Gender-Affirming Surgery

Gender-affirming care is a collection of personalized treatments designed to help individuals align their outward appearance with their gender identity in a way that feels authentic and empowering. These procedures support both physical comfort and emotional well-being by reshaping specific features, refining body contours, and enhancing feminine or masculine characteristics according to each person’s goals. In many cases, insurance coverage can apply to these procedures.

Patients considering these procedures should seek surgeons who combine advanced technical skill with compassion, inclusivity, and a supportive environment. ⁽¹⁾ At his Los Angeles and Lancaster offices, Dr. Sean Satey and his team provide a space where patients can explore their goals, ask questions, and receive high-level surgical care. They would be happy to help you navigate the insurance process so that you have the best experience possible.

Dr. Satey has earned a distinguished reputation through extensive training, thousands of successful procedures, and years of experience as a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon and board-certified general surgeon. He completed a full general surgery residency and a cosmetic surgery fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and he is one of only six official surgical educators for VASER-assisted liposuction. In 2026, Dr. Satey will serve as President of the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery!

To begin your gender-affirming journey with an experienced, trusted team, schedule a personal consultation online or by calling (424) 500-3320.

About Gender-Affirming Care

Gender-affirming surgery has become increasingly common as more individuals feel empowered to live openly and authentically. ⁽¹⁾ These procedures help patients align specific features with their gender identity, improving confidence, social comfort, and overall quality of life. Dr. Satey creates a warm, respectful, and inclusive environment where we treat every patient with dignity and personalized attention. Our team understands the emotional and physical significance of these treatments, and we take great care to guide patients through each step of their journey.

Dr. Satey offers several gender-affirming procedures. These tend to focus on enhancing curves, refining the torso, and creating a balanced silhouette that aligns with each patient’s goals. His approach integrates advanced techniques such as VASER-assisted liposuction, Renuvion skin tightening, autologous fat transfer, and breast surgery methods that prioritize both safety and aesthetics.

Insurance Coverage for Gender–Affirming Procedures

Many gender-affirming procedures may be eligible for insurance coverage when they are deemed medically necessary. Coverage may vary depending on provider, policy, and the procedure(s) being considered; today, an increasing number of plans recognize gender-affirming care as an essential part of one’s overall health and well-being, allowing for coverage that makes the process easier.

Insurance approval often depends on factors such as:

Dr. Satey and his team are knowledgeable about and experienced with navigating the insurance process. During a personal consultation, they can help patients determine if they might qualify for coverage and outline the next steps forward. The team’s ongoing support is what makes Dr. Satey’s practice so special; they are happy to assist with verification, documentation, and more.

Available Procedures

Male and female bodies differ in their natural contours: male torsos typically feature a more V-shaped upper body with broader shoulders and a narrower waist, while female bodies tend to have softer, tapered curves with fuller hips and a defined waist. The following procedures can be performed as standalone procedures, or they can be combined for more comprehensive results:

Body Feminization with VASER Liposuction and Renuvion J Plasma Techniques

VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction selectively targets fat while preserving surrounding structures, allowing for smoother sculpting and increased precision. ⁽²⁾ Dr. Satey’s unique positioning as one of only six surgical educators in the United States authorizes him to train other medical professionals in the use of VASER technology. His expertise translates to more graceful curves, improved waist definition, and softer transitions between areas of the body. Dr. Satey commonly treats the abdomen, flanks, back, waistline, and upper body to create smoother, more feminine contours.

Meanwhile, Renuvion is a minimally invasive technology that tightens loose or stretched skin using a combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy. ⁽³⁾ After VASER liposuction, it helps refine results and improve definition. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, anterior and posterior flanks, upper/middle/lower back, arms, and inner thighs.

BBL for Feminization

A Brazilian Butt Lift for feminization focuses on creating fuller hips, rounder buttocks, and a curvier silhouette. After harvesting fat with VASER liposuction, Dr. Satey transfers fat into the buttocks and lateral hips to create a soft hourglass figure and rounder buttocks. His VASER techniques increase the viability of harvested fat, resulting in higher retention rates after grafting. Fat transfer procedures come with the dual benefit of sculpting multiple areas at once, as the fat is often taken from areas like the abdomen or thighs. ⁽⁵⁾

Lower Body Lift (Tummy Tuck, Lateral Thigh Lift, and Butt Lift)

Lower body lift procedures address excess or sagging skin to create smoother, more youthful contours. The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) tightens the abdominal wall and removes excess skin, while the lateral thigh lift and butt lift target sagging skin along the outer thighs, hips, and buttocks.

Breast Augmentation for Feminization

Breast augmentation enhances breast size, shape, and projection, allowing patients to achieve a more feminine chest that aligns with their identity and desired silhouette. ⁽⁴⁾ Dr. Satey offers silicone implants, saline implants, and fat transfer breast augmentation. Silicone implants offer a natural feel, while saline implants provide adjustable volume and a firmer texture. Implants can be placed above or below the muscle, depending on the patient’s preferences and anatomy. Fat transfer breast augmentation uses purified fat to create a subtle, natural enhancement. For many patients, combining implants with fat transfer refines the breast shape and creates a more natural contour.

MTF Top Surgery

MTF top surgery focuses on creating or enhancing breasts for transgender women and nonbinary patients seeking a feminine chest contour. Dr. Satey uses several approaches depending on anatomy, skin elasticity, and desired outcome. This procedure may involve implants, fat transfer, or a combination technique. Dr. Satey’s goal is to create a proportionate chest that aligns with the patient’s gender identity. His expertise supports clear decisions regarding incision placement, implant shape, and tissue adjustments.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for gender-affirming surgery typically include those who want to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Typically, ideal candidates include:

If you are interested in pursuing gender-affirming treatments and would like to explore whether you are a good candidate, contact Dr. Satey’s office online or call (424) 500-3320 to schedule a personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your consultation is a detailed discussion where you explore your options and identify the best combination of treatments for your goals. Dr. Satey will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your medical history, and explain which procedures can help you achieve your desired appearance. You will also find out more about expectations, healing, anesthesia, and insurance coverage. At this time, the team can review your insurance policy with you and outline the next steps forward to ensure you receive coverage.

To begin your gender-affirming journey, schedule your consultation online or call (424) 500-3320.

Preparation

Dr. Satey and his team will provide detailed preparation instructions after establishing your treatment plan. These may include:

Recovery

Recovery varies based on the type and number of procedures we perform. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common in the early stages. Many patients return to light activity within one to two weeks. Compression garments, lymphatic massages, and follow-up appointments help support healing and improve comfort throughout your recovery. Dr. Satey and his team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to enhance comfort, minimize scarring, and ensure a speedy recovery.

Cost of Gender-Affirming Procedures in Los Angeles and Lancaster

The total cost of your gender-affirming care depends on which procedures you include in your treatment plan. Dr. Satey and his team will provide a personalized estimate during your consultation and offer information about financing options as well.

In many cases, insurance will cover or offset some of the costs associated with gender-affirming procedures. This can greatly impact what you will have to pay out of pocket, allowing you to receive life-changing care with less financial stress.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your gender-affirming treatment possibilities. If you have any questions, please call either of our offices at (424) 500-3320.

FAQ

References

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2. Ruff PG, Garcia O, Nykiel M, Galanis CJ. Consensus-based Recommendations for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(7):e5110-e5110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005110
3. Swanson E. A Systematic Review of Helium Plasma Radiofrequency (Renuvion). Annals of plastic surgery. Published online June 2025:10.1097/SAP.0000000000004479. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000004479
4. Miller TJ, Wilson SC, Massie JP, Morrison SD, Satterwhite T. Breast augmentation in male-to-female transgender patients: Technical considerations and outcomes. JPRAS Open. 2019;21:63-74. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2019.03.003
5. Shauly O, Gould DJ, Ghavami A. Fat Grafting: Basic Science, Techniques, and Patient Management. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(3):e3987. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003987
6. El-Hadi H, Stone J, Temple-Oberle C, Harrop AR. Gender-Affirming Surgery for Transgender Individuals: Perceived Satisfaction and Barriers to Care. Plastic Surgery. 2018;26(4):263-268. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/2292550318767437