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Gender Affirmation

Home » Gender Affirmation

Confirming who you are

For many patients, aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity is essential to living authentically. Gender affirming surgery has an exceptionally high patient satisfaction rate, with many patients reporting a profound sense of peace following their procedures. Dr. James Apesos trained under Dr. Milton Edgerton, a pioneer in transgender surgery and the founder of the first gender surgery clinic in the United States at Johns Hopkins University in 1966. Dr. Edgerton’s legacy continues through Dr. Apesos’s compassionate, individualized care. “This is really cosmetic surgery because these people are already living as members of the opposite sex. It is gender-confirmation surgery, not gender-change surgery.” — Dr. Milton Edgerton

Top Surgery

Chest appearance plays a central role in how many patients experience their gender in everyday life.

Top surgery reshapes the chest to better align with a patient’s gender identity and may include chest masculinization, breast augmentation, or reduction, depending on individual goals.

Improves:

  • Body alignment with gender identity
  • Confidence and quality of life
  • Chest contour and alignment
  • Greater alignment with self

Facial Feminization Surgery

Facial features are often the first way we are seen, making alignment especially important.

Facial feminization surgery includes a range of procedures designed to soften facial features and create a more traditionally feminine appearance. Dr. Apesos will customize the surgical plan to each patient’s facial structure and goals. Procedures may focus on raising the brows, reshaping the cheeks and the jaw, refining the nose, reducing the earlobes, and reducing the Adam’s apple (tracheal shave). Non-surgical options include Botox to lift the brows and slim the jaw, and dermal fillers to create more feminine facial contours.

Improves:

  • Facial balance and harmony
  • Alignment with gender identity
  • A more authentic presentation

Facial Masculinization Surgery

For some patients, stronger facial features help their outer appearance reflect who they are.

Facial masculinization surgery enhances angularity and defines features to create a more traditionally masculine appearance. Dr. Apesos will customize the surgical plan to each patient’s facial structure and goals. Procedures may focus on lengthening the forehead, augmenting the jaw, strengthening the nose profile, and creating an Adam’s apple. More subtle changes can be achieved with nonsurgical options, such as Botox and dermal fillers.

Improves:

  • Facial structure alignment
  • Self-confidence
  • Alignment with gender identity
  • A more grounded, confident presence
Dr. Apesos

James Apesos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. James Apesos, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a distinguished plastic surgeon in Ohio, renowned for his experience and expertise. With a B.A. in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University, Dr. Apesos completed surgical training at prestigious institutions, including a Plastic Surgery Residency under the esteemed Milton T. Edgerton, MD, at the University of Virginia. Double board-certified in Surgery and Plastic Surgery, he also holds advanced certifications in hand surgery and cosmetic surgery. As a Clinical Professor of Surgery, Dr. Apesos has mentored future surgeons and authored many publications.

Connect with James Apesos, M.D., F.A.C.S. on LinkedIn

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