The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is reporting that after two years of collecting data on gender confirmation surgeries, the procedures have already increased by 20% with more than 3,200 transfeminine and transmasculine surgeries performed in 2016. The procedures can include anything from facial and body contouring to gender reassignment surgeries.
The ASPS posits that increased access to gender confirmation procedures helped fuel the increase from 2015 to 2016.
“In the past several years, the number of transgender patients I've seen has grown exponentially,” said Loren Schechter, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Chicago. “Access to care has allowed more people to explore their options, and more doctors understand the needs of transgender patients.
“Surgical therapy is one component of the overall care of the individual,” she continued. “It takes a team of experts across different disciplines working together to provide comprehensive care. I often partner with doctors who may prescribe treatments such as hormone therapy and mental health professionals who help patients through their transitions.”
