Maximizing surgical outcomes with gender affirming hormone therapy in gender affirmation surgery

Abstract

Gender Affirmation Surgery (GAS) is a super specialized subset within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) that is ever evolving and of increasing interest to the PRS community. It is a multifaceted process which, in addition to surgical therapy, involves mental health therapy and hormonal therapy. One rapidly emerging interest within GAS is the role that gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays in enhancing surgical outcomes. GAHT has been used adjunctively with GAS as a comprehensive therapy to ameliorate gender dysphoria. This literature review will examine the positive effects of GAHT on the surgical outcomes on GAS, as well as other important considerations prior to surgery. As such, the primary objective of this literature review is to evaluate and assess the current evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of GAHT, as it relates to Gender Affirmation Surgery procedures.