Gender Affirmation Surgery with ARMS Medical
Physicians looking to learn more about the benefits of dCELL Technology for Gender Affirmation Surgeries:
For patients looking to be connected with more resources about gender affirmation surgeries.
Understanding Gender Reassignment Surgery
Gender affirmation surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery, is a comprehensive set of surgical procedures designed to alter an individual’s physical appearance and sexual characteristics to better align with their identified gender.
This includes a range of surgeries typically divided into male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) procedures. Each surgery is customized to the individual’s unique needs and goals of each individual.
Different Types Of Gender affirmation Surgeries
Female to Male Surgery
Surgical removal of biologically female tissues and organs, the construction/addition of new male organs, and facial reconstruction surgery. Surgeries can include both “top surgery,” “bottom surgery,” and “facial surgery.”
This can have many additional procedures, such as:
- Facial Masculinization Surgery: reconstruction of the jawline, neck, and even forehead to create more masculine features.
- Masculinization Top Surgery: removal of female breast tissue to create a more flat chest.
- Vaginectomy: surgical removal of the vagina
- Metoidioplasty: new construction of a penis from the biologically female clitoris.
- Phalloplasty: surgical removal of other pieces of skin in the human body to form a penis.
Male to Female Surgery
Surgical removal of male genitalia, and/or the new construction of female genitalia. This can include both “top surgery,” “bottom surgery,” and “facial surgery.”
This can have many additional procedures, such as:
- Facial Feminization Surgery: Reshaping of body parts such as the hairline and jaw to create more feminine features.
- Vaginoplasty: Creating a vaginal canal from pre-existing male genitalia
- Vulvoplasty: A surgical procedure designed to construct a vulva (but not a vagina)
- Penectomy: Surgical procedure to remove a male’s penis.
- Orchiectomy: Surgical procedure to remove a male’s testicles.
- Feminizing Top Surgery: Surgery is designed to add implants to form a more round chest.
What steps can i take prior to my gender affirmation procedure to help me prepare?
- Consultation with a Surgeon: Schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon who specializes in gender affirmation surgery. Discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns you may have.
- Mental Health Assessment: Obtain a letter of support from a qualified mental health professional. Many surgeons and insurance providers require this to ensure you are making an informed decision and are emotionally prepared for the surgery.
- Hormone Therapy: If you are undergoing hormone therapy, follow the regimen prescribed by your endocrinologist. Many surgeons require that you have been on hormone therapy for a certain period before surgery (typically at least a year).
- Medical Evaluation: Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health for surgery. This may include blood tests, EKGs, and other diagnostic tests.
- Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider regarding your coverage to make sure you are not surprised with any expenses. Obtain pre-authorization if necessary.
- Financial Planning: Depending on your insurance coverage, have a thorough understand of the costs associated with the procedure and plan your finances accordingly in the months leading up to it.
- Smoking and Alcohol: You may be required to quit several weeks before surgery as it can impede healing. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption as well.
- Weight Management: Make sure you are at a healthy weight as advised by your surgeon. Being physically fit is also helpful to reduce surgical risks and improve outcomes.
- Time Off Work: Arrange for time off work and plan for a sufficient recovery period. Discuss with your employer if necessary.
- Support System:Arrange for someone to assist you during your initial recovery period. You will need help with daily tasks and transportation.
- Living Arrangements: Prepare your home for your return post-surgery. Ensure you have a comfortable place to rest, and stock up on essential supplies, including medications, bandages, and easy-to-prepare meals.
Pre-Surgery Checklist
- Follow all pre-surgery instructions provided by your surgeon, including fasting requirements and any specific preparations for the surgical site.
- Discuss your current medications with your surgeon. You may need to adjust or stop certain medications before surgery.
- Ensure all your legal documents, such as your identification, health insurance information, and any advance directives, are in order.
Post-Surgery Checklist
The post-surgery healing and recovery process also differs based on the specific procedure.
Although your primary medical caretaker and ARMS Medical will provide specific aftercare instructions, these are are some of the preventative measures you can take to position you for a successful recovery:
- Take all prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
- Monitor physical exertion, dialing back exercise and movement if possible.
- Dress and redress bandages consistently for proper healing.
- Give yourself time to get adequate rest and sleep.
Take all prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
Monitor physical exertion, dialing back exercise and movement if possible.
Dress and redress bandages consistently for proper healing.
Give yourself time to get adequate rest and sleep.
Interested in learning more? Please contact our team below.
Gender Affirmation Surgery frequently Asked Questions
Below is the a general timeline of recovery for procedures:
- Facial surgeries: 2-4 weeks
- Chest surgeries: 4 weeks
- Bottom surgeries: 6-8 weeks
The length of your respective gender affirmation procedure is entirely dependent on the specific surgery. Some are finished in a day, while others require multiple rounds of surgeries. During your surgeon consultation, you can take the time to learn about the duration of the specific surgery that you are going to be having.
- Avoids Donor Site Morbidity
- Eliminate additional surgeries for tissue harvesting.
- Reduce pain and scarring with no secondary surgical sites.
- Shorter Surgical Times
- Streamlined procedures with faster surgery.
- Reduced anesthesia time for safer operations.
- Decreased Risk of Complications
- Fewer wound healing issues.
- Lower infection rates with no donor site.
- Better Tissue Quality
- Consistent, high-quality scaffolds.
- Optimized for anatomical and functional needs.
- Enhanced Recovery and Comfort
- Faster recovery times.
- Improved postoperative comfort.
- Broader Applicability
- Suitable for patients with limited autograft options.
- Versatile for various surgical needs.
dCELL technology involves removing cellular material from donor tissues, leaving a scaffold that the patient’s cells can repopulate. This process minimizes immune rejection and promotes natural tissue regeneration.
Specific Applications in Gender Affirmation Surgery
Applications of dCELL Technology in Gender Affirmation Surgery
- Vaginal Reconstruction (Neovagina)
- Supports tissue integration for natural appearance and function.
- Reduces complications like stenosis or strictures.
- Phalloplasty
- Customizable scaffolds for precise anatomical reconstruction.
- Promotes natural tissue growth for better outcomes.