Gender-affirming revision surgery can involve several procedures to achieve a desired physical appearance. Surgery outcomes vary based on the individual. Complications can occur with any surgery. A revision surgery can improve the function or appearance of the initial surgery outcomes. Surgery can also correct complications with skin tissue or the way the body heals. Not everyone will need revision surgery. It is available to anyone who wants to match their body with their gender identity. Learn more about touch-up procedures and revision surgery advice.
The Need for Follow Up Surgery
Gender-affirming procedures help to match physical appearance with your gender identity. Certain procedures may require follow up surgery for a variety of reasons. You might want to adjust the outcome of a surgery based on the appearance or function. Functional issues can affect urination, sexual function, comfort, sensations or mobility. For example, urethral revision can fix urine spraying, inability to urinate, urinary frequency, and more. Changes in these functions can affect confidence, comfort or quality of life.
Cosmetic touch-ups may be desired to improve results. Some may want to see more natural results over time as the body heals or changes. All bodies will heal differently. Minor issues may affect how you feel about your body. Scarring or how the tissue forms can change the final appearance. Patients may want to see more symmetry or a different shape for bottom or top surgery outcomes. If a patient’s expectations are not what they want, a surgeon can help adjust the final look. Some second surgical procedures are common to address the effects of aging. For example, a facelift or liposuction procedure is common after the initial surgery.
Revision Surgery and Procedures
Gender-affirming revision surgery is common for individuals with complications or concerns from a previous surgery. Cosmetic touch-ups are also normal when you want a different look. The goal of revision surgery is to ensure long-term satisfaction. Each procedure will help patients feel more aligned in their body. Revision surgeries should be done only after the body has healed from the original surgery. Emergency circumstances are the exception.
Common revision surgeries for top surgery, bottom surgery, and facial surgeries include:
- Vaginoplasty revisions to correct vaginal depth or width that can tighten the vaginal canal or improve the appearance of the vulva.
- Breast augmentation revisions to adjust implant size or position.
- Phalloplasty revisions to address sensation or shape concerns.
- Chest surgery revisions to remove excess tissue or reposition nipples.
- Rhinoplasty revisions to align the nose for better results.
Common touch-up procedures for the body include:
- Scar revision to improve the appearance or texture of a scar.
- Liposuction refinement to reshape the body for a more feminine or masculine appearance.
- Fat grafting to address unevenness, lumps or asymmetry.
- Nipple repositioning to address proportions or alignment.
- Botox or fillers to refine or maintain the results after initial surgery treatments.
As with any procedure, it’s important to understand every aspect of a revision surgery and whether surgery to correct your concerns is needed. The first step is to talk through the procedures with your surgical team.
Discussing Touch-Up Procedures
It is important to discuss any issues you’re experiencing with your surgeon. They can help you decide the best next steps. They can advise on whether surgery is necessary or not. Any revision surgery will come with unique risks and potential outcomes. You should feel comfortable and confident in your body. Depending on your body and the procedure chosen, the perfect result might not be possible. But a specialized and trusted care team will speak openly with you about these risks and outcomes. It is important to understand the realistic expectations of each procedure. A surgeon can explain how the outcome will look with visualizations or photos. A trusted team can help you make an informed decision about whether or not touch-up procedures are right for you.
Choose A Trusted Surgical Team
Choosing a trusted, experienced surgical team will help you achieve your desired results. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with gender-affirming surgical treatments. Review your surgeon’s results online with before and after images. Read reviews and referrals from other patients who are happy with their outcomes. Ask your surgeon if they have experience with revision surgery. Find a specialist who is vetted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The RhinoPlasty Society, The Aesthetic Society, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, among others.
ART Surgical offers gender-affirming surgery in San Francisco, CA. This includes cosmetic and transgender surgeries and revision surgery procedures for trans women, trans men, and non-binary people. If you are making the choice to affirm your gender identity further through surgery or need revision surgery, our team at ART Surgical is here to support you. We can’t wait to help you create the body you’ve always felt you belonged in.