Gender Affirmation Surgery
Providing Transgender Patients With Compassionate Care
At AMG Plastic Surgery in Herndon, VA, we understand how important it is for patients to feel comfortable and proud of the skin they are in. We are pleased to offer gender affirmation surgery to help our transgender and non-binary patients transition to their chosen gender identity. While this surgery is not required for patients to transition, the majority of patients who undergo these procedures report an improved quality of life and better mental health. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 94% to 100% of patients are satisfied with their results.
The stigma and discrimination that many transgender and non-binary people face can make it difficult to seek care. Our team fosters a safe, empathetic and judgment-free environment, so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout every step of the treatment process.
Gender Affirmation Surgery In Herndon, VA
Gender affirmation surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery, is a set of procedures that help transgender patients physically transition to their chosen gender identity. The types of procedures vary depending on your specific needs and desired results. Examples of these procedures include facial surgery (changing the facial features such as the nose, chin, cheekbones, etc. in order to appear more masculine or feminine), “top” surgery (reducing or increasing the size of the breasts and chest) and “bottom” surgery (reconstructing the sex organs). At AMG Plastic Surgery, we are pleased to offer “top” or chest surgery and body contouring to help patients achieve a more masculine or feminine look that aligns with their gender identity.
Gender Affirming “Top” Surgery
“Top” surgery, also known as chest surgery, removes, enhances and/or reshapes the breast tissue in order for patients to achieve a more masculine or feminine look. There are several different approaches to this procedure based on the patient’s desired results and unique needs.
Some mastectomy techniques for transgender men include:
For transgender women, we offer a couple of surgical options to enhance the size of their breasts. These include:
Body Contouring
In addition to chest surgery, we are pleased to offer body contouring. There are several ways that feminization or masculinization can be achieved by adjusting fat distribution and body shape. Some surgical techniques include:
Female to Male / Breast Reduction
How Many Procedures Can Be Done At Once?
The number of procedures performed at one time will vary based on a patient’s specific needs, desired results and their health. However, there are a few procedures that can be performed at the same time. During your consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi, he will be able to discuss if combining procedures is right for you.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Gender Affirmation Surgery?
Patients who undergo these procedures must meet both mental and physical health requirements. Most patients who seek gender-confirming care have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria—or the distress caused when one’s gender identity does not match their biological sex characteristics—by a mental health professional. In order to qualify for surgery, patients must have a letter of recommendation from a mental health professional that outlines why these procedures may be beneficial to the patient.
In addition to mental health requirements, patients must also be physically healthy before moving forward with surgery. During your initial consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi in Herndon, VA, he will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine your eligibility for surgery. Dr. Ghaznavi may recommend lifestyle changes—such as temporarily quitting smoking or changing your diet—prior to undergoing this procedure.
To schedule a consultation at our Herndon, VA, office, please call us at (703) 239-3190 or request an appointment on our website.
How To Prepare For Surgery
Just like patients must meet both mental and physical requirements to be eligible for surgery, there are both emotional and physical levels of preparation before patients undergo their chosen procedure(s).
On an emotional level, patients must anticipate that they will need to mentally process their physical changes. While the patient satisfaction rate of gender-affirming procedures is very high, it is ultimately a life change that must be processed with the help of a mental professional or other members of the transgender or non-binary communities who have undergone similar procedures. Organizations such as the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Trevor Project are great resources to help facilitate patients’ transitions.
On a physical level, patients are expected to adhere to all pre-operative instructions as outlined by Dr. Ghaznavi. These instructions may ask patients to avoid certain medications, stop smoking or using tobacco, watch their diet and more. Additionally, it is important for patients to arrange for someone to drive them home after their procedure and to take care of them in the following days.
To schedule a consultation at our Herndon, VA, office, please call us at (703) 239-3190 or request an appointment on our website.
