Mapping Gender-Affirming Surgery Practice in Argentina: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Plastic Surgeons

Purpose: This study aimed to describe gender-affirming surgery (GAS) practice and perceived barriers among plastic surgeons in Argentina. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey in October and November 2024 with plastic surgeons affiliated with the Argentine Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery who reported performing GAS. Data were collected on demographics and training, surgical activity, practice settings, interdisciplinary collaboration, perceptions of aesthetic outcomes, and barriers to access. Results: Forty-five of fifty-one surgeons (88.2%) responded, most of whom practiced in the City of Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Province (57.8%). Chest feminization (88.9%) and chest masculinization (82.2%) were commonly performed, whereas genital procedures were less frequent (vaginoplasty 20%, phalloplasty 8.9%, and metoidioplasty 4.4%). Private-sector practice was reported by 93.3% of surgeons, and interdisciplinary collaboration by 26.7%. The most frequently reported barriers were economic (64.4%) and bureaucratic (31.1%), and the main priorities for improvement were expanded insurance coverage (37.8%) and specific training (31.1%). Conclusions: This study provides the first national description of GAS practice among plastic surgeons in Argentina. Practice was concentrated in a few jurisdictions, with most surgeons reporting private-sector activity. Barriers to care were mainly economic and bureaucratic. These findings highlight the distribution and training of surgical teams and service financing as key areas for access policies and training programs.