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Facial Plast Surg 2025; 41(02): 260-265
DOI: 10.1055/a-2295-6582
Original Research

Perceptions and Understanding of Transgender Patient Care: A Survey of Practicing Facial Plastic Surgeons

Megan L. Swonke
1   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
,
Anthony E. Brissett
2   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Najm S. Khan 
2   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Joshua J. Kain
2   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Fred J. Bressler
2   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Amina I. Malik
3   Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Tariq A. Syed
2   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Angela K. Sturm
2   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
4   Dr. Angela Sturm, 6750 West Loop Street, Bellaire, Texas
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Abstract

Transgender individuals face significant health disparities including deficiencies in physician education, knowledge, and comfort with care. The objective of this study was to determine the perceptions, practice patterns, and familiarity of facial plastic surgeons with transgender health care. An anonymous questionnaire was sent to facial plastic surgeons within the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery list-serve. Primary datapoints included participant characteristics, transgender-related experience, and educational goals. Of the 66 facial plastic surgeons surveyed, 49% had treated 1 to 10 transgender patients during their career, and 70% were actively treating at least 1 transgender patient. The number of patients treated and surgeries performed was significantly associated with self-perceived competence, comfort counseling on gender-affirming surgeries, discussing gender identity, asking preferred pronouns, and a desire to learn more about transgender care. Most participants (61%) obtained transgender care training through real-world experience, with only 18% receiving formal training in residency or fellowship. In total, 50% of respondents believe transgender care training among facial plastic surgeons is inadequate and 60% support its incorporation into residency/fellowship curricula. Increased awareness is needed to address the disparities experienced by transgender patients. Many facial plastic surgeons desire to learn more and support incorporating transgender care into training. Understanding the current state of transgender care can assist the facial plastic community in promoting education that strengthens physicians' ability to deliver competent care that addresses the inequities faced by this diverse group.

Keywords

transgender - gender identity - facial plastics - facial feminization - otolaryngology

Previous Presentation

This article was presented at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Advances in Rhinoplasty & Facial Rejuvenation, San Diego, California, May 28th, 2023.


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Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
27 March 2024

Article published online:
30 April 2024

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