Glossary of Terms
Below is a list of definitions for commonly used terms related to transgender surgery. Should you have any questions about terms or procedures or need further clarification, please contact us. We acknowledge that terminology regarding transgender identities is evolving. We are committed to staying informed and using accurate terminology and inclusive language as determined by the individual themself.
Transgender
Transgender is a term used to describe an individual who identifies as a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth. Transgender men and women may undergo surgical procedures to create a more masculine- or feminine-presenting appearance to reduce or alleviate gender dysphoria.
Transmasculine
Transmasculine and transmasc are interchangeable terms used to describe individuals who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and identify as masculine. Transmasculine individuals may desire a more masculine presenting appearance but not necessarily identify as male. While the transmasculine term can be used to describe transgender men, it has a much broader meaning, encompassing any AFAB person who identifies with some level of masculinity.
Transfeminine
Transfeminine and transfem are interchangeable terms used to describe individuals who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) and identify as feminine. Transfeminine individuals may desire a more feminine presenting appearance but not necessarily identify as female. While the transfeminine term can be used to describe transgender women, it has a much broader meaning, encompassing any AMAB person who identifies with some level of femininity.
Masculinization
Masculinization for gender confirmation refers to surgical and non-surgical procedures to give an individual a more masculine presenting appearance with the goal of reducing gender dysphoria. Masculinizing surgical procedures are available for the face, neck, chest and lower body and your surgeon will work with you to determine the best combination of procedures to achieve your desired results.
Feminization
Feminization for gender confirmation refers to surgical and non-surgical procedures to give an individual a more feminine presenting appearance with the goal of reducing gender dysphoria. Feminizing surgical procedures are available for the face, neck, chest and lower body and your surgeon will work with you to determine the best combination of procedures to achieve your desired results.
AFAB/AMAB
AFAB and AMAB are acronyms for “assigned female at birth” and “assigned male at birth” respectively. AFAB and AMAB are often used when describing transmasculine and transfeminine individuals who no longer identify with the gender assigned to them at birth.
Top Surgery
Top surgery is a term used to describe upper body surgical procedures for gender confirmation. Top surgery for transmasculine individuals (formerly known as FTM top surgery) includes such procedures as breast removal and chest contouring. Top surgery for transfeminine individuals (formerly known as MTF top surgery) mainly refers to breast augmentation.
Bottom Surgery
Bottom surgery is a term used to describe lower body surgical procedures for gender confirmation. Bottom surgery for transmasculine individuals (formerly known as FTM bottom surgery) can include procedures such as phalloplasty and metoidioplasty. Bottom surgery for transfeminine individuals (formerly known as MTF bottom surgery) can include procedures such as vaginoplasty and orchiectomy.
Additional Terminology
The following terms may appear when reading about transgender surgery online. While they are less often used, they are included here to help people learn about more current terms used today.
FTM Surgery
FTM or female to male surgery is a term previously used to describe masculinizing surgical procedures for gender confirmation. FTM surgery, FTM top surgery, FTM bottom surgery and related “female to male” terms have been replaced by the term “masculinizing” when describing surgical procedures for transmasculine individuals.
MTF Surgery
MTF or male to female surgery is a term previously used to describe feminizing surgical procedures for gender confirmation. MTF surgery, MTF top surgery, MTF bottom surgery and related “male to female” terms have been replaced by the term “feminizing” when describing surgical procedures for transfeminine individuals.
Gender Reassignment Surgery
Gender reassignment surgery, also called sexual reassignment surgery or SRS surgery, is a term previously used to describe surgical procedures to masculinize or feminize a person’s appearance with the goal of alleviating gender dysphoria. This term as well as related terms such as “sex change operation” and “female to male surgery” and “male to female surgery” are no longer used. This surgery is now referred to as gender affirming surgery or gender confirmation surgery.