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Returning to Work After Gender Affirmation Surgery | Tips for Navigating the Challenges

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman July 8, 2025.

Gender-affirming surgery is a deeply personal and empowering milestone for many transgender and non-binary individuals. It can mark a pivotal point in aligning your body with your gender identity and may bring a sense of relief, joy, and confidence.

While the surgery itself is transformative, the journey doesn’t end in the operating room. Returning to work after surgery presents its own set of challenges, including balancing healing with professional responsibilities, navigating privacy concerns, and advocating for workplace accommodations.

Here’s a practical guide to prepare to re-enter the workplace after gender affirmation surgery. You can also gain valuable knowledge here if you’re an HR professional, manager, or ally seeking to better support your colleague during their transition.

How to Ask for Time Off Work

Once you’ve had your in-person or free virtual consultation and met all other preoperative requirements, you’ll be given a surgery date. At that point, you’ll get instructions on how to obtain proper documentation from our medical assistants so that you can request time off work.

Every employer has different requirements for approving time-off requests. If your employer has a specific form that our clinical team needs to fill out, you can send it to us via fax or digitally once a surgery date is scheduled. Some patients only need a doctor’s note. We can also fulfill that request or assist in completing any other necessary paperwork for your leave.

Important Reminder: Your financial responsibility for the surgery must be fulfilled at least six weeks before the procedure. Missing this deadline may result in your surgery being canceled.

Confidentiality and Requesting Time Off Work for Surgery

You don’t need to tell your employer what procedure you’ll undergo when requesting time away from work. Any medical leave documentation we provide to you won’t mention your specific procedure, and won’t show GCC (Gender Confirmation Center) as your provider.

Our letter will have your surgeon’s name and contact information on the letterhead, in the interest of maintaining confidentiality. You’re not required to tell your employer details of what your medical leave is for.

Understanding the Recovery Process: What to Expect After Gender-Affirming Surgery

Because each gender-affirming procedure is unique, the time you’ll need to take off work can vary. It will depend on the type of surgery you have, the number of procedures, and the nature of your job. When considering how long a leave you want to request, here are some factors and recovery tips for employees to think about.

When can I return to work after top surgery?

After top surgery, most patients typically feel physically capable of returning to their work or school routine within two to three weeks. If your work involves heavy lifting, though, you may need to wait six weeks after surgery before you can safely perform your job duties. Taking that much time off can strain finances, so many patients return to work sooner with physical restrictions.

When can I return to work after facial feminization surgery (FFS), facial masculinization surgery (FMS), or non-binary facial surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the specific procedures you undergo. As a general guideline, though, you can return to work two to six weeks after FFS, FMS, or non-binary facial surgery. Some patients return to work sooner, depending on the nature of their job and the specific requirements of their position.

When can I return to work after body contouring: body feminization surgery (BFS) or body masculinization surgery (BMS)?

You can likely return to work two weeks after your procedure, unless you have a strenuous job or one that requires heavy lifting. At that time, you may still have some minor to moderate bruising, discomfort, and inflammation.

Important reminder if you undergo a fat grafting procedure: It’s essential to avoid placing pressure on your buttocks as much as possible for the first few weeks. If you work at a desk, for example, you may need a standing desk or a work-from-home option that allows you to lie on your stomach. Your care team can provide you with a doctor’s note for these specific accommodations.

When can I return to work after vaginoplasty or vulvaplasty?

Typically, you can return to work four to six weeks after being discharged from the hospital. You can expect to spend three days in the hospital after your procedure, provided there are no complications.

When can I return to work after metoidioplasty?

Usually, you can return to work two to four weeks after, but your level of healing and the specific procedure type you undergo affect this timeline. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s advice to protect your health and encourage healing.

When can I return to work after phalloplasty?

The time that a patient takes off work after a phalloplasty operation is very situation-specific. In short, ask your surgeon. Their recommendation will be based on the type of phalloplasty you undergo and the stage of surgery you are at, so it is truly individualized to the person.

Preparing for a Smooth Return: Steps to Take Before Going Back to Work

Ensure you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared before going back to work. That can make returning to the office after surgery easier and help you feel more comfortable.

Communicating with Your Employer

Disclosing details about your surgery is optional. If you do choose to share, remember:

• Focus on your needs, not your procedure (you can keep this information confidential)
• Use neutral language like “medical leave” or “post-surgical recovery”
• Share a return-to-work plan that outlines any temporary accommodations

Returning to work when you may look and feel very different doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, and your medical information is private. You’re not required to disclose it.

Understanding Workplace Policies and Benefits

Most employers have policies that support medical leave and accommodations for disabilities. You may be eligible for modified duties, flexible scheduling, a phased return-to-work program, remote work arrangements, or other accommodations.

Family Medical Leave

If your legal spouse, parent/guardian, or child is undergoing surgery, you may be eligible to take time off work to care for them. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows employees to take up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave if they have been employed for at least a year prior. Our medical assistants can assist you in completing this paperwork.

Legal Rights and Protections When Returning from Medical Leave

Knowing your rights is an integral part of returning from medical leave. There are federal and state laws that can help protect you after gender-affirming surgery.

Federal Laws and Employment Protections

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it’s illegal for employers to discriminate based on sex, which includes your gender identity. The EEOC may enforce these protections, especially if you’re mistreated because of your transition or medical leave.

State-Level Protections and Variations

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides strong protections, including the right to medical leave for necessary surgeries, protection from retaliation for requesting time off, and mandates for reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
Essential note for employee responsibility: You must give your employer sufficient notice, ideally at least 30 days, before taking planned medical leave unless it’s an emergency.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you experience retaliation or bias after returning to work, your first step is to report the issue internally to your HR department. Be sure to document everything, including emails, dates, and conversations, to ensure accurate records.
If the issue isn’t resolved, you can file a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD). Ensure you’ve tried to resolve the issue with HR first, as that’s a requirement for submitting a complaint.

Workplace Adaptations and Accommodations for a Supportive Return-to-Work Environment

Some employers are more supportive than others, but there are several things you can do to help ensure a healthy return to work.

Setting Expectations with Managers and Teams

Clear communication can ease your post-surgery workplace transition, including establishing realistic workloads, sharing any medical limitations, and agreeing on regular check-ins or adjustments. That helps everyone stay on the same page as you settle back into your employment role.

Creating or Leveraging Inclusive Policies

HR professionals and allies can support returning employees by implementing or revisiting gender-inclusive policies, hosting awareness training and discussions, and creating written transition support plans to ensure everyone feels comfortable in the workplace.

Workplace Allies and Support Systems

Returning to work can feel overwhelming. Consider reaching out to trusted coworkers, joining any available LGBTQIA+ employee resource groups, and seeking out a mentor or liaison for transition-related support. Having people on your side can make a world of difference.

What to Expect Emotionally During Recovery

Recovery is not just physical. It can be a deeply emotional experience. It’s normal to feel a mix of joy, relief, anxiety, and vulnerability after surgery. Your identity is valid, and so are your emotions.

Emotional Ups and Downs

As we explain here, many patients experience emotional fluctuations during the healing process. You’re not alone, and it’s OK to seek support from therapists specializing in gender-affirming care, online or in-person support groups, and friends and chosen family. Recovery takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you heal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Returning to Work After Gender-Affirming Surgery

Still have questions? Here are some of the most common FAQ about going back to work after a gender-affirming procedure.

How do I know when I’m ready to return to work?

Your surgeon will offer a medical timeline, but listen to your body. If you’re not physically or emotionally ready, talk to your care team about requesting an extension of your leave.

What’s the best way to request accommodations from my employer?

Make your request in writing and focus on how adjustments (like a standing desk or flexible hours) will help you perform your job while you recover. Refer to your company’s ADA or FMLA processes if needed.

Do I have to disclose my surgery to HR or management?

No. You only need to provide medical documentation supporting your leave and any limitations you may have upon return. The specifics of your surgery are private.

What accommodations or adjustments may be needed upon my return to work post-surgery?

This depends on your procedure and job duties, but common examples include modified lifting requirements, a standing desk for fat grafting recovery, and phased return schedules. Be sure to inform your care team about the nature of your work so that they can provide informed recommendations.

How can I balance my recovery needs with my work responsibilities after surgery?

Set boundaries and prioritize self-care when balancing work and healing. Also, communicate openly about your capacity and adjust expectations with your manager as needed. That will help you get back to work more comfortably.