Kavitha Ranganathan: An Introduction to Gender-affirming Surgery

Gender-affirming care refers to treatments that validate and support the gender identity of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. While not all TGD individuals opt for surgical transition, gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) are a significant aspect for many in their journey. GAS encompass a range of procedures aimed at aligning physical characteristics with gender identity. This article outlines common GAS procedures, highlighting specific considerations for each category: transfeminine procedures (e.g., breast augmentation, penile inversion vaginoplasty, orchiectomy, tracheal shave, and facial feminization); transmasculine procedures (e.g., chest masculinization, hysterectomy, phalloplasty, and metoidioplasty); as well as other procedures (e.g., fertility preservation and hair removal). The review also addresses patient outcomes and the legal aspects surrounding GAS, placing these procedures within broader discussions on gender-affirming care.

SPEAKER: Dr. Kavitha Ranganathan is an Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Associate Surgeon, Brigham and Women's Hospital in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Director of Craniofacial…