FAQs
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Cookie jelly beans bear claw cupcake pie bonbon gummi bears. Sugar plum cheesecake jelly beans sweet pudding bear claw sesame snaps sweet roll.
Chest Binding
What is chest binding?
Chest binding, also known as binding, is a technique used to create the appearance of a flatter chest. Binding can be a helpful way to reduce chest dysphoria and feel more comfortable with your body. There are many ways people bind their chests, some of which are safer, more comfortable, and/or more effective than others. The most common way for people to bind is by wearing a binder.
Signs that it’s time to take a break:
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388
What is chest binding?
Chest binding, also known as binding, is a technique used to create the appearance of a flatter chest. Binding can be a helpful way to reduce chest dysphoria and feel more comfortable with your body. There are many ways people bind their chests, some of which are safer, more comfortable, and/or more effective than others. The most common way for people to bind is by wearing a binder.
Signs that it’s time to take a break:
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing
- Numbness, tingling
- Overheating, dehydration
- Skin rash, irritation, sores
- Back pain, soreness
- Take a break from binding every 8-12 hours
- Stretch your back, chest, and shoulders when not binding
- Wash your binder regularly
- Take your binder off before bed – don’t sleep in it
- Don’t bind during a workout
- Don’t use duct-tape or Ace bandages
- Get the right fit – don’t buy one that is too tight
- Binder should allow for normal breathing
- Bind less if you are having top surgery
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388
What are the recommended processes for hair removal?
Laser Hair Removal:
Laser Hair Removal:
- Fastest – 15 to 30 minutes per session
- Great for body hair
- Cheapest, least painful
- Many local providers to choose from
- Often not covered by insurance (Groupon)
- Does not work on all hair types (blonde, red or gray)
- Not a permanent solution as hair may grow back in time
- Permanent solution, limited local providers (confirm provider is taking new patients)
- More painful, sessions last longer (1 to 2 hours) per session
- Costs more, but often covered by most insurance plans
- Two types of electrolysis (thermolysis & galvanic) are used most often. Both have pros and cons.
- Over the counter (5% Lidocaine) cream
- Prescription Compounded BLT (Benzocaine, Lidocaine, Tetracaine)
- Use a hot/warm washcloth on skin to open the pores before applying cream
- Apply a generous amount and follow directions
- After applying cream use saran wrap to cover skin – it will hold the cream to the skin and allow for better penetration
What is GAHT / HRT?
Gender-affirming hormone therapy is a key means of affirmation for many transgender and gender-diverse people. GAHT helps people align their bodies to better match their gender identity. Although experts agree that standard care should include GAHT as an option, it is not required and may not be desired by some.
Starting Treatment: Often you can begin GAHT within a couple visits to the clinic. As you prepare to begin treatment, now is a great time to think through what your goals are.
Prescriptions are available as injections, gels or oral medication. They’re available with or without companion medications, such as Finasteride and Anastrozole.
Prescriptions are available as injections, patch, or oral medication. They’re available with or without companion medications, such as Spironolactone, Finasteride, and Progesterone.
Gender-affirming hormone therapy is a key means of affirmation for many transgender and gender-diverse people. GAHT helps people align their bodies to better match their gender identity. Although experts agree that standard care should include GAHT as an option, it is not required and may not be desired by some.
Starting Treatment: Often you can begin GAHT within a couple visits to the clinic. As you prepare to begin treatment, now is a great time to think through what your goals are.
- Do you want to get started right away on a path to the maximum degree of medically appropriate effects?
- Or do you want to begin at a lower dose and allow things to progress more slowly?
- Perhaps you are seeking less-than-maximal effects and would like to remain on a low dose for the long term.
Prescriptions are available as injections, gels or oral medication. They’re available with or without companion medications, such as Finasteride and Anastrozole.
- Coarser hair and growth on more areas of the body, including face
- Body fat redistribute from thighs and buttocks to belly
- Muscle mass to increase
- Deepening of voice (sometimes)
- Increased libido (sex drive)
- Enlargement of clitoris
- Menstrual cycle to stop (typically)
- Skin becomes oilier and rougher
- Hair loss, male pattern baldness (dependent on family history)
Prescriptions are available as injections, patch, or oral medication. They’re available with or without companion medications, such as Spironolactone, Finasteride, and Progesterone.
- Breast development
- Nipple tenderness
- Thinning/slow growing body hair
- Changes in sexual function (decrease in erections)
- Decrease in genital size
- Body fat to redistribute from belly to butt and thighs
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Decrease muscle mass
- Softer, less oily skin
- Slowing of hair loss
What is tucking?
Tucking is a means to create a visibly smooth crotch area. Tucking allows any crotch bulge to be hidden and not visible through clothing, underwear, swimsuits, lingerie, etc.
Why do some people tuck?
For some, the sight of a bulge may not only make you uncomfortable, but it may also bring about dysphoria. Tucking is a means to alleviate distress and also create the perfect look. Some people tuck daily, some do it every so often, and some people don’t tuck. Tucking is not just for transfem, as nonbinary and other gender-nonconforming people may also tuck. Note – tucking isn’t a requirement to access femininity.
Ways to tuck?
Gaff, tight underwear, compression shapewear, pantyhose, medical/sports tape.
How do you tuck?
One way is by applying gentle upwards pressure (using two fingers) so the testes will slip up into place. This should not cause more than very mild discomfort. Once they feel in place, pull the penis and scrotum back between the legs and put on gaff/underwear. This should hold everything in place until you’re ready to let them come out. You can also tuck without using the inguinal canals, and some people prefer this. Instead of pushing the testes up, push them to the sides.
On a budget? Want to make your own?
Gaffs can easily be created out of a pair of pantyhose and a pair of scissors. YouTube has many great tutorials.
It hurts too much!
Over time tucking testis will get more comfortable. Start slowly, progress in the amount of time tucked, and before you know it you won’t feel a thing.
Using tape?
Be sure to shave well and use medical tape to avoid less irritation. Wrap the shaft of the penis in soft cloth to protect before taping.
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388
Tucking is a means to create a visibly smooth crotch area. Tucking allows any crotch bulge to be hidden and not visible through clothing, underwear, swimsuits, lingerie, etc.
Why do some people tuck?
For some, the sight of a bulge may not only make you uncomfortable, but it may also bring about dysphoria. Tucking is a means to alleviate distress and also create the perfect look. Some people tuck daily, some do it every so often, and some people don’t tuck. Tucking is not just for transfem, as nonbinary and other gender-nonconforming people may also tuck. Note – tucking isn’t a requirement to access femininity.
Ways to tuck?
Gaff, tight underwear, compression shapewear, pantyhose, medical/sports tape.
How do you tuck?
One way is by applying gentle upwards pressure (using two fingers) so the testes will slip up into place. This should not cause more than very mild discomfort. Once they feel in place, pull the penis and scrotum back between the legs and put on gaff/underwear. This should hold everything in place until you’re ready to let them come out. You can also tuck without using the inguinal canals, and some people prefer this. Instead of pushing the testes up, push them to the sides.
On a budget? Want to make your own?
Gaffs can easily be created out of a pair of pantyhose and a pair of scissors. YouTube has many great tutorials.
It hurts too much!
Over time tucking testis will get more comfortable. Start slowly, progress in the amount of time tucked, and before you know it you won’t feel a thing.
Using tape?
Be sure to shave well and use medical tape to avoid less irritation. Wrap the shaft of the penis in soft cloth to protect before taping.
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388
Available for Trans, Non-binary & Intersex Folx
Oophorectomy: surgical removal of one or both ovaries
Salpingectomy: surgical removal of the fallopian tubes (contraception)
Vaginoplasty: the surgical creation of a vagina from your existing genital tissue
Orchiectomy: surgical removal of one or both testicles
Phalloplasty: surgical creation of a penis. In this procedure, surgeons harvest one or more "flaps" of skin and other tissues from a donor site on your body (usually your forearm) and use it to form a penis and urethra.
Metoidioplasty: lower body surgery that creates a penis by cutting ligaments around the erectile tissue (clitoris) to release it from the pubis and give the shaft more length (4 to 6 cm)
Scrotoplasty: a procedure that uses skin from the labia combined with a silicone implant to create a new scrotum
Penectomy: surgical removal of the penis
Vaginectomy: surgical procedure to remove all or part of the vagina
Nullification: surgical procedure typically involves removing specific genital tissue or altering it to create a more neutral or non-binary appearance, leaving only the urethral opening
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388
- Hair Removal - Electrolysis / Laser
- Facial Feminization/Masculinization Surgery
- Chest Reduction or Masculinization
- Breast Augmentation
- Body Contouring
Oophorectomy: surgical removal of one or both ovaries
Salpingectomy: surgical removal of the fallopian tubes (contraception)
Vaginoplasty: the surgical creation of a vagina from your existing genital tissue
Orchiectomy: surgical removal of one or both testicles
Phalloplasty: surgical creation of a penis. In this procedure, surgeons harvest one or more "flaps" of skin and other tissues from a donor site on your body (usually your forearm) and use it to form a penis and urethra.
Metoidioplasty: lower body surgery that creates a penis by cutting ligaments around the erectile tissue (clitoris) to release it from the pubis and give the shaft more length (4 to 6 cm)
Scrotoplasty: a procedure that uses skin from the labia combined with a silicone implant to create a new scrotum
Penectomy: surgical removal of the penis
Vaginectomy: surgical procedure to remove all or part of the vagina
Nullification: surgical procedure typically involves removing specific genital tissue or altering it to create a more neutral or non-binary appearance, leaving only the urethral opening
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388
Available for Trans, Non-binary & Intersex Folx
Are you looking to take the next step in your gender affirmation?
Where to Start
If you are seeking Gender Affirming Surgeries or procedures usually the first step will be acquiring a letter. Meet with a Trans Patient Advocate to discuss.
Connecting with Behavioral Health
You will be connected with our Behavioral Health Department. They should contact you within five business days. If not, please reach back out to your Trans Patient Advocate.
Meet With a Therapist
A Behavioral Health Therapist will meet with you (usually online) to conduct a brief conversation. The therapist will write a letter and submit it to the APLA Health Referral Department. Please allow 1 week for the therapist to present the letter.
APLA Health Referral Department
Letter/referral will be forwarded to your health insurance provider for approval.
Your Health Insurance Provider
Patients' insurance provider will either approve or reject the referral request. They will send notification to you, APLA Health, and the provider listed on the referral. This process can take 1 to 2 weeks depending on your insurance provider.
Scheduling With Procedure Provider
Once the provider receives the referral you can call and schedule with them. Most providers' schedules are booked several months out, and in some cases, you might need to wait six or more months. Please be patient and wait as they are serving other Transgender patients. APLA Health does not influence their schedule.
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388
Are you looking to take the next step in your gender affirmation?
Where to Start
If you are seeking Gender Affirming Surgeries or procedures usually the first step will be acquiring a letter. Meet with a Trans Patient Advocate to discuss.
Connecting with Behavioral Health
You will be connected with our Behavioral Health Department. They should contact you within five business days. If not, please reach back out to your Trans Patient Advocate.
Meet With a Therapist
A Behavioral Health Therapist will meet with you (usually online) to conduct a brief conversation. The therapist will write a letter and submit it to the APLA Health Referral Department. Please allow 1 week for the therapist to present the letter.
APLA Health Referral Department
Letter/referral will be forwarded to your health insurance provider for approval.
Your Health Insurance Provider
Patients' insurance provider will either approve or reject the referral request. They will send notification to you, APLA Health, and the provider listed on the referral. This process can take 1 to 2 weeks depending on your insurance provider.
Scheduling With Procedure Provider
Once the provider receives the referral you can call and schedule with them. Most providers' schedules are booked several months out, and in some cases, you might need to wait six or more months. Please be patient and wait as they are serving other Transgender patients. APLA Health does not influence their schedule.
Have questions? Ask a Trans Patient Advocate: 323-329-9388