Absolutely not. At the GCC we are committed to serving patients of all gender identities. Except for bottom surgery, to be a candidate for any of our gender affirming procedures, our surgeons do not require that patients undergo hormonal therapy. We believe in taking an individualized approach with each patient to design a surgical plan to meet their unique goals.  Especially in the case of facial surgeries, HRT can only alter soft tissue such as fat redistribution–most commonly, the amount of fat in the cheeks and the softness of the jawline. That said, the effects of HRT cannot change bone structure, which is why many patients seek out facial surgery …

Since several patients of body masculinization surgery (BMS) undergo top surgery as a part of the same procedure we refer them to the top surgery timeline guide. Though specific to top surgery, steps 1-7 that cover how to get surgery–from requesting a consultation, to obtaining insurance approval and completing all other preoperative requirements–are all the same for any type of body contouring procedure.

From requesting a consultation, to obtaining insurance approval and completing all other preoperative requirements, we have you covered with our FFS timeline guide.

In plastic and reconstructive surgery, when we talk about the number of procedures required to reach a certain goal, and how much time is required between procedures, we are talking about staging. Please note that metoidioplasty by itself is a single stage. Depending on the additional associated procedure(s) a patient wants to get with a meta, there may be a need for additional surgeries to be performed at later dates. Likewise, any patient that undergoes a metoidioplasty can eventually get a phalloplasty performed in the future if they choose. Metoidioplasty Staging Stage Length of hospital stay Procedure description STAGE I No UL: Outpatient With UL/vaginectomy: 2 days Metoidioplasty +/- urethral …

Whether you chose a simple meta or a meta with PUL, you can also opt to have a scrotoplasty, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, mons resection, testicular implants, or a variety of other procedures to help you feel as aligned as surgically possible with your body. If you would like to learn more about these additional procedures, you can click here. To learn more about how these additional procedures can fit into the timeline of a metoidioplasty, we encourage you to look over the section below. Additionally, some individuals who have undergone metoidioplasty may desire to have a phalloplasty in the future. This surgical option remains available even after undergoing a simple meta …

A vaginectomy is a removal of the vaginal canal. We honor a patient’s decision to preserve their vagina or front hole when it aligns with their gender affirming goals. That said, whenever a urethral lengthening is performed, Dr. Ley requires a vaginectomy due to the very high risk of complications. Patients who opt for a simple meta can also get a vaginectomy if they choose, though it is not required. Patients who get a vaginectomy with a metoidioplasty can have both procedures conducted on the same day. That said, in order to undergo a vaginectomy, a patient must have undergone a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, beforehand. The removal …

Many patients report that the emotional recovery process after any kind of bottom surgery is more difficult than the physical recovery process. This is especially the case if complications arise. The most common complications, like wound openings, resolve with time and proper home care. Even then, it is normal for complications to result in temporary feelings of frustration, sadness and even regret. It is hard to experience delays in the healing timeline: prolonging when you can get back to work, sit comfortably without a supportive pillow for long periods of time, or engage in sexual activity. We encourage you to be patient with your body as it heals from surgical …

If you get a simple meta, you will most likely be discharged from the hospital the day of your operation. If you get a meta with PUL you can expect to stay in the hospital for two nights and use a catheter to urinate for 2-3 weeks. It is completely normal to experience swelling and bruising around your genital area; this will slowly decrease over the next few weeks. For most patients, after about 6 months, the swelling is expected to completely resolve and you should be able to clearly see your final surgical result. For some, this may take longer. Starting the day after surgery, patients are encouraged to …

One reason why many patients opt for a metoidioplasty instead of a phalloplasty is because both the recovery process is far less intense and scars are much less visible. Light scarring may result from taking the labia to extend the urethra or create a scrotum if a patient opts for those additional procedures.

Generally speaking, a metoidioplasty can allow patients to experience erections since their natal erectile tissue is preserved and released. This would not require the surgical insertion of an erectile device, as is the case with phalloplasties. If the results are healing well, a patient can begin to use a penis pump after about 3 months post-op to enlarge their size and better facilitate the possibility of penetration. That said, if a patient’s greatest priority is achieving a great amount of phallic girth and length, a phalloplasty might be their best option. More concretely, the size of the penis created by a metoidioplasty, compared to a phalloplasty, will be smaller and …