Transgender Surgery FAQs

When selecting a surgeon for gender-affirming procedures, it’s important to choose someone with extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, ideally someone board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You should also look for experience in transgender and gender-diverse care, since this requires not only technical precision but also a deep understanding of anatomy, artistry, and sensitivity to gender identity.

At Transitions, both Dr. Rogers and Dr. Joseph are highly trained reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons who specialize in gender-affirming surgery. They have decades of collective surgical experience and specialize in performing complex facial, body, and top surgeries with natural, aesthetic results that align with each patient’s authentic self.

Fertility is an important consideration for many transgender and gender-diverse people. Some types of gender-affirming surgeries, especially genital procedures, can affect your ability to have biological children. If this is part of your goals, it’s best to discuss fertility preservation before surgery. Your options may include sperm banking, egg freezing, or embryo freezing.

At Transitions, we encourage all patients to explore these discussions early with their care team. We work collaboratively with fertility specialists when necessary, ensuring your long-term goals are an integral part of your transition plan.

That’s completely okay, and very common.

Gender-affirming surgery is not a single path but a highly individualized journey. Some people seek facial feminization or masculinization to align their features with their gender identity, while others pursue top surgery, body contouring, or other procedures.

During your consultation at Transitions, our surgeons will help you clarify your goals, discuss what’s possible, and explore options that feel right for you. Dr. Rogers and Dr. Joseph give you all the time you need to discuss your goals. They listen carefully, explain every detail, and create a personalized treatment plan that reflects your unique vision.

Gender-affirming surgery has become increasingly common and accepted across the United States as access to affirming care continues to expand. According to data from major plastic surgery organizations, tens of thousands of gender-affirming procedures, from top surgery to facial and body contouring, are performed each year, and that number continues to grow.

This growth reflects both greater visibility for transgender and gender-diverse people and improved insurance coverage for medically necessary procedures. At Transitions, we’re proud to be part of this progress by providing world-class surgical care in a supportive environment.

Eligibility depends on your overall health, personal goals, and your readiness for surgery. Many surgeons follow the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care, which offer evidence-based guidelines for safe and affirming treatment.

These typically include:

• A documented history of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence.
• Being of legal adult age (18 years or older).
• Stable mental and physical health, with support from a qualified mental health provider.
• In some cases, documentation of hormone therapy or readiness assessments is required.

During your consultation, the Transitions team will guide you through each requirement and help you prepare any necessary medical or psychological documentation.

Whether or not you need to pause hormone therapy depends on the specific procedure and your overall health and goals. Some plastic surgeons may recommend adjusting estrogen or testosterone therapy before surgery to minimize the risk of blood clots or other complications. Others may allow you to continue under careful monitoring.

At Transitions, your surgical plan is tailored to your specific needs. Our plastic surgeons and anesthesiology team work closely with your prescribing doctor to ensure a safe and seamless transition from preoperative care to recovery.

In California, most major insurance companies recognize gender-affirming procedures as medically necessary when certain criteria are met. However, insurance coverage varies depending on the specific surgery and your insurance plan.

Our team works closely with you and your insurer to clarify the benefits, obtain authorizations, and help streamline approvals. We believe affirming care should be accessible, and we’ll support you in understanding your financial options every step of the way.

Recovery time varies based on the type and combination of procedures performed.
Facial surgeries (such as brow contouring or jawline contouring) often require one to three weeks of downtime. Individuals pursuing top surgery can typically resume light activity after two weeks and full exercise after six weeks. Meanwhile, body contouring, multi-site feminization or masculinization, or more complex or staged surgeries may have longer timelines.

Transitions offers comprehensive post-surgical care, including peptide therapy, IV therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen treatments, to enhance healing, minimize swelling, and expedite recovery.

Preparation is as much mental and emotional as it is physical. You’ll begin with a detailed consultation and preoperative assessment, which includes a review of your health, medications, and surgical readiness documents. You may also meet with our surgical team for laboratory tests or anesthesia clearance.

In the weeks leading up to surgery:

• Stop smoking or vaping to optimize healing.
• Arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver to help you during initial recovery.
• Prepare your home or recovery space with essentials and comfort items.
• Discuss post-op instructions and timelines with your care team.

Transitions provides all patients with a personalized recovery and aftercare plan.

The cost of gender-affirming surgery in California depends on the type of procedures performed, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia, and facility fees. While prices vary, it’s important to remember that many gender-affirming procedures are covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary.

At Transitions, we believe in transparent, individualized pricing. During your consultation, our patient coordinators will provide a detailed estimate and discuss available financial options with you to make the process as seamless as possible.