Gender Affirmation (Reassignment) Surgery

The best candidate for Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) is someone who is:

• unhappy with the gender they are and wish to become the gender they associate with
• fully aware that this is a permanent procedure
• aware of all of the steps involved
• aware of any legalities that are required in their country for changing their name, gender etc

Because this is significant, life-changing surgery, it is important that you are physically, mentally and emotionally ready. As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is imperative you speak to someone you trust, are happy in your life and are psychologically ready.

It is important to discuss with your doctors and with us any:

• Medical conditions you have
• Any medication you are taking - prescription, herbal and non-prescription

Once you arrive at your destination you will have a physical evaluation with your surgeon, where you will discuss your goals and concerns and finalise the plan for surgery. At this examination your surgeon will determine the best procedure for you and explain it to you in detail, including any limitations. It is important that you head into surgery with realistic goals. It is during this examination that your surgeon may also make recommendations for other procedures. 

In the lead-up to your surgery, it is important you do the following:

Stop smoking. Smoking can cause problems with circulation and increase the possibility of complications.

What does gender reassignment surgery include?

The process of sex reassignment surgery (SRS) is to help people transition into the gender they align themselves with. There are various procedures, some of which can be done at the same time and some that must be staggered for medical purposes. There is female to male transitioning, but we currently only offer male-to-female transitioning. The five common procedures Beautiful You Holidays offers are; Orchiectomy, Penectomy, Vaginoplasty, Facial Feminisation and Body Contouring (including breast augmentation). 

At what age can you change your gender?

In New Zealand, the minimum age for considering gender reassignment surgery is currently adults over 18 years of age. Anyone under this minimum age is not legally entitled to undergo any of the procedures above, even with the consent of an adult.

Can you reverse gender reassignment surgery?

The decision to undergo SRS isn’t one to be taken lightly. We ensure candidates understand the steps and legalities involved, and that patients understand that this is a permanent procedure. In the extremely rare case that someone who has undergone gender reassignment surgery wants to reverse the surgery, please consult a doctor. 

Surgical Procedures:

There are several procedures involved with a male to female gender reassignment, some of which can be performed at the same time. How many procedures you have done at the same time will depend on your own wishes along with the recommendations of your surgeon.

Orchiectomy (removal of the testicles)

An orchiectomy is a quick procedure and is often performed as part of a more comprehensive reassignment process. It is imperative to understand that without testicles the male hormone testosterone will not be produced. 

Penectomy (removal of the penis)

This procedure can be performed as a single procedure or as part of the gender reassignment process should you want to create female genitals. During the penectomy, the urethra will be shortened and redirected. 

Vaginoplasty (creating a vagina)

A vaginoplasty is used to create a vagina and is often done by using the skin of the penis and turning it inside out to create the walls of the vagina. The specifics depend on the size of the penis and the surgeon's techniques. During this procedure, it is also common to alter the urethra by is shortening and repositioning it so that it functions as it would in a female body.

A vaginoplasty is done to improve the function of the body part and should not be confused with labiaplasty, which is more of an aesthetic change. While performing a vaginoplasty, it is common to include a labiaplasty and clitoroplasty to create female genitals that are aesthetic, minimally scarred, and sensitive to sexual arousal.

Facial Feminisation 

The techniques used to feminise a face vary based on the client’s facial structure and features, with the following procedures used:

• Brow lift
• Face lift 
• Otoplasty (ear pinning)
• Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
• Tracheal shave (reducing the size of the Adam’s Apple)

Body Contouring

The techniques used vary from client to client, with the following procedures used:

• Liposuction
• Tummy tuck 
• Breast augmentation
• Buttock implant 

The length of surgery depends on the procedures performed, your body and your surgeon’s recommendations. It is common to stay in the hospital for 14 nights. 

Recovery and post-op care:

While your recovery will depend on the procedures performed, it is common to experience pain and discomfort following the surgery, which will be managed by painkillers prescribed by your surgeon.

Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to perform periodic dilation (stretching the vagina walls). You will be given a dilator to wear inside the vagina to ensure it does not close over or change in shape. It is common to do this for eight weeks following your vaginoplasty, with the frequency gradually reducing. The vagina should be cleaned regularly as per your surgeon’s specific instructions.

You will be able to return to light work 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and slowly being more strenuous work and exercise around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Length of stay:

Most surgeons recommend staying on holiday for at least 21 days, during which time you will have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon. To get the most out of your recovery time we suggest you partake in gentle exercise, yoga classes and treat yourself to some pampering. If you are feeling up to it, there is plenty to see and do in Phuket, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Risks and complications are minimised by using the care and services of our highly-skilled, trusted doctors and nurses. However, with every precaution taken complications can still occur. These are rare and few patients experience any issues. If you have any concerns about your procedure and the possible preconditions and risks, please discuss them with your doctor and nurses.

Potential risks include:

• Hematoma (which can be treated either through puncture or surgery, depending on the size)
• Nipple necrosis (which can be corrected with aesthetic procedures to reconstruct the nipples should this happen)

If you would like to take advantage of your time away, there are other non-surgical procedures you can add so you return home feeling refreshed. These include cosmetic fillers, laser resurfacing and chemical peels.