FTM Gender Confirmation Solutions

Who is a candidate for female to male gender confirmation surgeries?

Candidates for female to male (FTM) gender confirmation surgery are individuals identified as female at birth who are seeking to fully embody their authentic male gender identity. The decision to pursue medical and/or surgical treatments as part of a transition journey is entirely unique to each individual transgender person. Anyone considering a gender confirmation surgery should consider their overall health, expectations of the procedure, and ability to commit to recovery times prior to pursuing treatments.

What can you expect from female to male gender confirmation surgeries?

FTM gender confirmation surgeries vary greatly depending on an individual transgender candidate’s needs. There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for gender reassignment.

• Facial Masculinization: These procedures address the hair, face, and neck. There are surgical modalities to alter bony and soft tissue structures and also less invasive non-surgical options like fillers, thread lifts, and Botox.
• Transmasculine Top Surgery: Typically a surgical breast removal (mastectomy) is used. The nipples and areola are also usually altered to create a more male appearing chest.
• Transmasculine Bottom Surgery: These are typically surgical procedures to alter the buttocks, hips, legs, and genitals.
• Body Contouring: Liposuction is a minor surgical procedure, although other body contouring procedures may be less invasive and involve phototherapy or freezing techniques.

Generally, surgical procedures are more involved, but also permanent, and will necessitate weeks to months of recovery. Non-surgical options usually provide less permanent results, but are also less invasive, and possibly changeable. Some hair procedures may take many months to years to achieve full, lasting results. Medical and hormone therapies may possibly affect surgical procedures. There use should be discussed with your providers.

When should you consider female to male gender confirmation surgeries?

The decision to pursue any gender confirmation surgery is unique to each individual transgender patient. Considerations for physical and mental health are important components in deciding the appropriate time to pursue procedures. Additionally, candidates concurrently utilizing medical and hormone therapies will need to discuss the timing of surgical procedures with their plastic surgeon and medical provider.

What is the youngest age someone can have female to male gender confirmation surgeries?

Guidelines for pediatric candidates (those under age 18) seeking to pursue gender affirming surgeries state transgender individuals should not undergo genital reconstruction procedures such as phalloplasty (penile construction), scrotoplasty (scrotum construction), vaginoplasty (labia, clitoris, and vaginal construction), oophorectomy (ovary removal), or hysterectomy (uterus removal) until they reach age 18.

Certain top FTM procedures may be considered at age 16. A consultation with a certified medical provider is necessary to determine the best timing of all gender affirming procedures and therapies. Additionally, parental consent and full physical and mental health evaluations are required.