Requirements for Facial and Bottom Gender Affirming Surgery

Dr. Lawton does not require letters or these other requirements for gender affirming TOP surgery 

As of June 25, 2024, the Standards of Care (SOC) 8 from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) require only one assessment letter from a qualified healthcare professional for gender-affirming surgery bottom and Facial surgery. This provider must be equipped to care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals and can be either a medical or mental health professional with at least a master’s degree. If the provider is out-of-network for the patient’s insurance, they might need to provide a referral letter.

The letter should include:

• The patient’s legal and preferred names; and date of birth
• The start date of the patient-provider relationship and frequency of contact
• A statement confirming the patient’s well-documented diagnosis of gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder
• Evidence that the patient has lived in a gender role aligned with their identity for at least 12 consecutive months
• Confirmation that the patient has managed any substance use, including alcohol, nicotine (including vaping) or marijuana, for at least six months before surgery.