Gender-Affirming Surgery

The plastic and reconstructive surgery team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers gender-affirming surgery with a talented team and board-certified plastic surgeons. Our goal is to provide high-quality, affirming and accessible care to trans and nonbinary patients in a comfortable, inclusive environment.

Chest reconstruction surgery (female to male surgery/transmasculine procedure) is a gender-affirming, masculinizing surgery that removes breast tissue and reshapes the tissue to create the contour of a male chest. There are different surgical methods that take into consideration current shape, body type, nipple size and position. Your doctor will discuss what options are available to provide you with an expected postoperative result.

Please see our transgender health services to learn more about body contouring and additional services at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

If you’re considering gender-affirming surgery, you likely have many questions about your surgical options and what your recovery might be like. We will provide you with the support and information you need, including:

• How to prepare for gender-affirming surgery
• What to expect while in the hospital or surgery facility
• Rehabilitation and aftercare
• Payment considerations

We accept most health insurance plans; however, some require an insurance-approved authorization prior to scheduling a consultation with our providers. Please call your insurance company to ask whether you need a referral to be seen as well as ensure you understand your policy's coverage. Learn more about payment considerations so you know what to expect. It is also helpful to understand the criteria your insurance policy uses to determine whether you will be authorized for surgery.

To help achieve the best outcome for you from surgery, we feel having a relationship with a behavioral health provider will ensure you have the support and information you need throughout the process. The WPATH Standards of Care and most insurance companies require that patients establish care and be actively working with a behavioral/mental health professional. Please find samples of letters that will be needed from your behavioral health provider and your primary care physician. We have worked with many insurance companies to identify the required elements in these letters and recommend patients share these with their care providers.

Please review the information included in the first visit packet for the surgery you desire. To ensure we have a good understanding of your medical history, as well as ensure we can successfully navigate the insurance authorization process, we require all the information in the first visit packet prior to scheduling your initial consultation.

Chest reconstruction first visit packet

Sample medical provider letter

Sample behavioral health letter
 

If you have questions about gender-affirming surgery or other reconstructive surgery procedures, please call 206-223-6831.