Transgender Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, and Benefits and Side Effects

Also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS), gender confirmation surgery (GCS), gender reassignment surgery (GRS), and by several other names, transgender surgery is a surgical procedure, or a series of surgical procedures that can be used to change a transgender or transsexual person's physical characteristics and sexual preferences so that they more closely resemble physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically to those of their assigned gender and lessen gender dysphoria.

People with gender dysphoria, who are born with ambiguous genitalia, often choose to undergo this surgical procedure. Sometimes people may even want to have this surgery to treat a mental condition known as crossed gender identity. It is important to distinguish between homosexuality and gender dysphoria.

Transgender patients might get surgery to have a physique that matches their gender. It could entail operations on the face, chest, or genitalia. Typical transgender surgery can be roughly classified into two types:

This operation is done on trans women who identify as male. The procedures in this group are intended to transform the male genitalia already existing in these people into a shape that mimics female genitalia. Additionally, it makes every effort to offer functionality. The operations include breast augmentation, hormone replacement therapy, facial feminization surgery, and hair removal from the face.

Trans Men who identify as female undertake this operation. Since there isn't enough clitoris tissue to create a functional penis, the majority of these trans males choose not to have genital reassignment surgery. Additionally, this method appears to cause more post-operative discomfort, hence the majority of the patients go with the less drastic alternative choices that are accessible to them.

Such less invasive and much successful surgeries include; bilateral mastectomy (removal of the breasts), chest contouring (to give them a masculine physique), and hysterectomy (removal of internal female genitalia). Hormone Replacement Therapy, which employs testosterone, also serves to initiate FTM operations.

Research suggests that transgender patients who choose gender-affirming surgery get long-term benefits in terms of their mental health. According to one study, a person's chance of needing mental health treatment falls by 8% the year after the gender-affirming procedure. Here are some of the many benefits of transgender surgery;

• No mental stress of being in the wrong body
• Psychological happiness
• Less anxiety levels, depression levels etc.

A person's physical appearance can be altered through surgery to match their gender identity. People with gender dysphoria choose to get gender affirming surgery. Gender dysphoria is a stressful disorder and occurs when your biological sex does not match your gender identity. Adults with gender dysphoria experience unhappiness, anxiety, and discomfort because they feel trapped in another person's body.

Hermaphroditism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, two rare diseases that can also cause gender dysphoria (CAH). In these situations, it is common for people to try to live in accordance with their gender identity and as a result, they regularly undergo a variety of surgical and nonsurgical procedures in an attempt to more closely match their physical appearance to their gender identity.

Risks can vary depending on the surgery and like any other surgery transgender surgery also carries some risks and complications, which might include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bladder problems
• Altered sexual function
• Side effects from anesthesia

Your medical expert may be able to provide you with further information regarding the benefits and drawbacks of each surgical treatment. Significant problems are generally uncommon when carried out by a skilled team of surgeons at Pristyn care.

Prior to surgery, you should speak with a trustworthy healthcare provider. Your medical expert may be able to inform you about the pre and post surgery preparation and care;

• Get a certification from a psychiatrist, which is required before surgery in order to counter and validate what the psychiatrist feels about the patient's case and the necessity of this life altering and permanent gender surgery
• In order to continue with Permanent Gender Surgery, two certifications from two separate psychiatrists must first be obtained
• Before performing gender surgery, surgeons are also required to file an affidavit with the court in which both the patient and the surgeon need to attest that both parties are aware that the procedure is permanent and that the patient will not be able to reproduce or procreate in the future
• Inform your doctor of any medication you use. This includes over-the-counter medications (such cough syrup or allergy tablets), prescription medications, inhalers, patches, herbal treatments, and vitamin supplements. If you have a medication allergy, be sure to let your doctor know
• Regarding your medications, abide by your doctor's instructions. Some blood thinners and medications that make it more difficult for your blood to clot may need to be stopped before surgery. If you have diabetes, your medication dosage may need to be changed. Before stopping any medication, always consult your doctor
• As transgender surgery has some a major operation procedure and may require you to stay for one to two nights in the hospital, pack necessary items in your hospital bag such as; a toothbrush, robe, and slippers, to make your stay more comfortable
• Follow your doctor's advice about what to eat and drink before surgery. The night before surgery, you should probably avoid eating or drinking after midnight. Ask your doctor or nurse for instructions if you typically take your medication in the morning.
• On the day of surgery, let your doctor or the hospital staff know if you have a cold, the flu, or any other ailment
• If you believe you could be pregnant, tell your doctor.
• Once the patient has this understanding, they are counseled before the surgery is performed.

Depending on the type of conversion and hospital you select, the cost of a sex change procedure in India ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,00,000.

A lot of variables may affect the cost of surgery. Along with tier-1 or tier-2 cities; hospital or clinic brand names, the fees of the treating consultant, admission fee, type of the surgery, post-surgical complications that are involved, admission room that you opted for, may have an influence on hospital billing expenses.

The cost of transgender surgery in major Indian cities is;

Transgender surgery in Bangalore can cost somewhere between Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 4,00,000, in Delhi from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000, Mumbai Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 3,50,000, whereas in Chennai it can go somewhere from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 3,30,000, and in cities like Pune it can range from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 3,50,000, Kolkata Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 and Hyderabad Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 3,50,000.

The total cost of the procedure may also be impacted by the number of diagnostic tests performed. The entire cost of the surgery may be reduced based on the patient's insurance plan.

Expenses for transgender surgery can also vary from individual to individual due to the following reasons:

• Surgeon fee
• Health condition of the patient
• Post-procedure complications that are involved
• Psychologist and psychiatric fee, if the help is required
• Type of the hospital
• The room that you opted for
• Admission fee.

The first and most crucial step of the process is gender identification by the patient. The transperson must declare that they belong to one of the two sexes and then go through the procedure to resemble that sex as closely as possible. Once they have reached a particular level of mental development, individuals may identify themselves, however medical professionals should do so even before the baby is born

Being that a treatment like vaginoplasty is irreversible, the trans person must first reflect inside themselves and be certain that they want to undertake the operation when they initially arrive for a consultation.

Without the proper preparation, someone who has this operation would be left feeling emotionally and psychologically exhausted

This significant operation requires a good medical history, just like all other major procedures, and the doctors will be sure to ask for it

A few weeks before surgery, the patient will need to stop smoking since nicotine inhibits healing. Nipple tissue is particularly sensitive to nicotine, thus patients who need nipple transplants shouldn't even contemplate smoking because doing so might result in the graft being rejected.

Following transsexual surgery, your doctors could advise eating ice chips only shortly after the surgery and the day after the surgery, only a liquid and low sodium diet is advised. However, you can start eating normally once your doctor tells you so before that for the first several weeks, a balanced diet loaded with essential nutrients to speed the recovery is recommended that includes;

• Prunes
• Yogurt
• Baby food
• Apple sauce
• Frozen dessert bars
• Pineapple
• Papaya
• Soups
• Plenty of water and juices
• Bread for toast
• Low-sodium diet
• Almonds
• Grapes
• Apples
• Apricots
• Berries
• Currants
• Prunes
• Cherries
• Cucumbers
• Pickles
• Tomatoes
• Chinese Black Beans
• Meat

Note: Avoid alcohol and smoking as they can interfere with the medications and are not deemed good for your recovery too. Also, avoid cheese and a high sodium diet in order to avoid any kind of discomfort that may arise due to bloating.

Gender-confirmation surgery includes risks, just like any other kind of surgery. Therefore, getting a full health evaluation before considering surgery is essential. The skilled team at Pristyn Care adheres to best procedures for your safety.

Following surgery, it is common to experience discomfort, edema, tightness, or fluid draining. But as transgender surgery is not a single procedure and can be the combination of many surgeries done on different parts of the body, the pain depends on what procedures you are undergoing.

Among all the procedures, genital reconstruction is likely to be the most painful, but that could be managed by the painkillers prescribed by the doctor. Similarly, facial feminization surgery, growing breasts surgery could also be intensely painful in the beginning, but is usually treatable with at-home treatments. Most patients stop feeling severe pain after a few months and can start enjoying the advantages of gender-affirming surgery.

To minimize the pain and chances of infection you should wisely choose your surgeon who is an expert medical professional with lots of experience and success rate.

Depending on the operation or combination of operations you will have, your recovery time will be affected:

• Surgery on the cheek and the nose: Swelling lasts for two to four weeks
• Surgery on the chin and jaw: Most edema goes away in two weeks. Up to four months may pass before the swelling goes away
• Chest operation: Following a chest operation swelling and pain continue for one to two weeks. For at least a month, you must refrain from engaging in strenuous activities
• Bottom surgery: Most patients wait at least six weeks following surgery to resume their regular routines. For a few months, you'll need to check up with your doctor every week. These check-ins make sure your recovery is going smoothly

It's crucial to realize that the transitioning process for the majority of people involves more than just surgery. You ought to keep seeing a counselor or therapist after the operation. You can get help from this expert with your mental health and social transitions.

Side effects associated with surgery include adverse anesthetic reactions, blood loss, blood clots, and infection. Here are some of the common side effects of transgender surgery;

• Hematoma
• Abscess Formation
• Seroma
• Loss of Sensation
• Scarring
• Urological Complications

It's critical to go into depth about these side effects with your surgeon.

Your surgical care team will take a variety of measures to stop these issues from occurring, identify them when they do, and deal with them efficiently.

Your healthcare provider will give you instructions for wound care after your surgery. The instructions will depend on the type of procedure you had and other factors, such as;

Care for Male to Female surgery

• The patient must stay in at home for 10 to 12 days for recovery after spending 3 days in the hospital for the procedure
• In 4 to 6 weeks, the patient can undertake light work. By six to eight weeks, strenuous work and exercise can start
• According to the surgeon's aftercare guidelines, dilation (periodic stretching of the vaginal walls) should be performed twice weekly until 13 weeks
• Use a decent dilator that is substantial and easily fits within the vagina
• According to the surgeon's recommendations, the vagina should be douched (cleaned in a certain way)

Care for Female to Male surgery

• The patient will need to stay in recovery room 5 to 6 days after spending 2 days in the hospital
• In two weeks, small work can be resumed. Only after four to six weeks may you begin doing more demanding exercise
• It may be necessary to wear a compression binder for six weeks while in the recovery phase. It mostly relies on the surgeon's recommendations
• Depending on how the operation was performed, there may be less than moderate discomfort following the procedure for a few weeks. The surgeon will take care of this by writing the required painkiller prescriptions
• In roughly a week, the top surgery's sutures will be taken out

General Wound Care

• Showering or bathing shouldn't be done unless your doctor tells you to do so
• Sponge to bathing
• Before applying the bandage, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water
• Putting on ointments or creams that have been prescribed by the doctor on the surgical wounds
• Change dressing or bandage on regular basis
• Stay out of the sun while your recovery time
• Checking the surgical site daily for symptoms of infection.

Procedures for gender affirmation aid in the transition to a person's self-identified gender. Operations that alter the face, chest, or genitalia may be part of gender affirmation surgery. You may decide to undergo a single surgery or a number of different operations. Working with a mental health professional is crucial both before and after surgery. According to research, having a therapist you can trust increases your chances of being happy with the outcome of your operation.