Is size in the eye of the beholder? Visual estimation of penis size among transgender and cisgender people and implications for genital gender-affirming surgery and sexual medicine.

BACKGROUND: Transgender men (TM) seeking gender-affirming phalloplasty and transgender women (TW) seeking vaginoplasty and desiring insertive intercourse must consider penis size. Evidence has shown that, at least among cisgender men (CM), penile dimensions tend to be poorly estimated. In transgender patients desiring gender-affirming surgery, inaccuracy in estimation of penis dimensions may lead to unnecessary morbidity: for TW, trauma to the neovagina; for TM with excess girth, an inability to insert. Studies on the accuracy with which transgender and cisgender patients estimate penis size are limited. AIM: To assess the degree of accuracy with which CM and CW, as well as TM and TW, visually estimate the size of the human penis, including length, width, and girth. METHODS: There were 142 participants included (25 TM, 47 TW, 30 CM, and 40 CW; net mean ± SD age, 36.6 ± 11.2 years). Participants were shown these models and asked to estimate length, width, and midshaft girth by visual inspection of 6 realistic models of a penis and scrotum of varying lengths and widths. We evaluated the accuracy of the visual measurements by comparing mean perceived dimensions with the actual dimensions of each model. OUTCOMES: We used a multivariate model of all 3 bias dimensions to test for differences in average bias among gender groups (CM, CW, TM, and TW). RESULTS: TM significantly overestimated length across the longest models. TW significantly overestimated length in the longer 3 models. All groups except for TM significantly underestimated girth in at least 1 model. No groups significantly underestimated width. CM, CW, and TM significantly overestimated width in all 6 models. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: When transgender patients use numbers to express penis size (either in neophallus or vaginal depth based on perceived partner size), the result is likely to be larger than expected. Use of realistic penis models as a decision-making tool may help manage patient expectations and surgery decision making preoperatively and improve postoperative patient satisfaction and safety. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess visual estimation in penis size in TM and CM, as well as TW and CW. The penile models in our study were shown side by side and in the flaccid state despite having dimensions more consistent with an erect penis, which may have influenced estimations across all dimensions. CONCLUSION: Men and women (cisgender and transgender) tend to significantly overestimate penis length and width.

Phantom sensation in genital gender-affirming surgery: a narrative review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review findings related to phantom genital sensation, emphasizing phantom sensation in the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) population. We discuss prevalence, presentation and potential implications for sensory outcomes in genital gender-affirming surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a high prevalence of phantom genital sensations in the TGD population. The prevalence varies by body part, approaching 50% in the most frequently reported transgender phantom - the phantom penis. Unlike genital phantoms that occur after trauma or surgery which are often painful, transgender phantoms are typically neutral and often erogenous in experience. Phantom sensation in the TGD population can be an affirming experience and important part of sexual well being and embodiment. SUMMARY: Recent studies have begun to characterize the prevalence and presentations of phantom genital sensations in TGD people, informing our evolving understanding of the sensory experiences of the transgender and gender diverse population. Targeting integration of these centrally-mediated phantom genital sensations with the peripherally generated sensation from genital stimulation may represent one potential avenue to improve sensation and embodiment following genital gender-affirming surgical procedures. Additionally, emerging techniques in modern peripheral nerve surgery targeting phantom pain may offer potential treatment options for painful phantom sensation seen after cases of genital surgery or trauma.

Transgender women's perspectives on mental health care related to vaginoplasty for gender affirmation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe patient experiences and attitudes about the role of the mental health professional as it relates to pursuing gender affirmation surgery. METHODS: This was a mixed-models study with semi-structured interviews. Participants who presented for gender affirming vaginoplasty and had completed pre-surgical requirements but had not yet had the procedure were invited to participate in the study. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted from November 2019 and December 2020 until saturation of themes was achieved at a sample size of 14. Interviews were then transcribed verbatim and coded by theme. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Almost half of the patients did not identify any barriers to obtaining mental health care, but a majority brought up concerns for less advantaged peers, with less access to resources. Some patients also felt that there was benefit to be obtained from the mental health care required before going through with surgery, while others felt the requirements were discriminatory. Finally, a large proportion of our participants reported concerns with the role of mental health care and the requirements set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and patients gave suggestions for future improvements including decreasing barriers to care while rethinking how guidelines impact patients. CONCLUSION: There are many competing goals to balance when it comes to the guidelines for gender affirmation surgery, and patients had differing and complex relationships with mental health care and the pre-surgical process.

Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy for Transgender Patients: Preoperative and Intraoperative Considerations.

OBJECTIVE: To review the preoperative and intraoperative considerations for gynecologic surgeons when performing hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy for transgender patients. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of techniques with narrated video footage. SETTING: Approximately 0.3% of hysterectomies performed annually in the United States are for transgender men. While some transgender men choose hysterectomy for the same indications as cisgender women, the most prevalent diagnosis for the performed surgeries is gender dysphoria [1]. Hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy can be offered to patients who meet the World Professional Association for Transgender Health criteria [2]. INTERVENTIONS: Important perioperative counseling points for transgender patients include establishing the terminology for the relevant anatomy as well as the patient's name and pronouns; if applicable, discussing options for fertility preservation if the patient desires biological children [3,4] and discussing the use of hormone therapy post oophorectomy to reduce the loss of bone density [5,6]; and reviewing intraoperative and postoperative expectations. When performing an oophorectomy on a transgender patient for gender affirmation, it is especially important to minimize the risk of ovarian remnant syndrome and the need for additional surgery, as, for example, caused by persistent menstruation. A 2-layer vaginal cuff closure should be considered to reduce the risk of vaginal cuff complications and is preferable for patients whose pelvic organs cause gender dysphoria [7,8]. CONCLUSION: Special considerations outlined in this video and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health guidelines should be reviewed by gynecologic surgeons to minimize the transgender patient's experiences of gender dysphoria before, during, and after surgery.

Geographic Variability of Genital Gender-Affirming Surgery Centers and Costs of Hospitalization.

PURPOSE: The cost of gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is an important component of healthcare accessibility for transgender patients. However, GAS is often prohibitively expensive, particularly as there are inconsistencies in insurance coverages. Variability in hospital costs has been documented for other types of nonplastic surgery procedures; however, this analysis has not been done for GAS. To better understand the financial barriers impairing access to equitable transgender care, this study analyzes the distribution of hospitals that perform genital GAS and the associated costs of inpatient genital GAS. METHODS: This is a study of the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database. Transgender patients undergoing genital GAS were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, diagnosis and procedure codes, and patients undergoing concurrent chest wall GAS were excluded. Descriptive statistics were done on patient sociodemographic variables, hospital characteristics, and hospitalization costs. χ2 test was used to assess for differences between categorical variables and Mood's median test was used to assess for differences between continuous variable medians. RESULTS: A total of 3590 weighted genital GAS encounters were identified. The Western region (50.8%) and Northeast (32.3%) performed the greatest proportion of GAS, compared with the Midwest (9.1%) and the South (8.0%) (P < 0.0001). The most common payment source was private insurance (62.8%), followed by public insurance (27.3%). There were significant differences in the variability of median hospital costs across regions (P < 0.0001). The South and Midwest had the greatest median cost for vaginoplasty ($19,935; interquartile range [IQR], $16,162-$23,561; P = 0.0009), while the West had the greatest median cost for phalloplasty ($26,799; IQR, $19,667-$30,826; P = 0.0152). Across both procedures, the Northeast had the lowest median cost ($11,421; IQR, $9155-$13,165 and $10,055; IQR, $9,013-$10,377, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant regional variability in the number of GAS procedures performed and their associated hospitalization costs. The identified disparities in insurance coverage present an area of possible future improvement to alleviate the financial burden GAS presents to gender-discordant individuals. The variability in cost suggests a need to evaluate variations in care, leading to cost standardization.

Facial Masculinization Surgery: An Analysis of Interest Trends Using Search Term Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Facial masculinization surgery (FMS) is increasingly popular among cisgender and transgender men. The benefits of FMS are focused on facial identity and have been proven to decrease gender dysphoria in this population. Previous research showed increasing interest in gender affirmation surgery and facial feminization surgery, but the prevalence of FMS has not been explored. It is difficult to find these data based on surgical records alone because institutions do not have standardized methods of reporting and lack publications in the field. Our study aimed to analyze public interest in FMS by using worldwide Google Trends to quantify these trends. METHODS: A worldwide Google Trends search was completed from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2022, for terms focused on FMS. Then, search terms were analyzed for nonfacial masculinization procedures and were aggregated. Lastly, a PubMed search was conducted for the terms "transgender" and "facial masculinization" from January 1, 2008, to December 31 st , 2022, to compare publication rates. RESULTS: Our data showed an increasing interest in FMS through Google search trends since the year 2008. A similar trend was demonstrated for non-FMS gender-affirming terms. PubMed analysis showed "transgender" medicine publishing rates were approximately 39.65 times greater than "facial masculinization" publishing rates, although "facial masculinization" medicine did produce a positive trend over the study period of approximately 4 publications per year. The medical literature on transgender surgeries rapidly outpaces publications specifically focusing on FMS. CONCLUSION: Our study showed increasing interest in gender affirmation surgery over time, particularly FMS. These increasing trends should encourage greater scientific exploration of FMS and research to properly quantify and assess surgical outcomes in this special population. Additional educational interventions for both the general public and medical providers, to increase awareness of unique challenges that impact this community and highlight changes in health care coverage over time, should be created to keep pace with increasing patient demand and address the physical, systemic, and psychosocial issues faced by people who identify as transgender.

F-Chin/Feminizing the Chin: A Genioplasty Technique with Virtual Planning for Male-to-Female Transgender Patients.

The chin is an essential structure in facial harmony and an important gender marker. Advancing a receding chin is fundamental to improve the facial appearance, particularly in male-to-female transgender patients. However, in patients with microgenia and/or retrognathia, desiring a more feminine appearance, a chin advancement can result in a wider, square shape; an undesirable effect. Genioplasty is a versatile procedure used in facial feminization surgery that allows modifying the natural anatomy of the chin in all three spatial dimensions. The technique herein described proposes a simple genioplasty procedure for feminizing the chin (F-chin genioplasty) in transgender patients where anteroposterior advance is required. Virtual planning was used to establish the landmarks for an anteroposterior advancement with transverse reduction in the chin. A perpendicular line to the Frankfurt plane passing through the incisal edge of the upper central incisor was used to plan the anteroposterior movement, and two vertical lines on the outer wall of the nasal cavity  for the chin transverse measurement. The authors present three case reports with the F-chin genioplasty transgender technique with satisfactory results, ensuring a more feminine facial appearance.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Ethical Issues Surrounding Facial Feminization Surgery: Five Major Considerations.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a form of gender-affirming care for the transgender population that is currently a highly debated topic both inside and outside of the medical community. Currently, a paucity of information is available in plastic surgery literature on ethical issues surrounding FFS. In this paper, we discuss 5 major ethical considerations for plastic surgeons with regard to FFS: (1) how society's changing view of gender has impacted the importance of FFS; (2) whether FFS is medically necessary and should be covered by insurance; (3) to what extent resources should be invested in removing barriers to access FFS; (4) how patient selection criteria should address the irreversibility of the procedure and age of consent; and (5) how femininity and beauty standards contribute to each other and whether they can be disentangled. This paper aims to analyze the arguments made for and against each of these 5 nuanced issues and to expand these debates from the theoretical to the practical by suggesting approaches for reconciliation.

Masculinizing chest-wall surgeries in transgender patients, a retrospective single-center study.

INTRODUCTION: Masculinizing chest-wall contouring surgery is an important surgical intervention for most transmasculine patients; a vast improvement in quality of life for this group of patients has been documented as a result of receiving surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of such surgeries performed at our university hospital between 2008 and 2020, as well as the current quality of life of the patients. METHODS: All 16 patients operated between 2008 and 2020 were sent a questionnaire consisting of both BREAST-Q and BODY-Q modules, considered fitting for our study purposes, as well as the BECK Depression Index and a short two-question form with space for feedback. Patients were divided into groups called double incision (DI) and periareolar (PA) depending on the surgical technique used. RESULTS: We found an overall complication percentage of 31.3%, with the DI group scoring 33.3% and PA 28.6%, while secondary aesthetic corrections were necessary for 50% of all patients. The questionnaires yielded 6 responses (37.5%). Participants rated on a scale of 1 to 10 their willingness to undergo the operation again if given the choice; the DI group averaged 10/10, and the PA group 9/10, despite the statistically significant complication and correction rates. CONCLUSIONS: Masculinizing chest-wall contouring surgery has significant complication risks. In our study, frequency of complications did not appear to depend on the surgical technique used. Additionally, the complication rates found in our low volume centre seem to be comparable with those reported from bigger units.

Effect of Gender-affirming Facial Feminization Surgery on Psychosocial Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effect of gender-affirming facial feminization surgery (FFS) on psychosocial outcomes in patients with gender dysphoria. BACKGROUND: Comprehensive analyses of psychosocial outcomes after gender-affirming FFS are absent in the literature resulting in a paucity of information on the impact of FFS on quality of life as well as ramifications in health insurance coverage of FFS. METHODS: Scores from 11 validated, quantitative instruments from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) assessing anxiety, anger, depression, global mental health, global physical health, satisfaction with sex life, positive affect, emotional support, social isolation, companionship, and meaning and purpose. Patients within the preoperative group (pre-FFS) were evaluated >30 days before surgery and patients within the postoperative group (post-FFS) were evaluated ≥10 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients [mean (SD) age, 33.5 (10.8) years] were included. Compared with the pre-FFS group (n=107), the post-FFS group (n=62) reported improved scores anxiety (56.8±8.8 vs 60.1±7.9, P =0.01), anger (47.4±7.6 vs 51.2±9.6, P =0.01), depression (52.2±9.2 vs 57.0±8.9, P =0.001), positive affect (46.6±8.9 vs 42.9±8.7, P =0.01), meaning and purpose (49.9±10.7 vs 46.2±10.5, P =0.03), global mental health (46.7±7.6 vs 43.1±9.2, P =0.01), and social isolation (52.2±7.5 vs 55.4±7.4, P =0.01). Multivariable analysis to account for the effects of other gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapy duration, preexisting mental health diagnoses, socioeconomic disparities, and patient-reported quality of social relationships on psychosocial functioning demonstrated that completion of FFS was independently predictive of improved scores. CONCLUSIONS: Gender-affirming FFS improves the quality of life by multiple psychosocial domains in transfeminine patients.

A single pedicled robotic peritoneal flap in penile inversion vaginoplasty augmentation.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a surgical technique to achieve greater depth of the neovaginal cavity in transgender patients undergoing scrotovaginoplasty, and to propose a method for restoring neovaginal integrity in case of lack of genital skin or reduction of the depth due to scarring after infections or ischaemic processes. METHODS: Eight patients were selected to undergo scrotovaginoplasty with scrotal graft and peritoneal flap augmentation in one operating session as a modification of Zhao's original technique. The age of the patients ranged from 25 to 65 years. The first step of the procedure was standard penile inversion vaginoplasty, avoiding suturing of the superior side of the skin cylinder. The skin cylinder was pushed into the abdominal cavity through the perineal access. Afterwards a laparoscopic/robotic approach was used: a single peritoneal flap was harvested from the posterior bladder surface, incised, dissected, pedicled on the neovaginal dome, overturned and and sutured all-round to the neovagina. The sides were adapted to obtain a 'cul-de-sac'. RESULTS: The average operating time was 6 ± 1.5 h, and patients' hospitalization lasted 6 days. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. Postoperative management was the same as that usually reported in BJUI for patients undergoing standard scrotovaginoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The use of this technique represents a good solution for increasing neovaginal depth by harvesting a large peritoneal vascularized flap, without significantly affecting postoperative management or increasing complications, as frequently observed using the colovaginoplasty technique.

Gynecological concerns and vaginal practices and exposures among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgery that is medically necessary for some transfeminine individuals. Little research exists describing vaginal health after the initial recovery from surgery, and evidence-based guidelines for vaginal care practices are unavailable. AIM: The study sought to describe self-reported gynecological concerns and vaginal care practices among transfeminine persons who have undergone vaginoplasty. METHODS: A total of 60 transfeminine participants 18+ years of age, living in Canada, and who had undergone vaginoplasty at least 1 year prior were recruited through social media, community groups, healthcare provider referrals, and study recontact. Participants completed a cross-sectional, online questionnaire detailing demographics, gynecological concerns, and genital practices and exposures. Hierarchical clustering was used to group participants based on behavioral practices and exposures. Associations between clusters and gynecological concerns were assessed. OUTCOMES: Outcomes included self-reported gynecological concerns within the past year, recent vulvar or vaginal symptoms (past 30 days), and behavioral practices/exposures, including douching with varied products and dilating. RESULTS: Participants reported a variety of concerns in the past year, including urinary tract infection (13%) and internal hair regrowth (23%). More than half (57%) had experienced at least 1 recent vaginal symptom, most commonly malodor (27%) and vaginal bleeding (21%). Of participants, 48% were dilating weekly and 52% reported douching in the past 30 days. Four distinct clusters of vaginal practices/exposures were identified: limited exposures; dilating, no douching; dilating and douching; and diverse exposures. No significant associations between cluster membership and gynecological concerns were identified, though cluster membership was significantly associated with surgical center (P = .03). Open-text write-ins provided descriptions of symptoms and symptom management strategies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results provide insight for clinicians on common patient-reported gynecological concerns and current vaginal care practices and exposures, including symptom management strategies. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This was the first study to investigate vaginal health and genital practices/exposures among a community sample of transfeminine individuals. As participants self-enrolled for a detailed survey and swab collection, individuals experiencing concerns were likely overrepresented. CONCLUSION: Transfeminine individuals reported a range of gynecological concerns outside of the surgical healing period. Genital practices/exposures varied across clusters, but no clear associations between clusters and symptoms were identified; instead, practice/exposure clusters were dependent on where the individual underwent vaginoplasty. There is a need for evidence to inform diagnostics, treatments, and vaginal care guidelines to support vaginal health.

Updates on metoidioplasty.

AIMS: Metoidioplasty presents a variant of phalloplasty in transmen who require simple and safe genital gender affirmation surgery (GAS). The aim is to evaluate updates on the technique, as well as personal experience. METHODS: The surgical steps of metoidioplasty are removal of the vagina, clitoral straightening and lengthening, urethral lengthening using available flaps and grafts, and creation of the scrotum with testicular prostheses implantation. The surgical goal is to achieve appearance of male genitalia, voiding in standing position, and full erogenous sensitivity. Modifications of the technique have developed due to recent advances in anatomy and new requests from transmen. Besides full metoidioplasty, other variants include metoidioplasty before, after or simultaneously with total phalloplasty. Each variant has its' own advantages, which must be discussed with the candidate preoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 938 transmen with the mean age of 29 years underwent one-stage metoidioplasty between January 2004 and January 2022. In majority of cases (65%) metoidioplasty was performed as a final option, and the length of the neophallus ranged between 4 and 10 cm. Urethral complications occurred in 143 cases, dislocation and rejection of testicular implant in 55 and vaginal remnant in 92 cases. Voiding in standing position was reported in almost all cases (99%), and 12.5% of transmen requested phalloplasty after metoidioplasty. CONCLUSION: Metoidioplasty is a safe, one-stage procedure with good esthetic and functional outcomes. It includes a wide spectrum of variants that can be offered to transmen as a part of genital reconstruction, with goal of achieving patients' satisfaction.

Updates on feminizing genital affirmation surgery (vaginoplasty) techniques.

Vaginoplasty is a gender affirming surgery performed for transgender women who desire feminizing genital reconstruction. Over the last decade, access to surgical care has improved for patients, and vaginoplasty has been increasingly performed. Several vaginoplasty techniques exist, many of which are modifications of the traditional penile inversion vaginoplasty. In this paper, we review the penile inversion vaginoplasty, the intestinal segment vaginoplasty and the peritoneal flap vaginoplasty. An overview of the techniques employed to perform these procedures is provided, as well as an update on their published outcomes and complications.

Partial Regret After Gender Affirmation Surgery of a 35-Year-Old Taiwanese Transgender Woman.

Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is often sought after to alleviate the distress of those who suffer from gender dysphoria (GD). While many studies have shown that a significant percentage of people benefit from this procedure, a number of individuals later regret their decision of undergoing surgery. Studies have illustrated what regret depicts, categorizing regret based on intensity, persistency, and sources, in the hopes to prevent an unwanted irreversible intervention. Here, an in-depth interview with a 35-year-old transwoman from Taiwan who underwent feminizing GAS at the age of 31 illustrates her unique cultural upbringing and the course of her regret. Her experience best matches the characteristics of true regret and major regret based on the classifications of Pfäfflin and Wiepjes, respectively, indicating that she expected GAS to be the solution to her personal acceptance issue, but, in retrospect, regretted the diagnosis and treatment as her problems were not solved and worsened to the extent of secondary dysphoria. This case report hopes to shed light on the complexity of GD and regret after GAS, while encouraging the pre-surgical evaluation of psychological comorbidities and post-surgical psychotherapy, and ensuring that patients are informed and give full consent. In addition, more elaborate, long-term, large-scale qualitative research, especially within more conservative cultural settings, is needed.

Technical and Clinical Differences Between Transgender and Cisgender Females Undergoing Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Gender-affirming surgery is a quickly expanding field. However, it is facing a shortage of specialized surgeons for a population exceeding 1.4 million individuals. Many studies comparing outcomes between cisgender and transgender patients fail to describe the technical differences of the operation. Breast augmentation in the transgender female patient involves important anatomical, technical, and clinical features that differ from the cisgender female. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare these characteristics between these 2 groups to better inform the new generation of gender-affirming surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary breast augmentation between 2009 and 2019 at a specialized tertiary center for transgender care was performed. Mastopexy, secondary augmentation, and reconstructive procedures were excluded. Demographic, operative, and clinical data were collected from medical records. All patients had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up after the initial surgery. Bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 250 cisgender females and 153 transgender females were included. The transgender group showed higher rates of smoking ( P < 0.0001), immunosuppression ( P < 0.0001), obesity ( P < 0.0001), mental health disorders ( P < 0.0001), and hypertension ( P = 0.002). Median base width ( P < 0.0001), sternal notch to nipple distance ( P < 0.0001), and implant size (500 mL [interquartile range, 425-600 mL] vs 350 mL [interquartile range, 325-385 mL]; P < 0.0001) were larger in transgender patients. Transgender patients also demonstrated a stronger correlation between implant size and body surface area ( r = 0.71, P < 0.0001). Readmission, reoperation, and complication rates were similar between the groups; however, transgender females had a higher incidence of surgical site infections (3.9% vs 0.4%, P < 0.013). Capsular contracture was the most common complication and indication for reoperation in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: There are important anatomical, clinical, and technical differences between reconstructive gender-affirming breast augmentation in transgender female patients and cosmetic breast augmentation in the cisgender female. The gender-affirming surgeon must know these differences to provide the best quality of care and help patients achieve better congruence between their gender identity and body image.

Gender Affirmation Surgery of the Face for the Transfeminine Patient.

This article discusses the aspects of facial feminine affirmation surgery including forehead reconstruction, midface feminization, and lower face/neck feminization. We will present a brief history of gender affirmation. We discuss the anatomical differences between born XY males and XX females and discuss the subsequent procedures that aim at feminizing the face. The effects of silicone injections are also discussed as this was a trend in the past to feminize the face. Understandably so we discuss the anatomical differences as being a fluid expression and differences based on ethnic background.

Cosmetic Revision Surgeries after Transfeminine Vaginoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Vaginoplasty is the most frequent genital gender-affirming surgery. Although both functional and aesthetic outcomes after transfeminine vaginoplasty have improved over the years, cosmetic revision surgeries demand after transfeminine vaginoplasty appears to be increasing and requires updated knowledge. METHODS: All patients who underwent vulvar cosmetic revision surgeries at our institution following transfeminine vaginoplasty from January 2014 to April  2022 were studied. The prevalence, topography and surgical techniques of cosmetic revision surgeries after transfeminine genital gender-affirming surgery were examined using clinical charts review and statistical analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, 354 patients underwent gender-affirming vaginoplasty at our single institution (212 penile inversion vaginoplasty, 122 colovaginoplasty and 20 penile inversion vaginoplasty with scrotal skin graft patients). Forty out of these 354 patients (11.29%) required cosmetic revision surgery after transfeminine vaginoplasty; additionally, 44 patients with vaginoplasty performed at other centres also underwent vulvar cosmetic revision surgery at our clinic during the study period. From all performed cosmetic revision surgeries, most of them (31.42%) were labia corrections, followed by clitoris (23.26%) repair surgeries. Mons Venus (10.20%), urethral meatus (9.38%), spongiosus tissue remnants (8.57%) and introitus (6.53%) revisions followed in frequency. Corrections of peri-inguinal scars (5.30%), anterior commissure (2.84%) and inferior fourchette (2.42%) were less prevalent. No differences were found among the different studied vaginoplasty techniques regarding cosmetic revision surgery prevalence or topography following transfeminine vaginoplasty (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cosmetic revision surgeries after transfeminine vaginoplasty are frequent. In our large and long-term cohort study, labiaplasty followed by clitoroplasty were found as the most required cosmetic revision surgical procedures. Further multicentre, prospective and controlled studies are necessary to improve cosmetic outcomes and scientific evidence after transfeminine vaginoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

[Interface of speech-language pathology in the process of gender reassignment from male to female]. / Die Schnittstelle der Logopädie im Prozess der Geschlechtsangleichung von Mann zu Frau.

BACKGROUND: Voice is crucial for gender identification during the transition process, as voice feminization plays a significant role in the success of passing. In order to be able to classify the role of voice treatment during the interdisciplinary gender reassignment process of MzF-trans*, possible recommendations for action for the cooperation with the medical doctors are needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four expert interviews from the disciplines of otolaryngology, endocrinology, and plastic surgery were conducted to establish a potential guideline consensus for the role of speech-language pathology as an interface to the male-to-female gender reassignment process. RESULTS: Based on the expert interviews, it is uniformly recommended that voice treatment should be considered early in the transition. Primarily, conservative therapy should be considered to avoid e.g. irreversible surgery of the larynx. The focus of voice treatment in voice feminization is centrally on the adaption of the speaking fundamental frequency. In postoperative cases, speech-language pathology is intended to adapt the speech pattern to the new anatomy and prevent complications, such as uneconomic voice and speech. CONCLUSION: The current interviews represent a first insight into the cooperation between speech-language pathology and the medical specialties for the treatment of MzF-Trans*. In order to implement the recommendations from the preliminary expert interviews for a potential guideline consensus, consultation with involved professional societies and more randomized trials of specific voice treatments in MzF-trans* are needed.

Facial Feminization Surgery: Anatomical Differences, Preoperative Planning, Techniques, and Ethical Considerations.

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a transformative surgical approach aimed at aligning the facial features of transgender women with their gender identity. Through a systematic analysis, this paper explores the clinical differences between male and female facial skeletons along with the craniofacial techniques employed in FFS for each region. The preoperative planning stage is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of virtual planning and AI morphing as valuable tools to be used to achieve surgical precision. Consideration is given to special circumstances, such as procedure sequencing for older patients and silicone removal. Clinical outcomes, through patient-reported outcome measures and AI-based gender-typing assessments, showcase the efficacy of FFS in achieving proper gender recognition and alleviating gender dysphoria. This comprehensive review not only offers valuable insights into the current state of knowledge regarding FFS but also emphasizes the potential of artificial intelligence in outcome evaluation and surgical planning to further advance patient care and satisfaction with FFS.