Do I really need to be on hormones and get a letter from a mental professional to have feminization surgeries done?

We can certainly feminize the face without hormones, though certain procedures are safer if you are on hormones.  An in person or skype consultation is the best way to learn what is and is not possible.

Hello,In general, you don't need to have a letter or be on hormones for FFS. For chest or below surgery, it is usually required but most will do various FFS without this. All the best in your journey,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Many surgeons use the WPATH guidelines to determine what patients need to have done before surgery, but there are no legal requirements.  Hormones can help your face look a little more feminine and help many patients grow some breast tissue.  There are patients that for medical reasons, like blood clots, are not hormone therapy and undergo these surgeries.  Facial feminization and breast surgery are not as irreversible as genital surgery, and many surgeons don't require letters from mental health providers.  These surgeries do make a big difference in your appearance, though.  For most patients I recommend they work with an experienced mental health provider who can help predict and plan for post surgery challenges at home and at their place of employment.  

Bryan Rolfes, MD

Facial cosmetic surgery for facial feminization does not usually require prior hormones or more mental professional assessment than any other patient coming in for facelift, rhinoplasty etc. Best wishes

The best way to get an answer to your question is to meet with the doctor who offers the procedure you are interested in.  Different doctors have different requirements, so it is hard to answer for all. 

At our clinic, we want the patient to be happy after the surgery, but not just with the way they look! We also want to make sure you have mental and emotional support throughout the surgery process, and for some people, a mental health professional can provide that support.  Hormones can often create some of the desired changes without surgery.  This is not a requirement however, because of course, each patient is different!  Set up a  meeting with a doctor to explain exactly what you want and why.

Best of luck

Dr Rodman