The decision to undergo transgender surgery is an important and personal decision related to your gender identity that involves various aspects and stages. Before performing the surgery, you will need psychiatric and medical evaluations, and you should be prepared for them. The feeling of not being in your inner self causes anxiety, stress and depression; therefore, you can improve your life with the help of transgender surgery, which includes gender confirmation surgery. As this procedure involves various steps, you are required to be of a certain age to undergo it. The transition is usually performed in three parts: puberty blockers, hormonal therapy and a surgical procedure. At different ages, different steps of transition are performed, which depend on age and circumstances. Before any step of transition, necessary tests are conducted to evaluate the hormonal health and general condition of the body.
Ideal Age For Puberty Blockers
Puberty blockers are recommended before the appearance of puberty signs, at the age of 10 to 12 years. These medications are reversible and give adolescent children the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding their gender identity without any hormonal changes or surgical procedures. Like the other stages of transition, this stage of transition also requires approval from an endocrinologist, psychologist and consent from the parents. The use of puberty blockers helps to reduce the psychological stress during this stage of high pressure on the adolescent, allowing them to experience a safer and more secure phase.
Ideal Age For Hormone Replacement Therapy
This is another stage of the transition that is performed at the age of 16 years. The conditions required for this therapy are approval from an endocrinologist and psychiatrist. In this stage, trans women are injected with estrogen hormone, and trans men are injected with testosterone hormone. This hormone therapy causes changes in voice, changes in body shape, breast growth and reduction of fat tissue. Adults can use hormone therapy at any age. Hormone therapy creates positive psychological effects and physical changes that help you find greater alignment with gender identity.
Surgical Transition
Surgical procedures are an important and complex stage of the transition process. Surgical procedures are permanent and completely align with gender identity. These surgeries are divided into two main categories: non genital and genital surgeries, and there are age restrictions for both types of surgery.
- Non Genital Surgery
Non genital surgery, or top surgery, refers to the upper body. These surgeries involve flattening the chest and removal of breasts to give a masculine appearance to the upper body. This surgery is feasible for transgender people aged 16 to 17. The main goal of this surgery is to increase self-confidence and decrease dysphoria, helping you to live a simpler and easier life.
- Genital Surgery
Genital surgery means bottom surgery. Through this surgery, male genitalia are converted to female genitalia, and vice versa. These surgeries are permanent, and the legal age to perform this activity is 18 years or older. Before surgery, the trans gender individual undergoes psychological evaluation and has experience with hormone therapy.
Conclusion
Similar to age, the parent’s consent is important for the surgical procedure. Even if the person is 18, the consent of parents is still mandatory for transgender surgery. If you are above 18, then you can decide for yourself that you want top surgery or bottom surgery, but the approval of a psychiatrist is important. If you want to go for transgender surgery, then consult with specialist Dr. C. Vijay Kumar, the best and most experienced surgeon for transgender surgery at VJ’s Transgender Clinic. We commit to giving you positive outcomes after surgery according to your preferences and goals.
FAQ’S
Is it possible to start transition at age of 16?
Yes, you can start the transition with puberty blockers at the age 16.
What is the minimum age for transgender surgery?
The minimum age for transgender surgery is 18 years or older.
