Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS)

Gender confirmation surgery (GCS) is a surgical procedure, or a series of them, that changes a person's physical and sexual characteristics to better match their gender identity. It goes by several names, including gender-affirming surgery, gender reassignment surgery, and sex reassignment surgery. Common categories include top surgery, meaning chest or breast procedures, and bottom surgery, meaning genital reconstruction, along with facial feminization or masculinization. Surgery is one option within gender-affirming care, and providers often follow WPATH Standards of Care, which can involve letters of support from mental health professionals. Not every transgender or nonbinary person wants or can access surgery, and a person's gender identity is valid regardless of whether they have had any procedure.