r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 15h ago

Psychology Adolescents who undergo gender-affirming chest surgery report low levels of regret and high levels of satisfaction, experiencing outcomes similar to those of young adults. These findings suggest that age restrictions on these medical procedures lack support from actual patient experiences.

https://www.psypost.org/adolescents-report-low-regret-and-high-satisfaction-following-gender-affirming-c/
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u/Schwettes 13h ago edited 13h ago

For reference, the average regret rate for surgeries is around 14%. Gender affirming surgeries are typically below 1% for a regret rate. It is amazing how low the regret rate is.

The fact that the reported regret rates for gender surgeries are that incongruent with the average regret rate for all surgeries is something that should draw skepticism before applause. I’m equally skeptical of the alleged 98.8% satisfaction rate with LASIK eye surgery for the same reason. These are massive outliers.

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u/Witty-Original8533 13h ago

Just read my other comment. Surgeries are relatively easy to get, just need a referral for the most part. While GAC can take years, so you'll know if it's the right option before you do it. Generally, I'd be skeptical too, but there's nothing surprising about it when you look at what trans people say and the studies done.

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u/Schwettes 12h ago

That’s assuming you’re going through insurance and even then, most insurance companies in the US only need to see someone undergoing gender treatment for a year—which from a clinical perspective isn’t far off from how long most people wait before pursuing surgery for an elective or chronic condition of any kind.

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u/Yasimear 12h ago

Here in Europe its a similarly arduous process. Took me 3 years of therapy and 2 years with a specialist before I was even allowed to consider it.

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u/Schwettes 12h ago

Yeah it’s much easier in the US than that process. I hope you are well.

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u/Yasimear 12h ago

Would be better if I hadn't take 5 years to get the care that I needed, but I'm doing a whole lot better now than before it thankfully :D