Survey of Dermatologic Procedures in Transgender Adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND Dermatologists have the opportunity to provide medically necessary procedures, including laser hair removal, to transgender patients for gender affirmation. Further research is required to better assess the unique dermatologic needs of this population. OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence of dermatologic procedures among transgender people in the context of gender-affirming treatment. METHODS This cross-sectional study examined survey responses from 696 transgender persons enrolled in the Study of Transition, Outcomes, and Gender cohort. Prevalence of self-reported dermatologic procedures was examined and compared across participant subgroups. RESULTS Electrolysis was the most commonly reported procedure (32.9%). Transfeminine patients were more likely to use dermatologic procedures compared with transmasculine patients. Only 19 participants (2.8%) reported the use of dermal filler injections. CONCLUSION Differences in utilization of dermatologic procedures were noted in transgender populations. Motivations, barriers, and optimal timing for gender-affirming dermatologic procedures among transgender persons should be examined in future studies.

Minimally Invasive Gender-Affirming Procedure Exposure and Training: Outcomes of a Resident-Reported Survey

“…4 Yet, a cross-sectional study found that 7.5% of transmasculine and 65% of transfeminine persons had received gender-affirming dermatologic procedures in the past. 3 The present study identifies new reasons for implementing formalized MIGAP training, including that most dermatology residents desire such training and that more education hours is associated with a greater comfort level. It also reveals a critical gap in hands-on training of these procedures, a key factor in success, even beyond the specific patient population the authors studied.…”

“…These treatments can improve quality of life and support the psychological well-being of this historically marginalized group. 2,3 Despite this increase in openly transgender patients, there are currently no MIGAP requirements for trainee education from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. A recent study of program directors across multiple specialties found that less than one-half of trainees who receive exposure to minimally invasive procedures are specifically exposed to MIGAPs.…”

A review of hair removal modalities in pediatric patients: Ethical and clinical considerations

“…11,12 In those with gender identities different from their sex assigned at birth, hair modification plays an important role in gender expression and concordance. 13,14 Recently, social media movements have championed defying traditional beauty standards and embracing natural hair. 15 A notable example is found in women with PCOS who have reclaimed their beards.…”

“…94,95 More recently, laser hair removal has been proven to play a large role in the spectrum of gender-affirming procedures, particularly in neo-vaginoplasty grafts and feminization of hair patterns in transwomen. 13,96 One study showed that elective hair removal in transwomen is associated with increased subjective well-being. 14…”

Evaluating the psychosocial impact of gender‐affirming dermatology treatments: A systematic review

“…This may be due to their greater use of dermatologic procedures compared to transmasculine individuals. 49 Furthermore, gender-affirming dermatology treatments may be more desirable for transfeminine individuals, as transgender women prioritize facial changes while transgender men prioritize chest modifications. 50 Considering that more gender-affirming dermatology treatments apply to the face, this may help to explain the imbalance.…”