Female-to-male top surgery is one of the most common gender-affirming procedures performed. Canadian citizens are blessed to hav e government funding available for at least some of their gender-affirming surgery. However, some limitations may lead to a patient needing to pay out of pocket for their surgery or being unable to get the surgery in a timely manner in Canada.

Seattle-based plastic surgeon Dr. Javad Sajan regularly sees and treats patients from BC. In close proximity to Vancouver and the US-Canada border, Dr. Sajan can give his Canadian patients high-quality care without the worry of traveling across the country or waiting for years. Often, Dr. Sajan has surgery dates available within a few months.

Still, planning to travel to Seattle for gender-affirming surgery does add some complications to the process, but not ones that cannot be surmounted. This guide will provide everything you need to know as a BC resident coming to Seattle for top surgery.

Reasons Canadians Travel To The US For Gender Affirming Surgery

Every patient has unique reasons for choosing to travel to the US for their gender surgery, but there are several common motivations.

● Wait Time: In Canada, it often takes a year or more to undergo top surgery with funds from the government. This will also vary based on a patient’s specific health needs and medical history. Unfortunately, this can cause patients to experience painful gender dysphoria for longer than is necessary. Private surgeons in the US usually have availability within a few months.

● BMI: If a patient has a BMI over 35, it may be difficult to get coverage for the surgery in Canada. BMI—while useful when viewed holistically—is not an accurate indicator of a patient’s health or surgical candidacy on its own. Dr. Sajan specializes in high BMI top surgery and has worked with many patients who have been turned down elsewhere.

● Surgery Readiness Assessment: This is a normal part of the surgical process and helps ensure a safe surgery. However, to have surgery covered, patients have to go to specific assessors who may or may not be their surgeons. This can increase wait time and sometimes cost additional money upfront. In the US, this assessment is performed by the surgeon or medical professional within their office.

It is important to note that Dr. Sajan and many other surgeons do require documentation, which—if not on hand—can delay the surgical process. This could include letters of support from mental health providers and a documented gender dysphoria diagnosis. Even when delays occur for these reasons, it usually is still quicker than going through the Canadian system. “Patients come here because they don’t want to go through all the hoops in the national healthcare system, patients also don’t want to wait years for their surgery,” Dr. Sajan said of his Canadian patients.

Making Arrangements

Patients coming to Seattle from British Columbia for gender-affirming surgery will need to make a few decisions and arrangements before their surgery outside of what a Seattle-based patient may need to do.

● Travel: Vancouver, BC, and Seattle are not far apart and it is certainly drivable. Short flights can also get you to Seattle in about an hour. Patients should plan to come to the US at least two to three days before their surgery to finish up any pre- operative preparations. Depending on the specifics of their surgery, Dr. Sajan may request that patients stay close by for one to two weeks. But, in many cases, patients may choose to go back to Canada within a few days of surgery.

● Passport & Documents: Ensure your passport is valid. Nothing is worse than having surgery scheduled and not being able to cross the border due to a documentation issue.

● Caregiver: Patients are required to have a caregiver for at least 24 hours after surgery. Also, you cannot drive yourself back to Canada immediately after surgery or while you are on painkillers. Travel arrangements will also need to be made for your caregiver.

● Lodging: If you choose to stay in a hotel during your recovery, Dr. Sajan’s office does work with local accommodations to offer discounted rates.

● Non-Surgery Appointments: Virtual consultations and post-op appointments are available for Canadian residents to limit the amount of travel necessary for their surgery. Dr. Sajan usually prefers that patients attend their next day post-op in person. Other appointments after surgery—assuming clearance from Dr. Sajan—can often be handled virtually.

Financing Gender Affirming Surgery in the US

US-based patients can often get their gender-affirming surgeries covered partially or fully through their medical insurance. If you happen to work in the US and have medical insurance, this may be an option for you. Dr. Sajan accepts all private insurance based in the US.

Outside of these options, financing is available through Care Credit and other medical financing companies. Many patients also successfully crowdfund their surgeries. With that said, Dr. Sajan and his team can walk you through the financing process and check whether insurance coverage may be possible for you.

Benefits of Traveling To Seattle For Gender-Affirming Surgery

There are many potential benefits to coming to Seattle for gender-affirming surgery. Firstly, Seattle is closer to Vancouver than other Canadian or US cities that offer gender-affirmation services. Patients can also return home within a few days and are within only a few hours’ driving distance of the clinic if an in-person visit becomes necessary.

Finally, patients can get their surgery quicker and without jumping through as many hoops. Waiting for gender-affirming surgery can be agonizing and put the lives of gender- nonconforming individuals at risk. Dr. Javad Sajan of Allure Esthetic in Seattle, Washington, specializes in chest and facial gender surgeries, and other surgeons are available in the area for bottom surgery or other specialized procedures.

Seattle is a major medical hub in the United States, giving Canadians access to some of the world’s top gender-affirming surgery providers. Nipple-preserving top surgery, customized facial feminization, and minimally invasive gender-affirming procedures may not be available everywhere but can be found in Seattle, WA.