gender reassignment surgery jacksonville fl

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New Center for Transgender Health opens on UF Health Jacksonville campus

Center offers help for patients with gender dysphoria.

Carianne Luter , Digital Media & Engagement Manager

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – UF Health Jacksonville has opened its new Center for Transgender Health with plans to offer gender affirmation services within a comprehensive care approach.

The announcement made on Tuesday comes during Transgender Awareness Week.

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The Center offers expanded surgical services, such as gender affirmation surgery and facial feminization, with a comprehensive care approach involving primary care, psychiatry and endocrinology.

Benny K. Tan, MB, BCh, BAO (MD), medical director of the newly established Center for Transgender Health, is currently accepting new patients and is working with primary care physicians and local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community to inform patients of these services.

“I believe offering these unique services will break down the barrier of inaccessibility for patients with gender dysphoria in our area,” Dr. Tan said. “As we diversify health care systems nationwide, it is important patients receive safe, high-quality care and providers become more aware of this growing need.”

Click here to learn more about the gender affirmation services offered at the UF Health Center for Transgender Health.

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Carianne luter.

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The Go-To Guide to Gender Surgeons

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Welcome to FOLX Health in Florida: your LGBTQIA+ healthcare home! Experience inclusive healthcare services from LGBTQIA+ specialized clinicians who get you. From gender-affirming care to LGBTQ+ mental health support, we're here for every aspect of your journey. Our expert team is committed to supporting the Montana LGBTQIA+ community through joyful and affirming care, without judgment. Whether you're in Orlando, Miami, Wilton Manors, Tallahassee or somewhere else, we can care for you, all from the comfort of your home.

Explore our LGBTQIA+ tailored healthcare services at FOLX Health in Florida.

We specialize in LGBTQIA+ focused care, from gender-affirming hormone therapy (including estrogen and testosterone) for transgender and nonbinary people to mental wellness support for our whole community, and so much more.

Our primary care options are designed with you in mind, offering personalized and respectful services for all your needs. Plus, we address sexual and reproductive health with understanding and care. Join us in Florida for healthcare that truly understands and celebrates your unique journey.

If you are looking for gender-affirming hormone therapy (sometimes called HRT), we're here for you! Read on to learn more about the Florida requirements.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy steps:

• Start with a telehealth video visit with FOLX. During this visit, you and your clinician will review your medical history and discuss your care plan. Please note: you must have a virtual visit before your in-person visit.
• After your virtual visit, you will have a required in-person visit with FOLX to review and sign an Informed Consent form, unless you have an approved form from another clinician. 

We have in-person hubs in:

Tampa, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Aventura (between Fort Lauderdale and Miami).

After these visits, you'll receive your medications, as medically appropriate. The fee for an in-person visit is $40. In-person visits are brief and offered at a reduced rate to support members in meeting this requirement. Insurance cannot be used for these visits at this time.

Read more about the Florida specific requirements here .

Live as your most authentic self with holistic gender affirming care, because we know how important it is to feel at home in your own body.

Whatever you need for wellness and preventative care for a range of issues from chronic conditions to general checkups. Get fast, convenient, stress free treatment.

We know how difficult it can be to find a therapist who understands us and truly sees us with no judgment. Our therapists are all part of the LGBTQIA+ community themselves and provide expert, affirming care.

As LGBTQIA+ people, our fertility and family building needs are often different. We get that here, and we can help you navigate your body, the options ahead of you, and where to go next in your family making journey.

From addressing common colds to providing general checkups, we have all your wellness needs covered. Enjoy quick, hassle-free treatment when you're not feeling your best.

Receive sexual and reproductive health care that centers the trans and queer experience. Care without judgment.

We're more than just clinicians – we're part of the community.

We celebrate diversity, with over 1 in 3 of our clinicians identifying as transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, gender diverse, or two-spirit, and nearly 4 in 5 as bisexual, gay, lesbian, pansexual, or queer.

State-by-State Updates

In our help center, you can access the most current requirements and view the latest announcements for your state.

The ACLU is tracking healthcare bills in the U.S.

See the bills that are targeting access to gender affirming health care.

Due to Florida Senate Bill 254, there are new requirements for prescribing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Florida Senate Bill 254 is a state law that impacts gender-affirming care.

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Keelee MacPhee, M.D.

Transgender Surgery & Plastic Surgery

TRANSGENDER SURGERY COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY BOARD CERTIFIED

Gender Affirming Surgery

Dr. Keelee MacPhee has been performing gender affirming surgery since 2005 and is grateful for the ability to help patients transition to the bodies that align with who they truly are.

With a limited number of skilled transgender surgeons in the U.S., gender reassignment surgery can be difficult to obtain. Following the Standards of Care set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health ( WPATH ), Dr. MacPhee performs procedures for transfeminine, transmasculine and non-binary individuals.

Specializing in transgender surgical procedures

Dr. MacPhee’s expertise includes genital reconstruction , also known as bottom surgery; facial feminization , including tracheal shave, forehead bossing, rhinoplasty and fillers; facial masculinization , including fillers and implants; and breast feminization and chest masculinization procedures.

She continues to train and develop her gender affirming surgery practice, staying abreast of new procedures and surgical advancements as they unfold.

Safe, welcoming environment at North Carolina Specialty Hospital and world-renowned Duke

Dr. MacPhee’s focus and dedication to this area of practice are what draw transgender and non-binary patients from across the country. They trust her with their healthcare not only for her skill, compassion and understanding but also for the environment in which she practices. The City of Durham is highly supportive of LGBTQ+ issues. Dr. MacPhee performs surgeries at North Carolina Specialty Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital, a recognized leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare equality. Here, patients feel at ease knowing there is no judgment and the facilities are world-class.

Contact us today for a consultation. If you are traveling from outside of North Carolina, please ask for help with your accommodations while in the Triangle. We will connect you with a safe place and nursing staff if needed.

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Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida offers gender-affirming hormone therapy to adults 18+. We see gender-affirming care as an important service that really goes to the core of our mission. 

New patients must have their first appointment in person at our  Tampa or  Kissimmee  health center. Once established, patients may have the option to have follow-up visits via telehealth. 

Our Services

We offer gender-affirming hormone therapy for transmasculine, transfeminine, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals. We can provide:

Estrogen-based (feminizing) hormone therapy

• Androgen (Testosterone)-blocking medications: spironolactone and/or finasteride
• Estrogen-based medications: pills, injections, patches
• Progesterone

Testosterone-based (masculinizing) hormone therapy

Testosterone-based medications: injections, gels, patches

• Scalp hair loss: finasteride

Microdosing or intermediate dose hormones

• Low dose gender affirming hormone therapy is an option that is often considered when individuals want certain changes but not others or for some folks wanting to maintain an “androgynous” appearance, or those seeking slower or more subtle changes.
• It can include low dose estrogen-based medications, low dose testosterone-based medications, androgen blockers, and/or progesterone that is customized based on the individual’s goal to achieve one’s authentic self.

We can start or continue gender-affirming hormone therapy and provide referrals for gender-qualified therapy and resources if needed. If you are on hormone therapy, you can utilize the health center for ongoing care and monitoring.

Minors and Gender-Affirming Care

Due to the Florida Legislature’s recent assault on bodily autonomy, and the new legal restrictions placed on the services we offer, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida is no longer able to provide gender-affirming care treatments for minor patients.    

Planned Parenthood believes that your body is your own, and that you have the right to be your most authentic self regardless of gender identity or expression. 

For more information on gender affirming care providers outside of Florida, the following resources may be helpful: 

WPATH.org  

LGBTQHealthcareDirectory.org  

OutCareHealth.org  

Informed Consent

The Florida Board of Medicine requires that every gender-affirming care patient complete an informed consent form in-person with their doctor. Please click the button that corresponds to the care you will receive to read the form you will sign at your appointment. 

At Planned Parenthood, we want to make sure you have all the resources you need to live a healthy and strong life. You can find additional resources for gender-affirming care and services through one of our coalition partners,  Equality Florida .

Congratulations on beginning gender-affirming hormone therapy! Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (PPSWCF) is dedicated to ensuring you have the support and resources you need during your transition.

If you've chosen to pursue self-injection training, click the button to view instructions and training videos. 

Equality Florida has produced and maintains a Transgender and Nonbinary Resource Guide, which provides a statewide directory for safe and trans-friendly service providers. The guide is organized by county and includes the following: Crisis hotlines, mental health therapists, primary care physicians, endocrinologists, national legal resources, Florida-specific information on updating legal documents, surgery resources, support centers and social groups, hair and makeup services, vocal coaching, electrolysis providers, and veteran services.

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• Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
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Access Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy in Florida

Trans-inclusive healthcare is now even more affordable with qualified insurance coverage from cigna., plume membership, what’s included:.

• Transition and gender-inclusive health educational resources
• Support groups and opportunities to connect with others in the trans community
• Recommendations of local and national organizations for other aid or assistance
• Access to exclusive partnerships and discounts
• Video appointments with a healthcare provider
• Provider-written prescriptions for related medications
• Ordering, analysis, and cost of certain labs in states that are applicable
• A trans-focused clinical team to support you at every step
• Letters of support for surgery, name or gender marker changes
• Ongoing medical progress monitoring

$99/mo all inclusive

Up to 5 monthly visits.

*Prescriptions, copays, and labs are not included and are priced based on insurance coverage.

**Self-pay pricing includes appointments and select lab costs. Prescription costs are not included.

You must be 18 years old or older to access Plume services. Florida requires consent be provided by the patient, in-person with a clinician, in order for Plume to provide services. Some states have additional restrictions on age or services available.

$32/month + copays with qualified insurance*

Or self-pay for $99/month**.

Your Plume Membership Includes:

• Virtual, gender-affirming care with trans-informed providers
• Estrogen+ or Testosterone prescriptions*
• Treatment-specific lab orders and analysis*
• Letters for name or gender marker changes
• Medical letters of support for gender-affirming surgeries
• Access to our six-week support series led by members of the trans community
• Trans-led care team, available at every step of your journey

You must be 18 years old or older to access Plume services. Some states have additional restrictions on age or services available.

Letter of Support

$150 one-time fee.

• One digital video appointment with a healthcare provider
• A one-time medical letter* of support for surgery with a one week turnaround time
• Access to your trans-led care team through our app

*Please note we cannot provide a behavioral health letter of support from a therapist at this time. Letters are included for active members.

Trans-led healthcare

From gender-affirming hormone therapy and transition support to medications for anxiety and depression, it can be hard to find one clinic or doctor who understands how to care for you. That’s why we founded Plume, a virtual home for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people.

We offer a range of healthcare services, including prescriptions for estrogen or testosterone. At Plume, you can be your authentic self and get the gender-affirming care you need. You don’t have to teach your doctor how to care for you—instead, you can let your Care Team support you with a unique care plan that is customized to your transition goals.

We’ll always respect your gender identity, pronouns, name, and gender expression, and we’ll always put your wellness first. We’re here for you when you’re ready.

Appointments In Days, Not Months

Plume doesn’t impose arbitrary gatekeeping like therapists letters or barriers to life-saving care. Membership with Plume provides everything you need to start, continue, and maintain your gender-affirming hormone treatment. We know everyone has different goals for their transition, and we’re here to help you navigate your journey.

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In order to provide healthcare services to you and give you medically appropriate care, we are required to get a recent blood pressure reading. You can get your blood pressure read for free at many pharmacies, go to your primary care doctor, or you may purchase a blood pressure cuff online.

Endocrinology

• Mayo Clinic's Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic provides a home base for transgender patients and those with differences of sexual development

Oct. 16, 2020

Mayo Clinic established the Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic (TISCC) in 2015, based in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition in Rochester, Minnesota. The clinic provides for the mental health and hormonal and surgical needs of transgender patients and those with differences of sexual development. Mayo Clinic is one of the first major academic medical centers to offer multidisciplinary transgender care, including a gender-affirming surgery program. The surgical program started in 2016 with breast and facial procedures; vaginoplasty surgery was introduced in 2017.

The TISCC has seen more than 500 patients since 2015, with more than half coming from the five-state region, and one-third coming from central and southern Minnesota. The Mayo surgical team has performed approximately 150 vaginoplasties in patients ranging in age from their 20s to 70s. Not all transgender individuals choose to have surgical procedures to achieve gender congruence.

"The transgender population faces major challenges in assessing and obtaining appropriate health care," says Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D., Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the co-medical director of the TISCC .

Mayo Clinic believes that all patients are best served with a multidisciplinary approach. "We offer transgender patients a home base for their care where they are appropriately cared for and respected", adds Dr. Nippoldt.

"Some people erroneously think transgender patients make a choice to change their gender. Rather, it's about confirming their identity and wanting to live authentically. Being transgender indicates diversity, not pathology. Our goal is to relieve the distress associated with the incongruence between their gender identity and physical body," adds Cesar A. Gonzalez, Ph.D., L.P.,  Psychiatry and Psychology, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Patients in the TISCC see behavioral health and endocrinology providers first. Those providers evaluate and optimize any social, mental health or medical issues. "Before initiating hormonal or surgical therapies, patients must meet World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care, which outline the steps necessary to achieve the best outcomes," says Caroline J. Davidge-Pitts, M.B., B.Ch., Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the co-medical director of the TISCC .

WPATH standards vary for each surgical procedure and may include letters of approval from the patient's mental health professional, prior hormonal therapy and at least one year of living as the gender with which the patient identifies. Each patient's case is discussed at the multidisciplinary TISCC case conference, and a patient proceeds to surgery only after consensus that all issues have been addressed and optimized.

In pursuit of evolving equity, diversity and inclusion, Mayo Clinic has made great efforts not just to use the correct patient-affirmed pronouns but also to modify the medical record — from how patient names are listed to what normal ranges are for gender-specific lab reports.

Studies show that after hormonal therapy and gender-affirming surgery:

• 80% of transgender individuals report significant improvement in their gender dysphoria
• 80% report significant improvement in quality of life
• 78% report significant improvement in psychological symptoms
• 72% report significant improvement in sexual function

Jorys Martinez-Jorge, M.D. , Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, says: " TISCC patients feel like they're trapped in the wrong body, which affects all aspects of their lives. They just want to live life like I do. We can give that to them through medical care and technologies, and it's professionally and personally rewarding."

Allied health in the Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic

Katie L. Ubl, M.S.W., sees pediatric and adult patients in the TISCC for initial consultations and ongoing counseling. "I see patients who transitioned genders years ago and want help with ongoing hormonal therapy and finding gender-affirming therapists," Ubl says. "I also see patients who have never talked to anyone about their gender confusion and distress and have taken the brave step to initiate the conversation about it. I guide them through a gender narrative and discussion of their gender identity and expression, and sexual identity. Other patients have had behavioral and hormonal therapy for years and want to talk about gender-affirming surgery. I'm here to listen to their stories, ask questions, and offer resources and guidance."

Ubl works closely with her behavioral health colleagues and the medical team in the TISCC . "All of our voices are equal, and we thrive on collaboration," she says. "We're passionate about caring for our patients. To do that, we not only collaborate with each other and the larger Mayo community but also with other similar clinics. There's a small number of transgender clinics, so we work together to make sure patients have the best possible access to supportive care.

"I'm humbled every day by our patients' resiliency and tenacity. They can't escape the incongruence between what's in their minds and the bodies they inhabit. Simply going out in the world can be a source of serious anxiety. I haven't seen anywhere else the kind of resilience required for them to show up to appointments, work, and for their friends and family. They motivate me and my colleagues to be our best every day. We learn from them and are committed to honoring the ongoing need for awareness of and sensitivity to the transgender community."

Justine S. Herndon, P.A.-C., Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, sees patients in the TISCC for medical management, as well as for initiation and monitoring of their hormone therapy before and after gender-affirming surgery. "It's important to be affirming when working with patients who have some medical mistrust," says Herndon. "Like all of our patients, transgender patients are unique individuals, and we tailor our care to their needs."

Herndon was part of a study team that presented TISCC data on perioperative outcomes of vaginoplasty in transgender women at the 2019 Endocrine Society annual meeting.

Being a transgender-friendly and affirming provider is inherent in the Mayo Clinic values. "I'm personally and professionally enriched by working with these patients, listening to their stories, determining how we can help them reach their goals and seeing the positive changes in their lives," concludes Herndon.

Outreach and education

The TISCC shares its expertise with health care providers in local communities who see patients who have had gender-affirming surgery at Mayo Clinic. In addition, the Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development offers Principles in the Care of Transgender and Intersex Patients, an annual continuing medical education course.

10 tips to become a transgender-friendly provider

Most health care providers have had little or no formal training in addressing the needs of transgender patients, which can contribute to the stress that members of the transgender community may develop through stigmatization, avoidance, discrimination and prejudice.

• If you have a question about your patient's gender nonconformity, don't be afraid to ask.
• Ask patients their preferred names and pronouns, and use them during encounters. If you make a mistake, apologize and continue.
• The preferred name and pronoun often will differ from what is in the medical record. Many transgender people haven't changed their names and genders legally. Ask the patient if you can use this preferred name and pronoun in the medical record. Many patients have access to their medical records, and your sensitivity should be reflected in the notes.
• If possible, intake forms should include an option to disclose transgender status.
• Sensitivity training should be required for all staff members who interact with the patients. The Center of Excellence for Transgender Health at the University of California, San Francisco has published a helpful online course called Acknowledging Gender and Sex: Supporting Health Care Providers in Serving Transgender Patients and Clients.
• Public restrooms should include a unisex option.
• Have local transgender resources, such as support groups, available to help guide the patient if needed.
• Include transgender health topics as part of medical school and training programs to increase the competence of future leaders in transgender health care.
• Provide faculty development in transgender health. Many national and international meetings include transgender health topics, and more online resources are available.
• Phone a friend: Identify qualified providers in your area who can answer transgender-related questions.

For more information

Davidge-Pitts C, et al. MON-197 peri-operative outcomes of vaginoplasty using an individualized approach to hormone management in transgender women. Journal of the Endocrine Society. 2019;3(suppl 1):MON-197.

The original version of this article was published in Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Connections Spring 2020 issue, page 8 .

Mayo Clinic Principles in the Care of Transgender and Intersex Patients 2020 ― LIVESTREAM. Mayo Clinic.

Acknowledging Gender and Sex: Supporting Health Care Providers in Serving Transgender Patients and Clients. University of California, San Francisco, Prevention Science, Department of Medicine.

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Male to Female (MTF) in Miami, FL

Sex reassignment surgery (SRS), also called “gender reassignment surgery” (GRS) or “gender confirming surgery,” is a procedure designed to change transgender patients’ bodies so that their appearances better match their identities.

Although patients may choose to undergo SRS for a variety of reasons, many suffer from physical dysphoria, social dysphoria, or both. Physical dysphoria is a strong discomfort with the mismatch between identity and body, and social dysphoria is a strong discomfort with how other people perceive them. Patients desiring what we call “MTF” surgery include not just transsexuals, but anyone assigned male at birth who identifies as female, feminine, or a woman some or all of the time.

Breast Augmentation

The breast augmentation procedure provides patients with full breasts that project from the chest, and it can help transgender women achieve a more feminine physique. Breast augmentation for transgender patients is generally performed when hormone therapy fails to provide satisfactory enlargement of the breasts.

Since genetic male breast tissue is not much different from female breast tissue, transgender breast augmentation uses conventional breast augmentation techniques. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and takes about one hour to complete.

Implant Type

Breast implants come in a range of materials, textures, and shapes.

Silicone implants consist of an outer silicone shell filled with cohesive silicone gel. New silicone implants, commonly called “gummy bear implants,” have been developed with a more highly concentrated silicone gel that reduces the risk of rupture and increases safety. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution and can be filled after they are inserted into the breast pocket.

In addition to the material of the implant, patients also have the choice between smooth or textured implants and round or anatomically shaped (teardrop) implants.

During your consultation with Dr. Alexander, he will help you decide which incision location and implant type will best suit your needs.

Dr. Alexander will begin the breast augmentation procedure by making an incision for the implant to be inserted. The most preferable site for this incision is around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) because it allows for the most inconspicuous scarring. Dr. Alexander will then insert either silicone or saline implants, usually beneath the muscle for a more natural appearance and reduced risk of rippling. Once the implants are in place, the incisions will be sutured closed.

Following surgery, patients can expect to have some swelling and discomfort, which can be controlled with medication. Patients may also have a change in the sensation of their breasts immediately after surgery, but this usually resolves with time. Most normal activities can usually be resumed within a few days of surgery.

Removal of Loose Silicone From the Breasts

With the ever-growing popularity of plastic surgery comes the advent of risky and often illegal techniques to achieve a desired look. “Pumpers” are non-medical persons who inject loose silicone into areas of the body that the patient desires to augment. Unfortunately, loose silicone can migrate to different areas of the body and cause infection, disfigurement, scarring, and even death.

For patients who qualify, Dr. Alexander can remove loose silicone from the breasts, and in a few months he can perform breast augmentation surgery to safely and effectively achieve fuller breasts for the patient.

Brazilian Butt Lift for MTF Transgender Patient

This procedure adds curves to your figure by enhancing your rear end using your own fat tissue. The benefit of the Brazilian Butt Lift is that it removes unwanted fat from other areas, purifies it, and then transplants it to plump the butt. This procedure can give MTF transgender patients the attractive feminine backside they desire while slimming the surrounding areas.

Feminizing Rhinoplasty

Dr. Alexander utilizes a specialized technique known as feminizing rhinoplasty for transgender MTF patients who wish to attain a more feminine facial appearance. A more refined tip, narrower nasal bone, decreased nostrils or entire nose size, and an improved nasal profile are just some of the changes that can be achieved with this surgery.

At our South Florida offices, we welcome you to call 954-589-0722 to schedule a consultation or for any questions you may have concerning transgender procedures. You may also fill out our online virtual consultation form . As a well-known plastic surgeon in the transgender community, Dr. Timothy Alexander is vastly experienced in performing plastic surgery procedures for his transgender patients. He takes his time to dedicate himself to each individual’s needs and desires, and he is entirely confidential with the information of all of his clients.

*Although artificial and imperfect concepts, we use the terms “male,” “female,” “masculine,” and “feminine” to describe the characteristics that can be eliminated or achieved with this surgery.

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FTM Top Surgery Florida Surgeons

Dr. drew schnitt.

Delray Beach, Florida

Dr. Drew Schnitt is a board certified cosmetic, plastic, reconstructive and craniofacial surgeon who offers FTM Top Surgery in South Florida. In practice since 2002, Dr. Schnitt is skilled at multiple Top Surgery methods. Dr. Schnitt is based in Delray Beach, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale.

Pricing as of May 2022: Double Incision - Peri-areolar - Keyhole - Inverted-T $5995 and up

Also available: Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS), Body Masculinization Surgery

Dr. Daniel Crane

Dr. Daniel Crane is a skilled plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in aesthetic surgeries of the chest, body and face. In 2022, Dr. Crane joined Inspire Aesthetics where he worked with Dr. Drew Schnitt to refine his Top Surgery and masculization techniques. Dr. Crane has the knowledge and experience to help you realize your surgery goals.

Dr. Charles Garramone

The Garramone Center, Davie, Florida

Dr. Charles Garramone is the current World's Surgical Authority on FTM Top Surgery (Female To Male Transgender Chest Surgery.) His Top Surgery practice serves an international clientele and is focused only on FTM chest and body procedures.

"The reason why my results look similar or like a 'Garramone Chest' is because I contour the chest and place the nipples and scars anatomically where they should be." — Dr. Garramone

Also available: ManSculpture® Procedure (Body Masculinization)

Dr. Russell Sassani

Take Shape Plastic Surgery, Plantation, Florida

Dr. Russell Sassani is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has quickly become one of the most popular FTM Top Surgery surgeons in the Southeastern United States. He has garnered unanimous 5 star reviews from his Top Surgery patients. Based in Plantation, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Sassani also performs facial and body masculinization surgeries.

Pricing as of June 2021:

• Double Incision: $8250-9435 (DI)
• Peri-areolar: $6800
• Also available: Keyhole & Inverted-T Top Surgery, Body Sculpting, Facial Masculinization, Hair Grafting.

Dr. Christopher Salgado

Miami, Florida

Dr. Christopher Salgado is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has more than a decade of experience performing gender-affirming Top Surgery in Miami, Florida. More than 75% of Dr. Salgado's patients are transgender and he is committed to not only providing top-notch trans surgical care but also getting insurance coverage for his patients.

Double Incision - Peri-areolar - Keyhole - Inverted-T

Also available: Body Sculpting, Facial Masculinization, Metoidioplasty, Phalloplasty, Scrotoplasty, Vaginectomy.

Dr. Josef Hadeed

Hadeed Plastic Surgery, Miami, Florida

Dr. Josef Hadeed is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers Top Surgery in Miami, Florida. Dr. Hadeed performs three types of Top Surgery: Double incision with nipple grafts, Peri-areolar, and Keyhole.

"My experience with Dr. Josef Hadeed and his team was amazing! I felt comfortable and very safe in their hands, and I couldnt have asked for a better team to take care of me during the entire process before and after the surgery. I highly recommend him!"

Pricing as of April 2020: Double Incision - $8500-$10,500

Also available: Facial Masculinization Surgery, Body Sculpting

Dr. John Whitehead

Restore - Transgender Transformations, Miami, Florida

Dr. John Whitehead offers gender affirming Top Surgery in Miami. Dr. Whitehead was trained in the art of gender reassignment surgery by Dr. Harold Reed, who practiced at SRS Miami for decades before recently retiring.

Along with his husband Dr. Alain Ramirez, a Yale-trained anesthesiologist, Dr. Whitehead opened Restore Medical Center to give back to the community. As a gay couple, they understand the importance of providing a safe space along with respectful health care.

Dr. Whitehead performs: Double Incision Top Surgery (with nipple grafts), Hysterectomy, Scrotoplasty with Testicular Implants

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Last updated: 05/15/24

• Privacy Policy

Top Florida Hospital System to Perform Genital Surgery on Minor Transgender Children

The University of Miami Health System is on record admitting that they will perform surgical procedures, including gender genital affirming surgery and double mastectomies on transgender children as long as one parent consents.

UM Health provides an array of LGBTQ+ Services to transgendered persons, such as gender-affirming hormone therapy, gynecology, mental health, plastic surgery, primary care, and voice treatments.

According to its website , physicians will perform procedures on children, including cosmetic and plastic surgery, with the following stipulations:

“Patients under the age of 18 will need parental consent for genital procedures. For patients with Gender Identity diagnosis, our physician staff will follow the guidelines of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH). These guidelines are established to ensure that you are fully prepared for surgery. They recommend one/two referral letters prior to undergoing surgery. These letters must be from an experienced mental health professional, who you have worked with for over a year. Letters must state that gender-affirming surgery is the correct course of treatment for the patient.”

A source, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke to a representative on the phone regarding gender-affirming surgery for her 16-year-old daughter seeking to transition to a male. The representative advised that initial consultations are done with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Sarah Denker.

The representative also confirmed that UM would perform a double mastectomy or "top surgery" on a girl as young as 16 years old.

As for genital surgery, the representative indicated that the surgeon could discuss those options during an in-person consultation.

Parental Objection

When asked whether consent is required from both parents, Lauren Foster, Director of Concierge and LGBTQ+ Services in the Office of Patient Experience, advised that consent from one parent is enough. She reiterated that even if the other parent is opposed to these permanent medical procedures being performed on their child, their facility only requires one parent’s consent.

In other words, a parent who does not believe that this life-changing surgical procedure is appropriate for their child may be excluded from the decision-making process, and may have little recourse to prevent the procedure from taking place. It also means that the surgery may be performed without one parent's knowledge.

Genital Surgery on Minors

UM Health’s website clearly states that its doctors perform genital surgery, also called “bottom surgery,” on minor children with at least one parent's consent.

However, this practice appears to contradict recommendations from major medical organizations. The Endocrine Society, for example, does not recommend genital surgery for minors.

In fact, Boston Children’s Hospital makes it abundantly clear that “all genital surgeries are only performed on patients age 18 and older.”

As reported by the Tampa Bay Times, the Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Florida, Dr. Michael Haller, confirmed the American Academy of Pediatrics has established a standard of care for transgendered youth, which dictates that genital surgeries should only be offered to people 18 and above.

The University of Miami may be violating this standard of care.

State Policy

Governor Ron DeSantis has been adamantly opposed to the practice of performing permanent surgery on transgender youth. During a press conference in August, Gov. DeSantis said, “They talk about these very young kids getting gender-affirming care. What they don’t tell you what that is that they are giving very young girls double mastectomies, they want to castrate these young boys — that’s wrong.”

In response to a petition by the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Board of Medicine is now in the process of developing rules for treating transgender children.

The topic has been a major policy debate in Florida, particularly regarding State-providers like Medicaid and whether gender reassignment treatments should be covered. In August, DeSantis signed a law banning Medicaid from covering gender reassignment procedures.

Are Florida Tax Dollars Funding These Procedures?

While the University of Miami Health System is a private institution, it receives many subsidies and funding from the State of Florida. In fact, Florida’s 2022 “Freedom First Budget” included millions of dollars allocated to UM’s Health System.

The question remains whether Floridians are indirectly footing the bill for radical genital surgeries on minors. While monies are directly allocated to specific needs, could the health system's administrators ultimately decide to reallocate those taxpayer dollars to fund other departments?

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Biden Officials Pushed to Remove Age Limits for Trans Surgery, Documents Show

Newly released emails from an influential group issuing transgender medical guidelines indicate that U.S. health officials lobbied to remove age minimums for surgery in minors because of concerns over political fallout.

By Azeen Ghorayshi

Health officials in the Biden administration pressed an international group of medical experts to remove age limits for adolescent surgeries from guidelines for care of transgender minors, according to newly unsealed court documents.

Age minimums, officials feared, could fuel growing political opposition to such treatments.

Email excerpts from members of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health recount how staff for Adm. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services and herself a transgender woman, urged them to drop the proposed limits from the group’s guidelines and apparently succeeded.

If and when teenagers should be allowed to undergo transgender treatments and surgeries has become a raging debate within the political world. Opponents say teenagers are too young to make such decisions, but supporters including an array of medical experts posit that young people with gender dysphoria face depression and worsening distress if their issues go unaddressed.

In the United States, setting age limits was controversial from the start.

The draft guidelines, released in late 2021, recommended lowering the age minimums to 14 for hormonal treatments, 15 for mastectomies, 16 for breast augmentation or facial surgeries, and 17 for genital surgeries or hysterectomies.

The proposed age limits were eliminated in the final guidelines outlining standards of care , spurring concerns within the international group and with outside experts as to why the age proposals had vanished.

The email excerpts released this week shed light on possible reasons for those guideline changes, and highlight Admiral Levine’s role as a top point person on transgender issues in the Biden administration. The excerpts are legal filings in a federal lawsuit challenging Alabama’s ban on gender-affirming care.

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A4TE's Trans Health Project

Blue cross blue shield of florida, gender affirmation surgery.

Policy: Gender Affirmation Surgery Policy Number: 02-55900-01 Last Update: 03/15/2024 Issued in: Florida

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Updated on Apr 11, 2024