Overview

Feminizing surgery encompasses procedures that alter your appearance to promote the matching of your body with your gender identity (gender congruence). Feminizing surgery includes many options, such as "top" surgery to increase the size of your breasts (breast augmentation). "Bottom" surgery can involve removal of your testicles (orchiectomy) or the removal of your testicles and penis and the creation of a vagina, labia and clitoris (vaginoplasty). You might also consider facial procedures or body-contouring procedures to create a more feminine appearance.

People who seek feminizing surgery, also called gender-affirming surgery, often do so as a step in the process of treating discomfort or distress because their gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics (gender dysphoria).

Feminizing surgery isn't for all transgender women. These surgeries can be expensive, carry risks and complications, and involve follow-up medical care and procedures. Prior to some types of surgery, you might be required to get recommendations from behavioral health providers, live as a female and be on feminizing hormone therapy for a specific period of time. Certain surgeries will alter your fertility and your sexual sensations, in addition to how you feel about your body.

Your doctor, as well as people who have had these surgeries, can help you weigh the risks and benefits.