The aim of gender realignment is to assist transgender people in their transition from one gender to the other. Those who undergo this treatment feel that their new physical gender presentation better matches their long-held psychological gender.

These realignment treatments, which typically include a mixture of hormone replacement therapy and plastic surgery, can help a person with gender identity disorder assume a more comfortable role in society.

Those seeking gender realignment are required to consult at length with a psychologist before committing to the series of operations. Whenever possible, physicians also prefer that the candidate for realignment spend a probationary period ‘passing’ as the target gender before undertaking the procedure.

Hormone replacement therapy is an integral part of gender realignment. Hormone replacement spurs some physiological changes, such as the growth of facial hair, the development of breasts and the redistribution of body fat. While this therapy can bring about new qualities indicative of the target gender, it is less likely to erase birth-gender qualities.

While gender realignment surgery is necessary for a complete gender transition, many transsexuals opt out of surgical procedures due largely to high costs. Others seek surgery overseas where healthcare standards are high though costs are considerably lower. While surgical realignment deals in reshaping key areas of the body, its primary objective is to reassign genital functionality.

Gender realignment is a long process and those who undergo surgical treatment will require an extended period of recovery. Consultations with medical staff are important throughout, as the candidate becomes comfortable with his or her new gender.