In recent years, more transgender teens are coming out earlier โ with clarity, courage, and a deep desire to align their bodies with their identities. As a result, a growing number of young trans people and their families are asking a difficult question: โCan I get SRS before 18?โ
At APS Gender Care in Thailand, we receive this inquiry often. While the short answer is no โ SRS is not legally available before age 18, that doesnโt mean youโre left in the dark. In fact, thereโs a lot that can be done before turning 18 to ensure a healthy, confident, and well-prepared transition into adulthood.
In this guide, weโll explore the legal, emotional, and medical realities of seeking SRS as a teenager, and how to make the most of this critical chapter โ even if surgery must wait.
The Legal and Ethical Limits: Why SRS Before 18 Isnโt Allowed
Letโs begin with the facts. Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) is a legally and medically regulated procedure in Thailand. As part of the countryโs national health policy and in accordance with international standards such as WPATH, individuals must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for surgery.
At APS, we uphold this policy strictly. Under no circumstances do we allow patients under the age of 18 to sign up for or undergo SRS, regardless of their country of origin or how far along they are in their transition.
However โ and this is important โ we do offer pre-surgical consultations for underage patients, provided that a legal guardian is present. These consultations are not a pathway to early surgery, but rather a compassionate opportunity to begin planning, understanding the options, and establishing a relationship with our care team. They also allow parents and caregivers to ask questions, receive reassurance, and better support their childโs journey.
Why Waiting Can Be a Good Thing โ Even When It Hurts
We understand: waiting isnโt easy. For many young trans people, the time between social transition and medical transition can be emotionally exhausting. Feelings of dysphoria, frustration, or even despair are common. But hereโs what we want you to hear โ waiting does not mean your journey is on pause. In fact, itโs still moving forward in powerful, meaningful ways.
Psychologically, the waiting period can offer critical clarity. Core gender identity rarely changes, especially for those who have socially transitioned for years. But personal preferences โ such as the choice between full-depth vs. zero-depth procedures โ can evolve over time, especially after gaining sexual experience, body autonomy, and emotional maturity.
Additionally, this time gives patients the chance to:
- Build strong mental health support systems
- Consider hormone therapy (if not already on it)
- Understand post-op care responsibilities
- Learn from real patient stories and outcomes
- Plan financially and emotionally for surgery at 18+
Rather than seeing the wait as a setback, it can be reframed as a preparatory phase โ one that strengthens self-knowledge and sets the stage for a safer, more empowered transition.
How APS Supports Trans Teens and Their Families Before 18
Even though we cannot perform SRS before 18, APS Gender Care offers a variety of resources to help underage patients and their families navigate this journey with confidence.
First, our team is available for educational consultations โ these are 100% free and focused entirely on information-sharing. We answer questions about surgery, recovery, paperwork, hormone readiness, and more. There is never pressure to book anything or move too quickly.
Second, we offer guidance on how to obtain the required documents for surgery once you do turn 18. In Thailand, two psychiatric evaluations confirming a diagnosis of gender dysphoria are mandatory. One must be from your home country, and the second will be conducted onsite at APS by our trusted Thai psychiatrist. This two-step process ensures not only compliance with Thai law, but also that each patient is emotionally and mentally ready for the next step.
Finally, we connect patients to a community of others on the same path. Knowing youโre not alone can bring immense peace of mind โ and learning from those just a few steps ahead of you can be both empowering and reassuring.
Building a Relationship with Your Future Surgeon
Another benefit of starting your journey before 18? You get to build a relationship with your future surgeon.
At APS, Dr. Ae is not only a leading expert in gender-affirming surgery, but also a deeply compassionate figure in the lives of many patients. For underage individuals who begin consulting with her early (alongside a guardian), the pre-op process becomes more personal, informed, and emotionally grounded.
You wonโt just be โanother caseโ when your 18th birthday arrives. Youโll be someone we know, someone weโve supported, and someone weโre ready to welcome into surgery with full trust, preparation, and warmth. This relationship-building is a cornerstone of the APS experience, and it makes all the difference when the day finally arrives.
A Final Word of Encouragement
If youโre under 18 and already know that SRS is part of your journey, please donโt lose hope. You are valid, your feelings are real, and your future is bright. The time you spend now โ asking questions, building support, and planning ahead โ is not wasted. In fact, itโs helping you create a foundation that will serve you for a lifetime.
To every parent or guardian reading this: thank you for seeking answers and standing by your child. Choosing to wait until 18 is not denial; itโs a powerful act of care, rooted in long-term wellbeing.
Letโs Take the First Step โ Together
Want to ask questions, meet our team, or start planning for the future? Book a free consultation with APS Gender Care today. Weโre here for you โ every step of the way.
