American Society of Plastic Surgeons Recommends Caution on Transgender Surgeries for Minors

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is maintaining its stance on discouraging transgender surgeries for minors under the age of 19, signifying a shift back towards prioritizing science and evidence over ideology. Dr. Sheila Nazarian highlighted this viewpoint during an appearance on Fox & Friends, noting that the current evidence does not adequately support the benefits of such surgeries over the potential harms. Furthermore, the quality of existing evidence is considered low.

Dr. Nazarian expressed satisfaction with the ASPS’s reaffirmation of its earlier position, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors. She praised the reinforcement of their guidance from the previous year.

Dr. Sheila Nazarian speaks onstage during day one of the 2019 Nazarian Institute on Jan. 26, 2019, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo courtesy: Erik Voake/Getty Images for Nazarian Institute)

The ASPS’s updated guidelines, issued on Tuesday, advocate for postponing irreversible gender-related surgeries until a minimum age of 19. This recommendation draws from long-term data originating from various European countries that have recently reconsidered their approach towards such procedures for minors.

Nazarian pointed out that countries like England, Sweden, and Finland have already set precedence by ceasing these surgeries for minors based on new long-term findings. She questioned how these procedures were permitted without substantial evidence indicating their mental health benefits. Her inquiries surfaced a lack of awareness among some professionals about the evolving data.

Critics, including some leading figures like Dr. Mehmet Oz, have voiced strong opposition to the ongoing gender transition treatments for minors, labeling them as inappropriate experiments on children.

Nazarian, noting the financial incentives in hospital systems performing these surgeries, argued that the well-being of patients, especially children, should not be compromised for profit. She urged for a more patient-centric approach to treatment.

The doctor further criticized the process of informed consent often given to minors undergoing these procedures. Many of these young individuals were found to have underlying mental health or developmental issues, such as autism, depression, or anxiety. Families were sometimes told their options were between supporting a gender transition or facing severe consequences like suicidality, a narrative Nazarian describes as emotional manipulation without evidential backing.

According to Dr. Nazarian, a significant proportion of these children had co-existing medical, mental, or behavioral diagnoses. This has led her to suggest a basis for legal action, given the lack of data proving the reduction of suicidality post-surgery and the resulting inadequately informed consent provided to families.

Author: Taylor Penley, Associate Editor, Fox News.