If you strongly believe that the sex you were born with is not the same one you identify as, a gender reassignment surgery may be the best solution for you.

There are so many questions that come to mind when you think of gender reassignment. It is obvious that anatomically, a male-to-female transition will involve restructuring the genitalia, but most people do not know exactly what the entire process entails. Here is a complete guide on what to expect from gender reassignment surgery.

The Start

There is specific course laid out for those who wish to embark on the journey of gender transition. According to the standard set by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the first step is to consult with a mental health professional for psychotherapy and diagnosis. Hormone therapy can only start when the therapist issues a recommendation letter. Hormone therapy marks the beginning of living life as the female sex.

Gender Reassignment Surgery

When the male genitalia are changed to female, the anatomical parts are removed and repositioned to fit the mould of the latter sex. Here, the testicles are completely removed and the penis (including the foreskin) is inverted to create a flap preserving the nerve and blood supply. This technique creates a vagina that is highly sensitive.

From the glans of the penis, the clitoris is formed. In cases where the structuring of the labia requires more skin, the follicles of the pubic hair are excised from the scrotum region and inserted into the vagina. The remaining scrotal tissue goes into the formation of the labia majora.

Sometimes, the inner layer of the vagina is created through a skin graft. Many surgeons believe that a region of the colon is better suited for a graft, because this tissue is already mucoid.

What to Expect from Gender Reassignment

It takes time to fully process the fact that your penis is now a completely operational vagina. Some who have had a successful transition remember feeling like they still had a penis even after it was inverted and cut.

Soon after the transition surgery, there is redness and slight swelling. Some complain of intense pain, but this temporary sensation is mostly psychological. Excretion of yellow mucoid secretion is common. Since the entire vagina is reconstructed using the penis, few may notice a portion of the labia falling off and growing back; don’t be alarmed, it is natural. A part of the prostate may be retained initially and shrinks with hormonal therapy.

You will fit into the gender of choice easily now that you have the body parts that complete the look. For a year before the surgery, you are encouraged to live like a woman in the public eye. This means that you will need to change your name and gender preference at school, work, and socially. Additional treatments that improve the aesthetics of the transition include breast augmentation, a tracheal shave, face feminization, and buttocks augmentation.

Schedule a Consultation

Speak with one of the skilled medical professionals at London Bridge Plastic Surgery to learn more about gender reassignment surgery. There, you will be able to ask any questions you may have. To set up your consultation, contact our office today.