GCS surgeons in UK and Europe

[Liz K]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for good GCS surgeons in the UK, where I'm living, or in Europe.  My plan is to make a short list and from there determine which ones I want to schedule a consultation.  I'll be doing this private pay.  Can anyone make a recommendation?  Thanks in advance.

[Susan]

Hi Liz, I know you're focused on the UK and Europe, but I traveled to Bangkok, Tfor gender for my confirmation surgery (GCS) at the Preecha Aesthetic Institute (PAI). A community member, Bobbie, generously covered my bottom surgery, and the clinic donated my facial feminization surgery (FFS) and several other procedures (which I didn't learn would go ahead until after I arrived), so I only paid for my airfare. Bobbie had done extensive research and could have chosen any surgeon worldwide, and she chose PAI for her own surgery. She offered me either the equivalent funds to use elsewhere or to proceed at PAI if I covered my flights. I chose PAI.

Even without those donations, my total cost in Bangkok would have been lower than comparable quotes in the US or UK, even after flights and lodging. My care was excellent from start to finish: clear pre-operative communication, an experienced surgical team, modern private hospitals, and attentive aftercare. If you're open to options beyond Europe, PAI is worth adding to your shortlist. If you contact them, ask for Jesse Niwat. Dr. Burin performed my bottom surgery, and Dr. Sutin performed my FFS.

My strongest recommendation is simple: knowing everything I know now, I would choose PAI again, even if I had to pay for everything myself.

[Tills]

Hi Liz, and Susan,

I went to PAI for both my orchidectomy and my facial surgery. Dr Sutin performed both and was excellent throughout. The 9-hour FFS was gruelling. PAI were very good indeed.

I would say that the aftercare in the hospital that PAI then used was not quite so good. The night I returned from the recovery room the duty nurse wanted to sleep rather than do her job, and wouldn't let my friend attend my side; this despite my clearly needing care. My bp was up and I was throwing up the whole time (an allergy to morphine as it happens). So this, frankly, sucked and I gently told Dr Sutin about it.

I understand that PAI have since changed hospitals. Many people travel from places like the Middle East to Thailand for surgery, and some of the hospitals (like Bunrumgrad) are world class. Others are not. If you opt for Thailand you should allow a few weeks before you board a flight back. I didn't and ended up needing emergency anti-DVT treatment. Also if you go down that route I would personally pay for a private English-speaking nurse to attend you at night, especially in the hotel for a few days after discharge. The aforementioned Bobbie has contacts.

As for the UK, I am on the waiting list for my final GCS at Parkside Wimbledon which is a Nuffield private hospital that the NHS also uses. I have chosen there primarily for geographic reasons because the friend who came out to Thailand for my FFS lives nearby. I have specifically requested Dr Tina Rashid, about whom I have read great things. She was trained up by Dr James Bellringer who is (I guess) the most experienced GCS surgeon in the UK. There are a few other threads about him and the hospital on this forum, not all of which are positive. I would happily have either surgeon but just like the idea of a woman shaping my vagina 🙂 See if you can reach out to @SoupSarah who had her GCS there privately and has nothing but praise for the experience.

I was previously interested in going under Dr Phil Thomas at Nuffield Brighton but he has sadly died (from covid I believe).

xx

[davina61]

Dr Bellringer did my grs and was fine, very little pain .

[Liz K]

Hi Liz, I know you're focused on the UK and Europe, but I traveled to Bangkok, Tfor gender for my confirmation surgery (GCS) at the Preecha Aesthetic Institute (PAI). A community member, Bobbie, generously covered my bottom surgery, and the clinic donated my facial feminization surgery (FFS) and several other procedures (which I didn't learn would go ahead until after I arrived), so I only paid for my airfare. Bobbie had done extensive research and could have chosen any surgeon worldwide, and she chose PAI for her own surgery. She offered me either the equivalent funds to use elsewhere or to proceed at PAI if I covered my flights. I chose PAI.

Even without those donations, my total cost in Bangkok would have been lower than comparable quotes in the US or UK, even after flights and lodging. My care was excellent from start to finish: clear pre-operative communication, an experienced surgical team, modern private hospitals, and attentive aftercare. If you're open to options beyond Europe, PAI is worth adding to your shortlist. If you contact them, ask for Jesse Niwat. Dr. Burin performed my bottom surgery, and Dr. Sutin performed my FFS.

My strongest recommendation is simple: knowing everything I know now, I would choose PAI again, even if I had to pay for everything myself.

Thank you Susan.

While cost is a factor, it's not my top priority.  Obviously, I need to be comfortable with the surgeon.  After care is next on my list.  I have a condition that rules out a long-haul flight for at least a month after surgery.  I don't have anyone that can stay with me that long.  That's the main reason I'm focusing on docs in the UK and Europe.  It's much easier and less risky to get home.

[Liz K]

Hi Liz, and Susan,

I went to PAI for both my orchidectomy and my facial surgery. Dr Sutin performed both and was excellent throughout. The 9-hour FFS was gruelling. PAI were very good indeed.

I would say that the aftercare in the hospital that PAI then used was not quite so good. The night I returned from the recovery room the duty nurse wanted to sleep rather than do her job, and wouldn't let my friend attend my side; this despite my clearly needing care. My bp was up and I was throwing up the whole time (an allergy to morphine as it happens). So this, frankly, sucked and I gently told Dr Sutin about it.

I understand that PAI have since changed hospitals. Many people travel from places like the Middle East to Thailand for surgery, and some of the hospitals (like Bunrumgrad) are world class. Others are not. If you opt for Thailand you should allow a few weeks before you board a flight back. I didn't and ended up needing emergency anti-DVT treatment. Also if you go down that route I would personally pay for a private English-speaking nurse to attend you at night, especially in the hotel for a few days after discharge. The aforementioned Bobbie has contacts.

As for the UK, I am on the waiting list for my final GCS at Parkside Wimbledon which is a Nuffield private hospital that the NHS also uses. I have chosen there primarily for geographic reasons because the friend who came out to Thailand for my FFS lives nearby. I have specifically requested Dr Tina Rashid, about whom I have read great things. She was trained up by Dr James Bellringer who is (I guess) the most experienced GCS surgeon in the UK. There are a few other threads about him and the hospital on this forum, not all of which are positive. I would happily have either surgeon but just like the idea of a woman shaping my vagina 🙂 See if you can reach out to @SoupSarah who had her GCS there privately and has nothing but praise for the experience.

I was previously interested in going under Dr Phil Thomas at Nuffield Brighton but he has sadly died (from covid I believe).

xx

I've also heard good things about Tina Rashid and seen some of her work.  She is on my shortlist.  I think there's a male doc in her practice that's also good.  I don't remember his name though.  I wasn't aware of Bellringer.  I'll look him up.  Thanks for the reference to @SoupSarah.