Psychological Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Facial Feminization Surgery Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted mental health among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer community, with the delay of medical services as a factor. The pandemic’s psychological effect on the transfeminine community pursuing facial feminization surgery remains unstudied. METHODS: Patients at our institution whose facial feminization surgeries were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic were included. A chart review collected validated, self-reported depression and psychological distress measures, as well as perceived facial femininity and desire for feminizing facial surgery prior to the pandemic. The data were compared to repeat measures during the pandemic (March–April 2020). RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the study, 11 of whom had repeat data. Respondents during the pandemic (compared to prepandemic) felt their face was more feminine (p=0.026) and more likely to be perceived as feminine by others (p=0.026). They indicated a lower desire to alter their appearance with surgery (p=0.041). Depression and distress indices were greater during the pandemic (p=0.0018 and p=0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study is consistent with increasing depression and psychological distress among transfeminine individuals pursuing facial feminization surgery during the pandemic. The study revealed greater perceived facial femininity and a lower desire for surgery during the pandemic.