For many transgender and gender non-conforming patients, making the choice to have gender reassignment surgery (alternate names include gender affirmation surgery, gender confirmation surgery, and a sex change) is a significant step toward becoming who they were meant to be.
Candidates for Top Surgery
Although most patients who come to our practice for this procedure have thought about it for a long time, it’s important to understand that the results of top surgery are permanent. During consultations, our doctors take the time to determine if the patient is a good candidate for surgery. Criteria include:
- Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
- Well-controlled medical or mental health with clearance from a mental health professional
- On hormone therapy for over 1 year for MTF patients
- Living as the desired gender for at least 1 year
Not criteria, but will improve the outcome:
- A nonsmoker or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
- At or near a healthy, stable weight and physically healthy
To learn more about the standards for care the Portland Plastic Surgery Group follows for ensuring the health of transgender patients, please review the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care Guide.
