At The Center for Gender Affirmation, we follow the globally recognized guidelines and evidence-based practices to ensure safe, affirming care. You may be eligible for most of our surgeries if you:
- Have persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
- Are of appropriate age
- Can provide informed consent and understand surgical risks and recovery
- Have completed a psychosocial assessment with a qualified mental health provider
- Have stable mental health, with any major conditions well-managed
- Have a safe plan for your pre and post-surgical care environments
Procedure-Specific Recommendations
- Breast Augmentation: Feminizing hormones for at least 12 months are recommended along with other requirements.
- Genital Surgery: Often requires living in your affirmed gender role for at least 12 months along with other requirements.
Note that these are starting points, not barriers. If you're unsure whether you meet all the criteria, our team is here to walk you through it.
Obtaining a Surgical Readiness Letter
Before surgery, most patients will need a letter of medical necessity from a licensed mental healthcare professional and/or medical doctor. This letter should confirm:
- Your diagnosis of gender dysphoria
- Your understanding of the procedure, its risks, recovery and permanence
- Your emotional and psychological readiness
- Your support system for recovery
If you don't yet have this letter, we can recommend and refer to other affirming providers to help.
Pre-Surgical Testing and Clearances
After you're approved for surgery, you'll need to complete pre-admission testing to ensure it's safe to proceed. This may include:
- Bloodwork
- EKG or imaging (such as a chest x-ray or mammogram)
- Medical clearances (from your primary care doctor or cardiologist)
Our clinical team will send you everything you need in advance, including testing orders, specific instructions, and reminders.
Note: All test results and clearances must be submitted 2 weeks before your surgery date. Some clearances expire 30 days after they're issued, so schedule carefully.
