Sex change surgery
Gender reassignment, sex reassignment, or sex change surgery is performed for people with gender dysphoria to transition to their desired gender. Gender dysphoria is a condition wherein the person feels that they are born with the wrong gender and that they identify themselves more as the other gender. A gender affirmation surgery performed on such people is of three different types. The past reports of sex change surgery have observed that these surgeries improve the mental health and quality of life of the concerned person.
What is sex change surgery?
Gender reassignment, sex reassignment, or sex change surgery is performed for people with gender dysphoria to transition to their desired gender. Gender dysphoria is a condition wherein the person feels that they are born with the wrong gender and that they identify themselves more as the other gender. A gender affirmation surgery performed on such people is of three different types. The past reports of sex change surgery have observed that these surgeries improve the mental health and quality of life of the concerned person.
What are the types of sex change surgery?
The sex change surgery aims at giving a body to the person that aligns well with their gender. Sex change surgery is not a single surgery but a set of procedures done on the face, chest, and genitals. The sex change surgery is of different types depending upon the procedures performed during the surgery. The main types of sex change surgery are:
Facial reconstructive surgery
As the name suggests, this procedure changes your facial features so that your face looks more feminine or masculine depending on the gender to which you are transforming.
Top surgery
This surgery refers to the procedures done on the upper part of your body. In a sex change surgery from male to female, the breast size and shape are enhanced to give it a more enhanced appearance whereas, in the case of a female to male sex change surgery, the breast tissues are removed from the chest to give it a masculine appearance.
Bottom surgery
This involves reconstruction of the genitals depending upon the sex in which the patient is getting transformed.
- People who are identified as transgenders
- People who are mentally healthy. A mental health evaluation test determines the mental health of an individual.
- People who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder
What are the procedures involved in sex change surgery?
The procedures involved in a sex change surgery vary depending upon the gender you are transforming into.
Male to female sex change surgery
There are several steps involved in a male-to-female sex change surgery. These steps include:
- A psychiatrist first consults the patient to confirm whether or not they are suffering from gender dysphoria.
- Consultation is also done to know whether or not they are mentally and physically fit to undergo surgery.
- The patient is prescribed hormonal therapy for 6 months before they go for surgery.
- After complete consultation and hormone therapy, the patient is taken for surgery. The procedures involved in the surgery include:
- Insertion of breast implant to enhance the size and shape of your breasts
- Bottom surgery involves the removal of the penis (penectomy) and the construction of the vagina (vaginoplasty).
- The hairline is lowered down to shorten the forehead
- The nose is reconstructed to make it look more feminine (rhinoplasty)
- Cheek implants are used to make your cheek look fuller.
- The upper lip is lifted while the lower lip is reduced in size.
- Reduction of the Adam’s apple
- Full body laser treatment is done to reduce hair.
- Liposuction can be done at the waist to make it look slim.
- Fat is injected into your buttocks (Brazilian buttock lift).
Female to male sex change surgery
The psychiatrist consultation and hormone therapy remain the same as in male-to-female sex change surgery. However, the procedures performed during the surgery are modified to give a masculine figure. The various procedures involved in this surgery are:
- Top surgery involves mastectomy, that is, the breast tissues are removed.
- Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is done for the removal of the uterus along with both the ovaries and the fallopian tube.
- Vaginectomy is the removal of the vagina.
- Reconstruction of the penis, known as penile reconstruction or metoidioplasty
- Testicular implants are used, and the scrotum is constructed (Scrotoplasty)
- Laser hair reduction treatment is done to widen your forehead
What does the recovery period look like post-surgery?
The recovery period after a sex change surgery depends on the procedures that you have gone through during the surgery and the corrections made in different parts of your body. Some of the common effects that you might see after a sex change surgery include:
- Swelling in the cheek and the nose area may last for 2-4 weeks after the surgery.
- You may also observe swelling in the chin and jaw area, which goes away in around 2 weeks.
- There might be swelling and soreness in the chest area for 1-2 weeks after the surgery.
- You must avoid vigorous exercise for at least one month or six weeks after the surgery.
- Weekly follow-up with your doctor is essentially important.
- Regular sessions with a counsellor are equally important as it can support your mental health and social transition.
What are the risks involved in sex change surgery?
Sex change surgery is a combination of procedures and is thus a massive surgery. The hormonal therapy given before the sex change surgery has several risks. The few complications that may arise due to the hormonal therapy include:
- Sleep apnea,
- High blood pressure,
- A tumour affecting your pituitary gland may develop,
- Increased chances of heart disease,
- Uncontrolled weight gain,
- Infertility,
- Occurrence of blood clots,
- Increased levels of liver enzyme,
- Feeling of confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety.
The chances of these complications can be reduced by regular counselling sessions and continuous consultation from the endocrinologist.
What does the sex change surgery cost?
The sex change surgery cost in Delhi varies depending upon the surgical procedures included in the treatment. The cost also depends on the skill and experience of your performing doctor and the medical centre.
Why choose BLINIQ?
Bliniq is a leading cosmetic surgery clinic and has a team of experienced and skilled cosmetic surgeons. At BLINIQ, we aim to provide you with the best doctor for sex change surgery. We also ensure that we take complete care of our patients by providing them with facilities like free pickup and drop facilities, unlimited follow-ups, easy EMI options to support their treatment, and luxurious amenities.