Masculinizing surgery

Masculinizing surgery, also called gender-affirming surgery, involves procedures that help better align the body with a person's gender identity. Research has found that gender-affirming surgery can have a positive impact on well-being and sexual function. Masculinizing surgery includes several options, such as top surgery to create a more male-contoured chest and bottom surgery that may involve the reproductive organs or genitals.

Many people seek masculinizing surgery as a step in the process of treating discomfort or distress because their gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. This is called gender dysphoria. For some people, having masculinizing surgery feels like a natural step. It's important to their sense of self. Others choose not to have surgery. All people relate to their bodies differently and should make individual choices that best suit their needs. Masculinizing surgery may include: Surgical removal of breast tissue. This also is referred to as top surgery or masculinizing chest surgery. Surgical placement of pectoral implants to create a male-contoured chest. Surgery to remove the uterus and cervix — a total hysterectomy — or to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries — a procedure called salpingo-oophorectomy. Surgery to remove all or part of the vagina, called a vaginectomy; create a scrotum, called scrotoplasty; place testicular prostheses; increase the length of the clitoris, called metoidioplasty; or create a penis, called phalloplasty. Body contouring.

Like any major surgery, many types of masculinizing surgery pose a risk of bleeding, infection and a reaction to anesthetic. Depending on the procedure, other health concerns that might happen due to masculinizing surgery include: Delayed wound healing. Fluid buildup beneath the skin, called seroma. Bruising, also called hematoma. Changes in skin sensation such as pain that doesn't go away, tingling, reduced sensation or numbness. Damaged or dead body tissue — a condition known as tissue necrosis — such as in the nipple or in the surgically created penis. A blood clot in a deep vein, called deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in the lung, a condition called pulmonary embolism. Development of an irregular connection between two body parts, called a fistula, such as in the urinary tract. Urinary problems, such as incontinence. Pelvic floor problems. Permanent scarring. Loss of sexual pleasure or function. Worsening of a behavioral health concern.

Before surgery, you meet with your surgeon. Work with a surgeon who is board certified and experienced in the procedures you want. Your surgeon talks with you about your options and the potential results. The surgeon also may provide information on details such as the type of anesthesia that will be used during surgery and the kind of follow-up care that you may need. Follow your healthcare team's directions on preparing for your procedures. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking. You may need to make changes in the medicine you take. Before surgery, you also may need to stop using nicotine, including vaping, smoking and chewing tobacco.