Story perspectives

ASPS Caps Gender-Affirming Surgery at 19, Experts Dispute

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

In February 2026 the Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) set age limit for gender-affirming surgery at 19 years, a cutoff not supported by medical literature.
Surgeons cite studies showing gender-affirming care improves mental health, has low complication rates, and leads to regret in 1%–4% of cases.
2019 data show zero surgeries for patients 12 years or younger and 0.1–2.1 per 100,000 minors aged 13–16, prompting Dr. Kavitha Ranganathan to dispute the ASPS statement.

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Story summary

In February 2026 the Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) set age limit for gender-affirming surgery at 19 years, a cutoff not supported by medical literature.
Surgeons cite studies showing gender-affirming care improves mental health, has low complication rates, and leads to regret in 1%–4% of cases.
2019 data show zero surgeries for patients 12 years or younger and 0.1–2.1 per 100,000 minors aged 13–16, prompting Dr. Kavitha Ranganathan to dispute the ASPS statement.