Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Sep 10, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 22, 2026
Mental Health, Gender Dysphoria, and Quality of Life in Trans Individuals Following Top Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study Protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
Top surgery refers to various gender-affirming surgical procedures involving breast or chest tissue. Existing research suggests top surgery improves physical, psychological, and social well-being in trans individuals who desire it. However, most studies have been retrospective, have not used validated outcome measures, and excluded non-binary individuals, limiting the robustness of the existing research.
Objective:
This study aims to longitudinally examine the impact of top surgery on mental health, gender dysphoria, and quality of life of trans people, including both binary and non-binary individuals.
Methods:
Trans individuals aged 16 and older undergoing top surgery will be recruited from a single surgeon’s office in Perth, Western Australia, as part of a longitudinal prospective cohort study. Questionnaires will be administered to participants at three timepoints: 6–8 weeks pre-surgery, 6–8 weeks post-surgery, and 1-year post-surgery. Patient-reported outcomes will be measured using validated instruments and bespoke items developed through community consultation. Surgical satisfaction will be assessed using both patient- and surgeon-reported measures, enabling between-group comparisons.
Results:
Quantitative data will be analyzed using linear regression models and repeated measures ANOVA; qualitative data will undergo reflexive thematic analysis.
Conclusions:
This study will extend current research on the mental health, gender dysphoria, and quality of life outcomes of top surgery for trans individuals. By incorporating a longitudinal design, validated measures, and inclusion of non-binary participants, this research aims to improve the understanding of trans people’s experience of accessing and receiving top surgery.
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Copyright
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