SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – UCSF medical experts have developed a new technique for facial plastic surgery that is proving successful in transgender patients.
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In the gender affirming process, some trans women choose to have surgery to shave their Adam's apple, giving them an appearance they feel better aligns with their gender identity. Until now, that surgery has tended to leave a scar that can lead to misgendering.
However, UCSF surgeons have found a new way to operate through the mouth instead of the neck in a well hidden incision that makes it less obvious the person has had surgery.
When a person's appearance doesn't quite match their true identity, it can cause a range of problems for patients, UCSF Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Rahul Seth, told KCBS Radio's "As Prescribed."
"For some patients, their facial identity or appearance doesn't quite fit with their own personal gender identity," he explained. "Having a scarless approach instead of an Adam's apple reduction with a large scar in the middle of the neck is very helpful for them."
The surgery performed through the mouth has been found to be just as effective as a surgery through the neck. "Our patients have found that it has given them so much benefit to have the Adam's apple surgery that I liken it to a patient who had major reconstructive surgery for cancer, a life saving surgery," Seth said.
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