Pro Bono Surgery

Gender affirming surgery is any surgical procedure that alters the face or body to treat gender dysphoria associated with a gender transition. One of the most common gender affirming surgeries is top surgery which is performed for people of all gender identities including female-to-male, female-to-male, non-binary, and gender non-conforming patients. Unfortunately, top surgery care is not always covered by medical insurance and can be expensive. Therefore, renowned Seattle plastic surgeon, Dr. Javad Sajan now offers pro bono top surgery to qualifying patients.

The history of top surgery goes back much further than many think. In the early 20th century, the first gender clinic was opened. Additionally, the first gender affirming surgery is widely believed to have taken place in 1912. It did not become widespread and more acceptable until the 1990s and early 2000s. Today more top surgeries are not uncommon.

Some medical insurance carriers do cover gender affirming surgeries. However, not everyone has access to gender affirming surgeries or health insurance. Patients without insurance may never be able to get surgery and those on government subsidized programs like Medicaid often have to wait years for surgery and have little choice in their provider or results. Since top surgery provides a multitude of life improving benefits, everyone regardless of race, age, or socioeconomic class should have access to gender affirming surgery and care.

Gender Dysphoria Statistics

Gender dysphoria is a condition where a gender non-conforming person experiences dysphoria surrounding their body or outward appearance and how it projects a gender that does not align with their identity. It can start in childhood. This can cause a variety of dangerous symptoms, situations, and physical harm.

Gender dysphoria makes individuals more susceptible to various health conditions and environments. Some starting statistics that exemplify the importance of gender affirming surgeries to treat gender dysphoria include:

• Around 50% of people experiencing gender dysphoria attempt suicide (Human Rights Campaign)
• Roughly 26% of people with gender dysphoria develop substance abuse disorders (NCBI)
• Increased risk of developing an eating disorder (Penn Medicine)
• 2 out of 3 transgender youths report having self-harmed in the past year (NCBI)
• 35% of transgender children are bullied in school (CDC)
• 75% of transgender children do not feel safe in school (Trans Equality)
• 1 in 5 transgender people report being denied medical care (Consumer Reports)
• Half of the gender non-conforming population reports experiencing domestic or sexual violence (Office of Justice)
• More likely to become homeless (National Center for Trans Equality)

Benefits Of Gender Affirming Surgeries

Gender affirming surgery can treat not only the patient’s gender dysphoria but can also reduce negative outside factors, such as bullying. Beyond this, there are several other benefits of gender affirming surgeries such as top surgery. According to Harvard and the Cleveland Clinic gender affirming care offers benefits like:

• Physical appearance better matches patient’s ideal image of themself
• Decreases overall gender dysphoria in social and private situations
• Allows patients to more confidently enter spaces associated with their gender identity
• Improves quality of life
• Carries a high satisfaction rate
• Reduces risk of suicide and self-harm
• Increases self-esteem and self-confidence
• Clothing may fit better
• Reduces physical risks of chest binding
• May improve many existing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression

Dr. Sajan is offering the opportunity for qualifying individuals to undergo free top surgery. The application process takes place through an online HIPPA compliant portal. The factors for pro bono top surgery candidate are outlined below.

If you meet the below criteria, please email us at mailto:contactus@allureesthetic.com or call 206-209-0988 and we will send you a secure link to apply for the program.

Financial

Pro bono top surgery candidates are those below the poverty line based on the number of people in the household. For an individual who lives alone, this equates to making less than $12,880 per year. Applicants will have to submit a recent tax return to prove their income. To find the most recent poverty guidelines, visit the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation’s website.

Personal Statement

Applicants must write a personal statement about their need for top surgery and how it would change their life. This personal statement will serve as the bulk of the application and allows the Allure Esthetic team to evaluate needs.

Photos & Selection

For the last step, the applicant will submit a medical history with photos of their chest/surgical area. Dr. Sajan will use these photos to determine if the applicant is a candidate for top surgery. Not all people are surgical candidates or may require medical evaluation before undergoing elective surgery.

If the applicant meets all of the requirements and is selected, the Allure Esthetic team will reach out to confirm their selection. From there, Dr. Sajan will see the patient in person for a more in-depth consultation.

Most top surgeries use the double incision method to remove extra skin, breast tissue, glands, and nipple. This involves two linear incisions on the chest and repositioning the nipples if desired by the patient. The exact shape of the incisions can be discussed with Dr. Sajan. He offers straight, u-shaped, and pec incisions.

Performing the desired incision, Dr. Sajan will remove a majority of the breast tissue. He will sculpt the remaining breast tissue and fat to create a contour desired by the patient. Dr. Sajan will then bring the skin together at the incision point. If the patient desires nipples, Dr. Sajan will perform a free nipple graft. This is where Dr. Sajan places the nipples into a more natural position based on the new contours of the chest.

If the patient is a candidate, Dr. Sajan may perform a keyhole top surgery that uses smaller incisions. It also typically does not reposition the nipple. This type of top surgery is only for those with a small chest, usually an A-cup or smaller. Keyhole chest reconstruction may consist of liposuction and/or a small skin excision around the nipple.

Dr. Javad Sajan is a leading surgeon for gender affirming top surgery. With thousands of surgical hours dedicated to gender affirming surgeries, he now is offering pro bono surgeries to patients who may not have access to gender affirming surgical care. His Seattle-based facility serves transgender patients from around the world. Allure Esthetic is dedicated to serving the transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming communities. Dr. Sajan’s pro bono offerings now open up his services to a larger group of individuals who would benefit from gender affirming care. Please contact us directly via chat or contact form. You can also call us at 206-209-0988 for more information and instructions on how to apply.