Living with gender dysphoria can bring unique challenges and clinically significant distress when your assigned gender at birth does not align with your gender identity. For many transgender individuals and gender diverse people, this incongruence can affect self-image, relationships, and overall well-being. With compassionate care and proven gender affirming surgery and supportive treatments, Dr. Fischer helps patients move toward a more authentic sense of self.
Understanding Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is a condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), where an individual experiences clinically significant distress due to a mismatch between their assigned gender at birth and their gender identity. While earlier editions used the term gender identity disorder, the shift to “gender dysphoria” reflects a more affirming approach that focuses on the distress caused by this incongruence rather than labeling a person’s identity as a disorder.
Gender identity refers to one’s deeply felt sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or another gender altogether. When someone’s expressed gender or gender expression does not align with their physical sex characteristics or anticipated secondary sex characteristics, they may experience gender dysphoria. This can cause mental health problems, challenges in social functioning, and in some cases, lead to significant distress or impairment in daily life.
Potential Causes
While the exact causes of gender dysphoria are not fully understood, research suggests a combination of biological, developmental, and social factors influences gender development and sexual development. Factors such as hormonal influences in the womb, genetics, and environmental experiences may all play a role.
Importantly, gender dysphoria is not a sexual disorder, and it is not the same as sexual orientation.
Who is Affected by Gender Dysphoria?
Gender diverse people of all ages, including gender diverse youth, transgender adults, and transgender women, may experience dysphoric feelings. Some describe a strong desire to live as the opposite gender or an alternative gender, while others may simply feel that their sex assigned at birth does not align with their lived experience. Not all transgender individuals experience clinically significant distress, but those who do benefit from gender identity services, supportive mental health professionals, and gender affirming care.
Services for Male or Female Gender Dysphoria
Dr. Beverly Fischer and her team are committed to providing compassionate transgender health care for people with gender dysphoria, offering several gender affirming surgeries and supportive procedures:
MTF Surgery (Male-to-Female Surgery)
For patients transitioning to a more female gender expression, procedures may include breast augmentation, facial procedures, and body contouring to create a softer, more traditionally feminine appearance.
FTM Surgery (Female-to-Male Surgery)
For individuals seeking a more masculine appearance, options may include breast reduction surgery, chest masculinization, and body contouring procedures to achieve a more traditional masculine look.
Breast Augmentation
Common for transgender women, breast implants help create curves that match their gender identity and alleviate gender dysphoria related to chest appearance.
Breast Reduction / Gynecomastia Surgery
Often chosen by transgender men or gender non-conforming individuals, this procedure removes breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine chest.
Body Contouring Procedures
Through liposuction, body lift, tummy tuck, or thigh lift, patients can achieve a physique more consistent with their expressed gender—whether that’s more traditionally feminine or masculine.
Hair Restoration / Laser Hair Removal
Hair plays a significant role in gender expression. Laser hair removal can help transgender women achieve smoother skin, while hair restoration treatments can help transgender men grow fuller beards or achieve a masculine hairline.
Injectables & Fillers
Subtle changes with Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, or fat transfer can enhance facial features, contributing to either a softer or stronger facial profile depending on the patient’s transition goals.
Where to Get Started
If you or someone you love may be experiencing gender dysphoria, seeking care from compassionate and knowledgeable medical professionals is the first step. At Dr. Fischer’s practice, we understand that not all transgender people pursue gender affirming surgery, but for those who do, we provide a safe environment.
We follow closely with the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association and WPATH to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive care. Contact us to learn more about gender affirming care and how we can help you live fully in alignment with your gender identity.