Community Conversation => Transitioning => Gender Correction Surgery => Topic started by: theadanielle on June 15, 2014, 07:07:56 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Choosing a surgeon...Overwhelmed
Post by: theadanielle on June 15, 2014, 07:07:56 AM
I've been trolling the forums and surgeons' websites and find myself a little bit overwhelmed.  So many differing opinions on just about everything.  Electrolysis or no?  One stage procedure or two?  Penile inversion, or something else?  There seems to be a choice between functionality and aesthetic beauty. 

A few questions for which I haven't been able to find direct answers yet, maybe someone here can help:

1.  Do any of these surgeons ever get together and compare notes / share best practices with each other? 

2.  I was very intrigued reading of Brassard's technique of creating the labia minora using the discarded urethral tissue.  I haven't been able to find out if any other surgeons use this same technique, though.  Brassard, from what I gather, doesn't take private insurance and I'll be relying on that to pay for my GRS when the time comes.  Does anyone know if any US or Thai surgeons use this method for creating the inner labia?

3.  I have been told anecdotally that private US insurance companies can be persuaded to pay for a Thai surgeon based on the cost savings.  Has anyone actually done this here?


Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Choosing a surgeon...Overwhelmed
Post by: suzifrommd on June 15, 2014, 07:51:59 AM
Quote from: theadanielle on June 15, 2014, 07:07:56 AM
2.  I was very intrigued reading of Brassard's technique of creating the labia minora using the discarded urethral tissue.  I haven't been able to find out if any other surgeons use this same technique, though.  Brassard, from what I gather, doesn't take private insurance and I'll be relying on that to pay for my GRS when the time comes.  Does anyone know if any US or Thai surgeons use this method for creating the inner labia?

My surgeon, Dr. Kathy Rumer, does this too.
Title: Re: Choosing a surgeon...Overwhelmed
Post by: Cindy on June 15, 2014, 08:01:26 AM
At the WPATH conference in Bangkok there was a closed session for surgeons, basically they all use the same technique.

I shall now await comments from those who were not there :laugh:
Title: Re: Choosing a surgeon...Overwhelmed
Post by: calicarly on June 15, 2014, 01:16:23 PM
Wow cindy,
That's interesting, considering how many girls go on about how each surgeon has a different technique, I'm glad I just read this ...
Title: Re: Choosing a surgeon...Overwhelmed
Post by: JessikaBlackMage on June 15, 2014, 02:42:27 PM
Quote from: theadanielle on June 15, 2014, 07:07:56 AM
I've been trolling the forums and surgeons' websites and find myself a little bit overwhelmed.  So many differing opinions on just about everything.  Electrolysis or no?  One stage procedure or two?  Penile inversion, or something else?  There seems to be a choice between functionality and aesthetic beauty. 

A few questions for which I haven't been able to find direct answers yet, maybe someone here can help:

1.  Do any of these surgeons ever get together and compare notes / share best practices with each other? 

2.  I was very intrigued reading of Brassard's technique of creating the labia minora using the discarded urethral tissue.  I haven't been able to find out if any other surgeons use this same technique, though.  Brassard, from what I gather, doesn't take private insurance and I'll be relying on that to pay for my GRS when the time comes.  Does anyone know if any US or Thai surgeons use this method for creating the inner labia?

3.  I have been told anecdotally that private US insurance companies can be persuaded to pay for a Thai surgeon based on the cost savings.  Has anyone actually done this here?


Thanks in advance!

yea can any one elaborate on this..? I have medicare as I am disabled and they now cover it. so how can I get them to pay..?
Title: Re: Choosing a surgeon...Overwhelmed
Post by: mrs izzy on June 15, 2014, 04:57:57 PM
Quote from: calicarly on June 15, 2014, 01:16:23 PM
Wow cindy,
That's interesting, considering how many girls go on about how each surgeon has a different technique, I'm glad I just read this ...

Every surgeon has there own little twist to things. Most of the Surgeons in the US have somehow worked with Dr. Manard.

Dr. Brassard has refined a lot over the years.

So to really answer your question just about all the well know surgeons do about the same type of procedures.

Not sure who in the states will take insurance. I would see how the insurance company will reimburse you if it was done out of network. Not sure if i would want a fly by night start up working on me and i feel that is going to happen in the states as more insurance companies start to pay.

So pick one.

Isabell