Types of Trans Surgeries

Genital surgeries are the most in-demand procedures, especially among international patients.

• Vaginoplasty: a technique that creates a functional and aesthetic vagina, with vaginal depth that allows for penetration and a fulfilling sexual life. Different vaginoplasty techniques exist depending on the patient’s needs.
• Vulvoplasty: creates a vulva that is aesthetically similar to that of a cis woman but without vaginal depth. It is a simpler surgery than vaginoplasty and is chosen by people who want a vulva but do not require penetrative sexual intercourse, making the creation of a vaginal canal unnecessary.
• Phalloplasty: a complex procedure that constructs a phallus from the patient’s own tissue, usually from the forearm. It allows urination while standing and has an appearance similar to that of a cis penis. Phalloplasty often requires testicular implants and, if penetration is desired, a penile prosthesis.

Metoidioplasty: uses the hormonally enlarged clitoris to create a micropenis with sensitivity and erectile capacity. It is a less invasive option than phalloplasty but has size limitations. It also requires testicular implants and does not allow penetration.

There are mainly two types of gender-affirming chest surgeries:

• Trans Mastectomy: another highly requested procedure among trans men and non-binary individuals. It removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the chest to achieve a more masculine appearance, with techniques adapted to each patient’s breast volume and skin elasticity.

Trans Breast Augmentation: also a very common surgery that involves placing breast implants, usually behind the muscle, to achieve the desired shape and volume. Unlike breast augmentation in cis women, in breast surgery in trans women there are specific factors surgeons must consider, such as chest width and areola position. This is why a specialized approach is essential to ensure natural and feminine results, avoiding breasts that look too far apart or artificial.

The face is the main element of social recognition. Both facial feminization and masculinization surgeries aim to harmonize facial features with a person’s gender identity.

Facial Feminization

Hormone treatments do not modify bone structures, so if the transition starts later, many trans people—especially women—may feel the need to reshape certain facial aspects to achieve a softer, rounder, and more socially feminine appearance.

Key facial feminization surgeries include:

• Forehead reduction and hairline advancement: shortens the upper third of the face and softens the hairline. It can also correct the shape of the hairline to make it more rounded and feminine.
• Feminizing rhinoplasty: refines the nose, corrects the profile, and adapts it to more harmonious proportions for a feminine face.
• Cheek augmentation: adds projection and roundness to the cheeks, giving them a softer appearance.
• Jaw reduction and genioplasty: refine the lower third of the face to create a more stylized contour.
• Thyroplasty: reduces the prominence of the Adam’s apple, strongly associated with male features.
• Lip lift: shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, enhancing a more feminine expression.

Facial Masculinization

By contrast, facial masculinization seeks to emphasize features such as chin projection, jawline definition, and nose size to bring strength and boldness to the overall face.

In both cases, these are highly personalized procedures that consider the patient’s anatomy and goals, always aiming for natural results in harmony with their gender identity.

When we talk about body feminization or masculinization surgeries, we refer to a set of techniques aimed at adapting body shape and proportions to a person’s gender identity.

Among trans women and non-binary people, the most common procedures are liposculpture to define the silhouette by enhancing the waist and hips, as well as buttock augmentation. In body masculinization, surgeries include liposuction in certain areas, chest and shoulder definition, or abdominal etching. The goal is to achieve a straighter, firmer, and more masculine look.

In both cases, these are personalized procedures that combine surgical technique with aesthetic judgment, delivering natural results tailored to each body. This highlights the importance of undergoing them with a team experienced in the different types of trans surgeries.

Every trans person is unique, as is their transition. There is a wide range of gender-affirming techniques and surgeries to meet diverse needs. For trans individuals traveling to Spain for gender-affirming surgery, it is essential to have professional information, proper planning, and the support of a specialized and experienced team to achieve the desired results.