Limited Access to Facial Feminization Geographically Despite Nationwide Expansion of Other Gender-Affirming Surgeries

Background:

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is an integral aspect of gender-affirming surgery (GAS) for individuals seeking to align secondary sex characteristics and gender identity. Despite the importance of FFS in treating gender dysphoria, current trends and prevalence remain unknown. We sought to examine trends in GAS and FFS and investigate the payer status of facial feminization procedures in the United States.

Methods:

Data was extracted from the National Inpatient Sample from 2008 to 2017 by using International Classification of Diseases Ninth or Tenth diagnosis codes for gender identity disorder and procedure codes for FFS.

Results:

From 2008 to 2017, 3015 patients underwent GAS. The yearly number of cases increased as did the average cost of GAS, which rose from $13,657 in 2008 to $50,789 in 2017. From 2015 to 2017, when FFS data was available, 110 of 1215 (9.1%) GAS patients had FFS. Most were non-Hispanic White (66.7%) or Black (23.8%). Fifty percent of FFS cases occurred in the West, followed by the Northeast (31.8%), South (13.6%), and Midwest (4.8%) ( P = 0.015). By payer the cases were, 36.4% self-pay, 31.8% Medicaid, and 27.3% private insurance ( P < 0.0001). Approximately, 18% of patients undergoing male-to-female transition received FFS.

Conclusions:

From 2008 to 2017, GAS cases increased nationwide while the average cost of surgery rose steeply. FFS cases were primarily in the Western and Northeast United States. Despite high cost, roughly 18% of transgender women in our sample received FFS, highlighting the importance of FFS in gender transition.