Standards of Care and Preoperative Considerations in Transgender Health
摘要
There are over one million transgender and gender diverse adults in the United States, some of whom may decide to undergo medical or surgical interventions. Hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries help align an individual’s physical characteristics with their gender identity. Head and neck surgeries are especially important as facial features influence one’s perceived gender in among our society. When facial features are noncongruent with gender identity, individuals can experience discrimination and social marginalization, impacting their education, employment, and housing opportunities, among a myriad of other potential social biases. Facial gender-affirming surgeries are considered medically necessary procedures which reduce gender dysphoria and improve social functioning and quality of life. Medical and mental health providers should be knowledgeable about established clinical practice guidelines in transgender health and be aware of available surgical options in order to help patients successfully attain high quality surgical care.