What is Gender Transition?
Being the person you were meant to be
This pivotal turning point in your life is the result of soul-searching, and creating your own path to become the person you desire to be. You have considered both personal and social factors as well as legal and psychological implications. Therefore it does not matter whether you choose non-surgical or surgical treatment; our team can assist you with that transition.
Taqtik partners with world-class providers of gender reassignment (GRS) in various destinations. Skilled providers can help you with pre-GRS procedures such as laser hair removal or cosmetic surgery like buttock enhancement, which may or not be precursors for SRS. Discover the many services that are available to help you transform into the real you. In addition, you will find the support you need with our extensive range of services. We are here to assist you at every stage. It's time to get started!
Gender Transition Options Available
There are many options for non-surgical and aesthetic treatments. For instance voice-training, weight loss, and laser hair removal can all be options. In addition non-invasive and surgical cosmetic procedures, such as facial rejuvenation and microdermabrasion can be affordable ways to change your appearance. Furthermore, breast or buttock implants are possible no matter whether you are interested in gender reassignment or not.
Both Mexico and Thailand have excellent LGBT reputations. There is a high standard of doctors who can perform gender reassignment surgeries in their country. Similarly, many options are available in a welcoming environment with positive outcomes and affordable prices. We will help you along your personal journey. Moreover, a great relationship will be built as we get to know you and your needs.
Procedures available:
We support a variety of procedures in various destinations to those who qualify for gender transition surgery. For instance this may include;
- Male to Female Surgery – Sex Reassignment, Face Feminization and Breast Implants
- Female to Male Surgery – Sex Reassignment, Face Masculinization and Breast Reduction
- Body Contour – Reshape your body with - Arm Lift, Liposculpture, Abdominoplasty, Gynecomastia, Thigh Lift, Butt Augmentation and Calf Augmentation
- Facial Surgery – Mentoplasty, Otoplasty, Rhinoplasty and Jawl Liposuction
WPATH – Standards of Care
Gender reassignment surgery is not a "on demand" procedure. That is to say it is not sufficient to simply request life-changing, irreversible sex change surgery without demonstrating readiness for it. Responsible surgeons worldwide adhere to a set of prerequisite steps to ensure that individuals are committed to living as a transgender person who is physically, emotionally, and psychologically prepared for sex reassignment surgery.
Although surgeons can make some decisions about whether a person is ready to undergo gender reassignment surgery, they must adhere to a set accepted standards that are used by all qualified surgeons around the world. These standards were published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Inc. (WPATH).
About WPATH
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health Inc. ("WPATH") is an international inter-disciplinary non-profit that promotes evidence-based care, education, research and advocacy in the field of transgender health. ( www.WPATH.org). Furthermore this organization brings together experts from many disciplines to explore and understand issues related to gender identity.
WPATH offer a range of services, including the creation and publication of a document with general guidelines to help determine when it is appropriate for treatment related to transition. The "World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care", WPATH SOC provides guidance for:
- Physicians in the form of medical consensus about the treatment of individuals presenting with gender dysphoria (transsexualism)
- Providers to develop and implement protocols for the diagnosis and assessment of suitability for GRS; and
- Healthcare providers to establish clinical decisions to determine and offer medically necessary patient treatments.
These guidelines provide the safe parameters within which healthcare providers can offer treatment to individuals who, among other services, want to undergo sex change surgery. The WPATH SOC is available in many languages for free on the WPATH website ( www.wpath.org).
Prerequisites to GRS
These requirements only apply to Gender Reassignment Surgery. Other procedures, such as top surgery or facial feminization do not have to comply with these requirements. Although surgeons have the right to apply the WPATH SOC requirements to patients who wish gender reassignment surgery for their patients, it is important that the following requirements are met before any surgery can be scheduled.
- Two letters of recommendation must be provided, one letter from a PhD or MD therapist/psychiatrist following the WPATH SOC format and content, and a second letter from a licensed therapist often located in the country where the procedure will be performed.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 65;
- Have had twelve months of continuous hormonal therapy for those without a medical contraindication;
- One year of continuous , successful, full time real-life experience living as the true gender without experiencing periods of returning to the original gender;
- Compliance with recommendations, if any, from a medical or mental health professional;
- Knowledge and understanding of the cost, lengths of stay in hospital, possible risks and complications of surgery, and post-surgical requirements including rehabilitation.
In addition to these WPATH SOC requirements;
Individual surgeons often have additional conditions that may include:
- No smoking. Smoking can reduce the oxygen levels in the bloodstream and have a negative effect on healing. Patients will be asked to stop smoking at least four weeks prior to and four weeks following surgery.
- There are weight requirements. Your surgeon will decide if you are healthy enough to have surgery. If not, the surgeon may postpone until your weight goals are achieved. To clarify, patients with medical conditions or overweight patients are at greater risk during surgery. Their operations may take longer and increase the chance of complications. Your surgeon will discuss your medical history and make suggestions regarding your weight.
Please note that HIV does NOT disqualify individuals from surgery. HIV status must be disclosed, pre-surgical testing will be required, and providers often charge an additional fee to HIV positive patients due to the extra precautions required for surgery. All of your medical and personal information are kept confidential. Only the providers you choose will have access to it. Your communications with us and with providers are confidential and respected by our staff.
Next Steps
We can arrange a no cost teleconsultation, or quote with surgeon feedback. Patients can then discuss their needs with their doctors and choose the best treatment for them.