician who has sought out and trained with an expert in the field in order to perform these complicated surgeries safely.
Various surgeries can help transgender individuals achieve the physical appearance and functional abilities that better align with their self-identified gender. These procedures include:
- MTF Top Surgery
- MTF Bottom Surgery
- FTM Top Surgery
- FTM Bottom Surgery
This overview will help you navigate Male-to-Female (MTF) and Female-to-Male (FTM) gender-affirming surgeries, both top and bottom.
MTF Gender-Affirming Surgeries
Top Surgery (Breast Augmentation)
MTF top surgery involves tissue sculpting and the strategic placement of breast implants to achieve feminine upper body contours.
Implant type, size, incision, placement options, and their ability to deliver your desired results will be explained during your consultation. Your surgeon will make recommendations based on your preferences and anatomy.
Bottom Surgery (Vaginoplasty)
Various surgical techniques can be used in MTF bottom surgery to construct a neovagina using penile and scrotal tissues. This process also typically includes the removal of the testes.
FTM Gender-Affirming Surgeries
Top Surgery (Chest Masculinization)
During FTM top surgery, breast tissue is removed to create a more masculine chest.
There are many different approaches a surgeon may take to remove the breast and masculinize the chest. Though you may have your heart set on a particular approach, such as double-incision, periareolar, keyhole, inverted-t, etc, go into your consultation with an open mind. Your body is going to tell you, and your surgeon will also affirm which approach will yield the best cosmetic result.
Bottom Surgery (Phalloplasty or Metoidioplasty)
Phalloplasty is used in FTM bottom surgery to construct a neophallus using tissue grafts. Metoidioplasty releases the clitoral ligament to increase its length, allowing the patient to do things such as urinate from a standing position.
The exact surgical technique used will depend on individual goals, with phalloplasty providing more options for sexual function.
Your Gender Affirmation Consultation
A comprehensive consultation with an experienced surgeon is critical to discuss your goals, expectations, potential outcomes, and readiness for this physical transformation. During your consultation, your surgeon will go over your medical and surgical history to ensure that you are a candidate for safe surgery. After this, your surgeon will go over all of the benefits and potential risks of surgery. You should use this time to learn not only about the surgery but about the surgeon. Where did they get their training? How many procedures have they performed? How often do they perform them? What complications have they had? How did they handle them? Gender affirming surgery is quite complicated, and as the demand for gender affirming surgeons in the United States has gone up dramatically over the last few years, so has the number of surgeons performing these procedures – ensure your surgeon has the experience you deserve.
Your Body, Your Choice
Your gender affirmation surgery options should be based only on your physical and emotional needs and only influenced by your personal desires and thoughtful recommendations of your surgeon that meet your unique needs.
Transgender individuals seek a diverse combination of procedures, and you should never feel pressured to have any surgery you are not comfortable with.
Recovery From Gender-Affirming Surgery
Understanding and preparing for the recovery process, including downtime, restrictions, and aftercare, is essential. Follow all post-operative instructions closely for a positive recovery experience and best results.
Mental Health Support
Gender-affirming surgeries can involve deep emotional and psychological responses. Accessing mental health support can be beneficial throughout the process.
Current Laws Governing Gender-Affirming Care in Florida
Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 254 on May 17, 2023, which prohibits sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors.
This law does not impact the provision of other types of care, such as behavioral health services.
It also does not affect adult patients.
Gender-Affirming Surgery in Miami, FL
Restore Transgender Transformations provides compassionate and personalized transgender care for individuals from all over the world in beautiful Miami, Florida. To schedule your gender affirmation consultation, call (305) 865-2000 today!