This week, the world was introduced to Caitlyn.
Bruce Jenner said goodbye to the world as Bruce in April in a much-viewed 20/20 interview with Diane Sawyer. This week, we saw the last of Bruce Jenner and met Caitlyn Jenner in a much-talked about Vanity Fair cover shoot and article.
Diane Sawyer’s interview with Jenner covered many subjects ranging from Jenner’s own emotional struggles with gender identity as a child, as a father, and as an Olympian. Sawyer asked Jenner whether she planned to undergo gender reassignment surgery, but Jenner explained that it was too soon for her to make that decision, noting jokingly that the Kardashian girls also wondered whether she was going to go for the “full package” and get a “vajayjay.”
Many transgender individuals won’t undergo gender reassignment surgery, though many will elect to undergo cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures that allow them to feel more comfortable with their bodies. Transgender individuals often take hormones in order to facilitate their transitions, though every individual’s journey is unique.
Transgender individuals face unique challenges—from doctors, from their employers, and from friends and family. As many as 41 percent of transgender individuals have attempted suicide. Transitioning is often a long process involving hormone therapy and costly plastic surgery. Sadly, not all transgender individuals can afford either the hormones or the surgeries. For those who can afford plastic surgery, the psychological results can be dramatic—with individuals feeling less stress, and having fewer problems with depression. While for many individuals, plastic surgery is a great way to improve self-esteem, for transgender individuals, plastic surgery can be literally life-saving.
ET Online reported that Jenner opened up about plastic surgery on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, revealing that she had undergone a nose job, an upper lip lift, and an Adam’s Apple reduction.
Jenner’s plastic surgeries are taking center stage this week on the show. ABC News reports that Jenner explained the process to the Kardashian girls—stating that much of the work must be done in stages. The main areas that Jenner focused on, according to ABC News was planned plastic surgery work on her jaw and forehead. Jenner also noted that “that little thing down there” would be the last thing she would do—if she does it at all.
Jenner’s plastic surgery journey and transition has moved the country and offers insight into how plastic surgery can be both life-saving and life-affirming for those who understand the risks, benefits, and for those who have realistic expectations.
Individuals from all walks of life and from various life circumstances elect to undergo plastic surgery each year. Dr. Leonard Grossman, M.D. is a plastic surgeon in NYC who understands that the decision to undergo plastic surgery is an important and major life step for many patients. Dr. Grossman offers compassionate care to all individuals who have decided to take this big step. If you or a loved one is considering undergoing plastic surgery in New York City, contact Dr. Leonard Grossman, M.D. today for an initial consultation.
