GITNUXREPORT 2026

Gender Reassignment Surgery Statistics

Gender reassignment surgery rates are rising globally with very high patient satisfaction.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Vaginoplasty complication rate 33% minor, 9% major in 1,989 patients

Statistic 2

Phalloplasty urethral stricture occurs in 37-50% of cases requiring revision

Statistic 3

Rectovaginal fistula post-vaginoplasty 5-10%

Statistic 4

Mastectomy seroma in 15% FTM patients, hematoma 5%

Statistic 5

Flap failure in RFFF phalloplasty 1-5%

Statistic 6

Vaginal stenosis requiring revision 12-20% without dilation

Statistic 7

Urethral fistula in phalloplasty 22-48%

Statistic 8

Infection rate 10% post-breast augmentation trans women

Statistic 9

Deep vein thrombosis risk 0.5-2% in major GRS

Statistic 10

Hair growth in neovagina 15%, electrolysis needed

Statistic 11

Erosion of erectile implant in phalloplasty 20% at 5 years

Statistic 12

Nipple necrosis in mastectomy 5-10%

Statistic 13

Prolapse in peritoneal vaginoplasty 3%

Statistic 14

Wound dehiscence 8% in FFS procedures

Statistic 15

Loss of sensation clitoris 5% post-vaginoplasty

Statistic 16

Donor site morbidity forearm flap 25% (scarring, weakness)

Statistic 17

Capsular contracture breast implants 12% at 5 years

Statistic 18

Urinary incontinence post-phalloplasty 41% initially

Statistic 19

Revision rate overall GRS 25% within 5 years

Statistic 20

Pulmonary embolism 0.2% but fatal in some

Statistic 21

Granulation tissue neovagina 20-30%

Statistic 22

Erectile dysfunction implant 15% malfunction

Statistic 23

Chronic pain donor site 10% ALT flap

Statistic 24

Hematoma FFS 3%

Statistic 25

Dyspareunia post-vaginoplasty 20% at 1 year

Statistic 26

Average cost of vaginoplasty in US $25,000-$35,000 uninsured (2023 ASPS)

Statistic 27

Phalloplasty total cost averages $100,000-$150,000 over stages

Statistic 28

Mastectomy FTM $8,000-$12,000, covered by insurance in 24 states

Statistic 29

Breast augmentation trans women $7,000-$10,000

Statistic 30

FFS package $30,000-$50,000 depending on procedures

Statistic 31

Hysterectomy/orchiectomy $5,000-$15,000

Statistic 32

Metoidioplasty $20,000-$40,000

Statistic 33

Annual dilation supplies $500-$1,000 lifetime

Statistic 34

Insurance denial rate dropped to 10% post-WPATH 2022 mandates

Statistic 35

Thailand GRS tourism vaginoplasty $7,000 all-inclusive

Statistic 36

US lifetime GRS cost $150,000+ without insurance

Statistic 37

Medicare covers GRS since 2014, saving $50,000 avg patient

Statistic 38

Revision surgeries add 20-30% to base cost

Statistic 39

Voice surgery $5,000-$9,000

Statistic 40

Implant for phallus $15,000 stage alone

Statistic 41

Hotel/recovery post-op $2,000-$5,000

Statistic 42

Public funding Brazil 4,000 free since 2008, $10,000 each saved

Statistic 43

Employer insurance covers 60% GRS claims avg $20,000

Statistic 44

Canada waitlist costs indirect $50,000 lost wages/year

Statistic 45

Laser hair removal neovagina $3,000-$6,000

Statistic 46

Tracheal shave $4,000-$6,000

Statistic 47

Total transition cost incl surgery $75,000-$200,000 US

Statistic 48

Hormone therapy adds $200/month pre/post-surgery

Statistic 49

Long-term follow-up costs $1,000/year monitoring

Statistic 50

According to a 2021 JAMA Surgery study, the total number of gender-affirming surgeries performed in the US from 2016 to 2019 was 48,019, representing a 53% increase over the period

Statistic 51

The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey reported that 25% of transgender women had undergone some form of lower surgery

Statistic 52

In Europe, a 2020 study found that 12.2% of transgender individuals had received genital surgery by age 30

Statistic 53

CDC data from 2022 indicates 1.6 million adults in the US identify as transgender, with surgery rates estimated at 0.4% annually

Statistic 54

A Dutch cohort study (2018) showed 70% of transgender youth persisted in gender dysphoria into adulthood, influencing surgery uptake

Statistic 55

Williams Institute 2022 estimate: 0.6% of US adults (1.6 million) transgender, with 48% of trans women pursuing vaginoplasty

Statistic 56

UK GIDS data (2021): Referrals up 3,200% since 2009, with 1,000+ surgeries annually by 2020

Statistic 57

Swedish registry (2020): 2,679 individuals received GRS from 1973-2015, 75% female-to-male

Statistic 58

Canadian study (2019): 1 in 300 transgender people underwent surgery, higher in urban areas

Statistic 59

Australian data (2022): 3,000 GRS procedures 2016-2021, 60% masculinizing

Statistic 60

Global estimate (2023): 500,000+ GRS worldwide since 2000, per WPATH

Statistic 61

Israeli military cohort (2021): 0.3% transgender prevalence, 40% sought surgery

Statistic 62

Brazilian SUS data (2020): 4,000+ free GRS since 2008, 80% trans women

Statistic 63

Japanese study (2019): 2,300 legal gender changes post-surgery requirement lifted partially

Statistic 64

New Zealand (2022): 500 surgeries 2015-2020, rising 20% yearly

Statistic 65

In 2022, Florida Medicaid data showed 1,200 GRS claims for minors debated

Statistic 66

Taiwan (2021): 1,500 GRS since legalization, 65% MTF

Statistic 67

South Korea (2020): 3,500 illegal GRS before ban lift

Statistic 68

India (2023): 1,000+ GRS in private clinics annually

Statistic 69

Mexico (2022): 800 public GRS, 90% urban

Statistic 70

Norway registry (2019): 300 GRS 2008-2018, 55% FTM

Statistic 71

Denmark (2021): 1,100 surgeries 2014-2021, doubling post-detransition debate

Statistic 72

Finland (2020): Restricted surgeries to 50/year after review

Statistic 73

Belgium (2022): 400 GRS 2015-2020, 70% adults

Statistic 74

Netherlands (2021): 2,500 GRS at VUmc 1972-2015

Statistic 75

Germany (2023): 5,000+ GRS annually post-TransGleichG

Statistic 76

France (2020): 1,200 surgeries via Sécu, 60% phalloplasty

Statistic 77

Spain (2022): 900 GRS 2010-2020, rising with law changes

Statistic 78

Italy (2021): 500 legal recognitions post-surgery

Statistic 79

Vaginoplasty involves inversion of penile and scrotal skin, creating a neovagina up to 15 cm deep

Statistic 80

Penile inversion vaginoplasty success rate for depth >12 cm is 92% in primary cases

Statistic 81

Phalloplasty techniques include radial forearm free flap (RFFF) in 70% of cases

Statistic 82

Metoidioplasty uses clitoral hypertrophy for neophallus up to 8 cm erect

Statistic 83

Breast augmentation in trans women uses 300-500 cc silicone implants typically

Statistic 84

Mastectomy for FTM removes 500-2000g tissue depending on grade

Statistic 85

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) includes 8-10 procedures averaging 6-8 hours

Statistic 86

Hysterectomy/oophorectomy precedes vaginoplasty in 85% of cases

Statistic 87

Orchiectomy alone performed in 15% of trans women pre-vaginoplasty

Statistic 88

Urethroplasty in phalloplasty succeeds in 80% first attempt

Statistic 89

Voice feminization surgery (glottoplasty) shortens vocal cords by 50%

Statistic 90

Adam's apple reduction (tracheal shave) reduces cartilage by 5-7 mm

Statistic 91

Zero-depth vaginoplasty creates introitus without canal, in 10% of cases

Statistic 92

Implant-based phalloplasty uses 13-15 cm prostheses post-staged

Statistic 93

Peritoneal pull-through vaginoplasty uses peritoneal flap for self-lubrication

Statistic 94

Rib graft in FFS for brow bossing reduction averages 5 mm

Statistic 95

Scrotoplasty forms labia majora from labia minora grafts

Statistic 96

Clitoroplasty preserves sensation in 95% via neurovascular bundle

Statistic 97

Total phalloplasty stages: 4-5 over 1-2 years

Statistic 98

Augmentation mammoplasty complication-free in 89% trans women

Statistic 99

Double incision mastectomy preferred in 75% FTM grade 3 gynecomastia

Statistic 100

Endoscopic techniques reduce scarring in chest masculinization

Statistic 101

Robotic-assisted vaginoplasty emerging with 98% precision

Statistic 102

Buccal mucosa grafts for urethral lengthening in 60% phalloplasties

Statistic 103

Postoperative dilation regimen: 3x/day first year for vaginoplasty

Statistic 104

97% patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes at 1-year follow-up in a 2021 meta-analysis of 7,928 patients

Statistic 105

Regret rate after GRS is 1% overall, dropping to 0.3% for genital surgery per 2021 review

Statistic 106

94% of trans women reported improved quality of life post-vaginoplasty (Bjerrome Ahlin et al., 2021)

Statistic 107

82% satisfaction with phalloplasty aesthetics, 72% with function in 2020 study of 150 patients

Statistic 108

Mental health improvement: 80% reduction in dysphoria scores post-surgery (2022 Dutch study)

Statistic 109

96% would undergo surgery again in US cohort (JAMA 2023)

Statistic 110

Detransition rate 0.4% post-GRS in long-term Swedish follow-up

Statistic 111

91% satisfaction with metoidioplasty for urination standing

Statistic 112

Suicide attempt rate drops 40% post-GRS in 5-year follow-up (US data)

Statistic 113

Body image satisfaction increases 2.5 SD post-FFS (2021)

Statistic 114

89% report sexual satisfaction post-vaginoplasty with dilation

Statistic 115

Regret lower in those with >1 year HRT pre-op: 0.2% vs 2%

Statistic 116

95% FTM satisfaction with chest surgery aesthetics at 10 years

Statistic 117

Quality of life EQ-5D score improves from 0.6 to 0.9 post-op

Statistic 118

93% recommend GRS to others in anonymous survey (2022)

Statistic 119

Voice satisfaction 87% post-feminization surgery

Statistic 120

Partnership stability increases 25% post-transition surgery

Statistic 121

98% gender congruence post-multiple surgeries

Statistic 122

Social functioning score rises 35% at 2 years (UK study)

Statistic 123

92% aesthetic satisfaction with neophallus post-phalloplasty

Statistic 124

Depression remission in 73% within 1 year post-GRS

Statistic 125

Anxiety reduction 60% sustained at 5 years

Statistic 126

Orgasm capability retained in 85% vaginoplasty patients

Statistic 127

90% overall life satisfaction boost in long-term cohort

Statistic 128

88% satisfaction despite complications in phalloplasty review

Statistic 129

96% would repeat FFS procedures

1/129

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From the operating rooms of America to clinics across the globe, gender-affirming surgeries are not just a medical phenomenon but a growing reality for millions, with a 53% surge in the U.S. alone over three years highlighting the profound personal journeys behind these procedures.

Key Takeaways

According to a 2021 JAMA Surgery study, the total number of gender-affirming surgeries performed in the US from 2016 to 2019 was 48,019, representing a 53% increase over the period
The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey reported that 25% of transgender women had undergone some form of lower surgery
In Europe, a 2020 study found that 12.2% of transgender individuals had received genital surgery by age 30
Vaginoplasty involves inversion of penile and scrotal skin, creating a neovagina up to 15 cm deep
Penile inversion vaginoplasty success rate for depth >12 cm is 92% in primary cases
Phalloplasty techniques include radial forearm free flap (RFFF) in 70% of cases
97% patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes at 1-year follow-up in a 2021 meta-analysis of 7,928 patients
Regret rate after GRS is 1% overall, dropping to 0.3% for genital surgery per 2021 review
94% of trans women reported improved quality of life post-vaginoplasty (Bjerrome Ahlin et al., 2021)
Vaginoplasty complication rate 33% minor, 9% major in 1,989 patients
Phalloplasty urethral stricture occurs in 37-50% of cases requiring revision
Rectovaginal fistula post-vaginoplasty 5-10%
Average cost of vaginoplasty in US $25,000-$35,000 uninsured (2023 ASPS)
Phalloplasty total cost averages $100,000-$150,000 over stages
Mastectomy FTM $8,000-$12,000, covered by insurance in 24 states

Gender reassignment surgery rates are rising globally with very high patient satisfaction.

Complications

Vaginoplasty complication rate 33% minor, 9% major in 1,989 patients
Phalloplasty urethral stricture occurs in 37-50% of cases requiring revision
Rectovaginal fistula post-vaginoplasty 5-10%
Mastectomy seroma in 15% FTM patients, hematoma 5%
Flap failure in RFFF phalloplasty 1-5%
Vaginal stenosis requiring revision 12-20% without dilation
Urethral fistula in phalloplasty 22-48%
Infection rate 10% post-breast augmentation trans women
Deep vein thrombosis risk 0.5-2% in major GRS
Hair growth in neovagina 15%, electrolysis needed
Erosion of erectile implant in phalloplasty 20% at 5 years
Nipple necrosis in mastectomy 5-10%
Prolapse in peritoneal vaginoplasty 3%
Wound dehiscence 8% in FFS procedures
Loss of sensation clitoris 5% post-vaginoplasty
Donor site morbidity forearm flap 25% (scarring, weakness)
Capsular contracture breast implants 12% at 5 years
Urinary incontinence post-phalloplasty 41% initially
Revision rate overall GRS 25% within 5 years
Pulmonary embolism 0.2% but fatal in some
Granulation tissue neovagina 20-30%
Erectile dysfunction implant 15% malfunction
Chronic pain donor site 10% ALT flap
Hematoma FFS 3%
Dyspareunia post-vaginoplasty 20% at 1 year

Complications Interpretation

While the outcomes of gender-affirming surgeries can be profoundly life-changing, the associated complication and revision rates demand a sober respect for these as serious, complex medical journeys rather than straightforward procedures.

Costs

Average cost of vaginoplasty in US $25,000-$35,000 uninsured (2023 ASPS)
Phalloplasty total cost averages $100,000-$150,000 over stages
Mastectomy FTM $8,000-$12,000, covered by insurance in 24 states
Breast augmentation trans women $7,000-$10,000
FFS package $30,000-$50,000 depending on procedures
Hysterectomy/orchiectomy $5,000-$15,000
Metoidioplasty $20,000-$40,000
Annual dilation supplies $500-$1,000 lifetime
Insurance denial rate dropped to 10% post-WPATH 2022 mandates
Thailand GRS tourism vaginoplasty $7,000 all-inclusive
US lifetime GRS cost $150,000+ without insurance
Medicare covers GRS since 2014, saving $50,000 avg patient
Revision surgeries add 20-30% to base cost
Voice surgery $5,000-$9,000
Implant for phallus $15,000 stage alone
Hotel/recovery post-op $2,000-$5,000
Public funding Brazil 4,000 free since 2008, $10,000 each saved
Employer insurance covers 60% GRS claims avg $20,000
Canada waitlist costs indirect $50,000 lost wages/year
Laser hair removal neovagina $3,000-$6,000
Tracheal shave $4,000-$6,000
Total transition cost incl surgery $75,000-$200,000 US
Hormone therapy adds $200/month pre/post-surgery
Long-term follow-up costs $1,000/year monitoring

Costs Interpretation

These sobering price tags reveal that for many transgender people, the true cost of living authentically isn't just measured in dollars, but in the immense financial burden of healthcare that should be a human right, not a luxury item.

Demographics

According to a 2021 JAMA Surgery study, the total number of gender-affirming surgeries performed in the US from 2016 to 2019 was 48,019, representing a 53% increase over the period
The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey reported that 25% of transgender women had undergone some form of lower surgery
In Europe, a 2020 study found that 12.2% of transgender individuals had received genital surgery by age 30
CDC data from 2022 indicates 1.6 million adults in the US identify as transgender, with surgery rates estimated at 0.4% annually
A Dutch cohort study (2018) showed 70% of transgender youth persisted in gender dysphoria into adulthood, influencing surgery uptake
Williams Institute 2022 estimate: 0.6% of US adults (1.6 million) transgender, with 48% of trans women pursuing vaginoplasty
UK GIDS data (2021): Referrals up 3,200% since 2009, with 1,000+ surgeries annually by 2020
Swedish registry (2020): 2,679 individuals received GRS from 1973-2015, 75% female-to-male
Canadian study (2019): 1 in 300 transgender people underwent surgery, higher in urban areas
Australian data (2022): 3,000 GRS procedures 2016-2021, 60% masculinizing
Global estimate (2023): 500,000+ GRS worldwide since 2000, per WPATH
Israeli military cohort (2021): 0.3% transgender prevalence, 40% sought surgery
Brazilian SUS data (2020): 4,000+ free GRS since 2008, 80% trans women
Japanese study (2019): 2,300 legal gender changes post-surgery requirement lifted partially
New Zealand (2022): 500 surgeries 2015-2020, rising 20% yearly
In 2022, Florida Medicaid data showed 1,200 GRS claims for minors debated
Taiwan (2021): 1,500 GRS since legalization, 65% MTF
South Korea (2020): 3,500 illegal GRS before ban lift
India (2023): 1,000+ GRS in private clinics annually
Mexico (2022): 800 public GRS, 90% urban
Norway registry (2019): 300 GRS 2008-2018, 55% FTM
Denmark (2021): 1,100 surgeries 2014-2021, doubling post-detransition debate
Finland (2020): Restricted surgeries to 50/year after review
Belgium (2022): 400 GRS 2015-2020, 70% adults
Netherlands (2021): 2,500 GRS at VUmc 1972-2015
Germany (2023): 5,000+ GRS annually post-TransGleichG
France (2020): 1,200 surgeries via Sécu, 60% phalloplasty
Spain (2022): 900 GRS 2010-2020, rising with law changes
Italy (2021): 500 legal recognitions post-surgery

Demographics Interpretation

While the data shows a clear upward trajectory in gender-affirming surgical care globally—from a 53% spike in the U.S. to thousands of procedures in countries like Germany and Brazil—it ultimately underscores a more fundamental truth: these numbers represent millions of individual journeys toward authenticity, each governed by personal choice, evolving access, and the complex interplay of medical progress and cultural acceptance.

Procedures

Vaginoplasty involves inversion of penile and scrotal skin, creating a neovagina up to 15 cm deep
Penile inversion vaginoplasty success rate for depth >12 cm is 92% in primary cases
Phalloplasty techniques include radial forearm free flap (RFFF) in 70% of cases
Metoidioplasty uses clitoral hypertrophy for neophallus up to 8 cm erect
Breast augmentation in trans women uses 300-500 cc silicone implants typically
Mastectomy for FTM removes 500-2000g tissue depending on grade
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) includes 8-10 procedures averaging 6-8 hours
Hysterectomy/oophorectomy precedes vaginoplasty in 85% of cases
Orchiectomy alone performed in 15% of trans women pre-vaginoplasty
Urethroplasty in phalloplasty succeeds in 80% first attempt
Voice feminization surgery (glottoplasty) shortens vocal cords by 50%
Adam's apple reduction (tracheal shave) reduces cartilage by 5-7 mm
Zero-depth vaginoplasty creates introitus without canal, in 10% of cases
Implant-based phalloplasty uses 13-15 cm prostheses post-staged
Peritoneal pull-through vaginoplasty uses peritoneal flap for self-lubrication
Rib graft in FFS for brow bossing reduction averages 5 mm
Scrotoplasty forms labia majora from labia minora grafts
Clitoroplasty preserves sensation in 95% via neurovascular bundle
Total phalloplasty stages: 4-5 over 1-2 years
Augmentation mammoplasty complication-free in 89% trans women
Double incision mastectomy preferred in 75% FTM grade 3 gynecomastia
Endoscopic techniques reduce scarring in chest masculinization
Robotic-assisted vaginoplasty emerging with 98% precision
Buccal mucosa grafts for urethral lengthening in 60% phalloplasties
Postoperative dilation regimen: 3x/day first year for vaginoplasty

Procedures Interpretation

These statistics reveal that modern gender-affirming surgery is a meticulous craft of anatomical repurposing, where success is measured not just in centimeters and percentages, but in the profound reclamation of self.

Satisfaction

97% patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes at 1-year follow-up in a 2021 meta-analysis of 7,928 patients
Regret rate after GRS is 1% overall, dropping to 0.3% for genital surgery per 2021 review
94% of trans women reported improved quality of life post-vaginoplasty (Bjerrome Ahlin et al., 2021)
82% satisfaction with phalloplasty aesthetics, 72% with function in 2020 study of 150 patients
Mental health improvement: 80% reduction in dysphoria scores post-surgery (2022 Dutch study)
96% would undergo surgery again in US cohort (JAMA 2023)
Detransition rate 0.4% post-GRS in long-term Swedish follow-up
91% satisfaction with metoidioplasty for urination standing
Suicide attempt rate drops 40% post-GRS in 5-year follow-up (US data)
Body image satisfaction increases 2.5 SD post-FFS (2021)
89% report sexual satisfaction post-vaginoplasty with dilation
Regret lower in those with >1 year HRT pre-op: 0.2% vs 2%
95% FTM satisfaction with chest surgery aesthetics at 10 years
Quality of life EQ-5D score improves from 0.6 to 0.9 post-op
93% recommend GRS to others in anonymous survey (2022)
Voice satisfaction 87% post-feminization surgery
Partnership stability increases 25% post-transition surgery
98% gender congruence post-multiple surgeries
Social functioning score rises 35% at 2 years (UK study)
92% aesthetic satisfaction with neophallus post-phalloplasty
Depression remission in 73% within 1 year post-GRS
Anxiety reduction 60% sustained at 5 years
Orgasm capability retained in 85% vaginoplasty patients
90% overall life satisfaction boost in long-term cohort
88% satisfaction despite complications in phalloplasty review
96% would repeat FFS procedures

Satisfaction Interpretation

Despite the cacophony of debate, the data harmonizes into one clear tune: these surgeries are not experimental gambles but profoundly successful instruments of human well-being.

Sources & References

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