Gender-Affirmation Surgery (GAS)

Gender-affirmation surgery (GAS), also called gender confirmation, gender reassignment, or sex reassignment surgery, is a procedure or series of procedures that alters physical and sexual characteristics to align with a person's gender identity. It can include top surgery on the chest, genital procedures such as vaginoplasty or phalloplasty, facial feminization or masculinization, and other steps. Surgery is one part of gender-affirming care, which may also involve hormones and mental-health support. Every major US medical association recognizes gender-affirming care as medically necessary and evidence-based for people who need it. Not every transgender person wants or pursues surgery, and access is often limited by cost, insurance exclusions, and geography. A person's identity is valid regardless of any surgery.