Researching potential surgeons for bottom surgery

[Robbyv213]

Firstly I figure that there is no better time than the present to start gathering as much information as I can about potential doctors to perform gender reassignment surgery.

I do not know if this is the right area to post this. If not I am sorry and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction of the forum to where these types of posts are made for people doing research for potential doctors for future surgeries.

I know for me it is most likely a year plus away ( realistically 2 or more years) but I know this is the sort of thing you don't just go into and pick any old doctor to do it.

I live in az. Ideally if I can find reputable doctors for all my surgical needs here locally that would be great. I don't mind traveling if need be to see a "renowned" surgeon.

I have found that a local doctor Toby R Meltzer out of Scottsdale AZ seems to be the most go to for local MTF and ftm individuals.

I know word of mouth and personal recommendations mean a lot here.

He seems to have high success rates, with very minimal complications. Visually pleasing finished products.

Only information I have not found or heard about is whether his patients are able to reach orgasm afterwards and if so how soon afterwards.

I know.when I spoke to janea Marie krok she has heard of a popular surgeon out of Chicago who has very high success rates and many of his patients are able to achieve orgasm post op. I know she has had her facial surgeries out of California.

If there are any good doctors that you feel I should know about to look into please leave their name so I can do research on them. And this is a general question for good doctors in all aspects of MTF surgeries. Thank you.

[Jessica_Rose]

Dr. Ley performed my surgery in Scottsdale, at the time she was working with Dr. Meltzer. One of the reasons I chose her was that Dr. Ley is also transgender, and Dr. Meltzer performed her surgery. I figured since she partnered with Dr. Meltzer after her surgery, then she must have been very pleased with the results. Assuming that Dr. Ley learned her technique from Dr. Meltzer, then I can attest that their technique creates an aesthetically pleasing vagina which is readily capable of experiencing orgasm.

From what I remember, most of their patients were able to have orgasms within six months of surgery.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Allie Jayne]

This is a very important surgery, and you have to live with the results for the rest of your life, so it warrants lots of research. Firstly, you should think about what is important in your life now, and, as best you can, into the future. There are many different techniques and options available for bottom surgery, and you should know and understand each so you can make the best choice for you. Then you should look for the best surgeon for the surgery which best suits you. It may not be the surgeon closest you, or even the cheapest, but best to give you the outcome you need.

Hugs,

Allie

[Robbyv213]

Thank you everyone for the advice and suggestions so far.

[EllenW]

This is a very important surgery, and you have to live with the results for the rest of your life, so it warrants lots of research. Firstly, you should think about what is important in your life now, and, as best you can, into the future. There are many different techniques and options available for bottom surgery, and you should know and understand each so you can make the best choice for you. Then you should look for the best surgeon for the surgery which best suits you. It may not be the surgeon closest you, or even the cheapest, but best to give you the outcome you need.

Hugs,

Allie

I agree with Allie's post. Do a lot of research and I would do a number of different consultations before deciding.


FYI, I went with Dr. Ng at UCLA. I have a number of doctor's comments on how good it looks. And I am able to have organs.

Ellen

[Robbyv213]

Yes, I'd say all surgery is very important and can impact one's life greatly. That's exactly why I want to start doing my research, talking with doctors, figuring out costs and financial means (if it's even feasible) and everything else I've prob not thought about yet. I guess I'm jumping the gun a bit. But the more I know the more I can plan and or answer questions for my spouse since I will have had time to ask the questions and find the answers for myself as well.

[Sarah B]

Hi Everyone

My history if you did not know it, was.  I had two surgery letters, I did not know at the time I had three.  There were two surgeons, one was vague for want of a better word, I do not remember his name.

Two, my surgeon was Dr Peter Haertsch.  I do not know how many appointments that I had with Dr Haertsch before surgery.  Maybe 3 at the most before surgery.  In terms of what was discussed, I cannot recall, except for the date I was going to have my surgery, I must not have HIV or Hepatitis C, which at the time was a death sentence and I think there was a physical examination, to determine if there was sufficient material there.

I did no research, I suppose there was a little bit of information and in fact maybe I would say it was a bit more than that.  I don't really know, it was a long time ago.  However I was not interested really to a certain extent.  It was just surgery that needed to be done.

There was just PIV technique and I do know now that there was also Sigmoid Vaginoplasty.  I was very naive to say the least on this issue.  For me it was just a case of I want surgery, what do I do, so that I can have it, mentality.  Nothing else.

There was the haggle on what date I wanted it, if you can call it a haggle.  I wanted it on my birthday however it was not to be.  Although the dates are extremely close.  So, where does all this lead to in this discussion or thread?

If I was to go through the whole 'procedure' again for want of a better word and given the SOC 7 are applicable.  Then the question remains today, how would I go about it now? Well nothing really. I have one or two surgeons in mind from Australia.  I would still have PIV with being able to lubricate, my main concern and no genital hair removal, why?

It's not needed.  I did not have to go through this procedure at the time.  My surgeon at the time did not require it and he must have done something during my operation that resulted in no hair inside my vagina.

How desperate would I want it? Sell everything I have to get it.  If I did not have sufficient funds then overseas would be a consideration.  So my thinking on having surgery has not changed one iota.  I have mentioned before in a post somewhere I would have had the surgery the next day, when I arrived in Sydney. 

However that was not possible, I did not have the money. I had to contend with the SOC, which for me was two years.  I did not have to contend with any relationship and as mentioned in Sarah's Story, I sacrificed everything.  I left family, friends, my way of life at the time and that included someone I liked and loved, to change my life around.

So my research is done and dusted in side of say 10 minutes, figuratively speaking.  Yes, I know, I'm looking back and applying what I knew then and some information from now.  I'm serious on this.  Why not more research?

I'm not going to prevaricate on the issues of surgery.  It goes back to the question of why in hell did I have surgery in the first place?  So that I could function as a female and having surgery finally gave me peace of mind, contentment in my life and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter

[Allie Jayne]

Sarah, we are up to SOC 8 now, with less stringent requirements pre surgery. There are a number of methods, full depth, minimal depth, zero depth, penile inversion, peritoneal pull through, colon, and tunica vaginalis, and they are offered in one stage or two stage surgeries. Each one has advantages for different people.

Then there is the reason for the surgery, would a simple penectomy suffice, labiaplasty with no vaginal opening, or with a short depth. Some people need to feel 'complete, while some people merely want to be rid of offensive parts, and others are happy to just look 'normal'. Is penetrative sex in the future, no sex, or just some fooling around. What about current or potential future relationships? Maybe the ability to wear body hugging apparel is a priority?

Do people think they can stick with regular dilations, or maybe less frequent dilations? Some surgeons scrape follicles, some require prior electrolysis (which can take more than 6 months), and some procedures simply don't require hair removal.

After all these considerations, who is going to pay? What can you afford, and would this determine your options? Can you travel, with all the associated costs? Do you have other conditions which might restrict options? Will you have someone to support you through the preoperative period, and recovery period, if needed.

And finally, as all surgeries carry risks, are you prepared to accept complications which might include temporary or permanent numbness in areas, necessary revisions, ongoing pain, urinary problems, or even a different result than you were expecting?

There is a lot to consider, take time and think about them all!

Hugs,

Allie

[Sarah B]

Hi Allie

Thank you for your reply in regards to my posting.  You mention the following:

Sarah, we are up to SOC 8 now, with less stringent requirements pre surgery. There are a number of methods, full depth, minimal depth, zero depth, penile inversion, peritoneal pull through, colon, and tunica vaginalis, and they are offered in one stage or two stage surgeries. Each one has advantages for different people.

Yes I'm aware that the current SOC is now at version 8.  I'm also aware of the various alternatives that are available.  Trying to get the current criteria out was going to be a pain in the posterior.  So  I went with the SOC 7 version instead.  (I was going to list the criteria, but I did not do so in my post).  It would not matter which version I use, it still does not change my mind in anyway whatsoever.

Having said that my post was just a reflection on what I would do in this present day and age in regards to researching surgery.  In other words,  I would do little to no research.  In other words I already know what I would do.

I would still have only PIV, with consideration to lubrication and no electrolysis down below and as I have already mentioned I have already found a couple of surgeons in Australia that do SRS.

Then there is the reason for the surgery, would a simple penectomy suffice, labiaplasty with no vaginal opening, or with a short depth. Some people need to feel 'complete, while some people merely want to be rid of offensive parts, and others are happy to just look 'normal'. Is penetrative sex in the future, no sex, or just some fooling around. What about current or potential future relationships? Maybe the ability to wear body hugging apparel is a priority?

My reason and the only reason that I ever or wanted the surgery was, So that I could function as a female.  Nothing less and nothing more.  In other words, as you mentioned above "I needed to feel complete."  For the rest, relationships and clothing were never a problem for me and they were taken care of at the appropriate time.

Do people think they can stick with regular dilations, or maybe less frequent dilations? Some surgeons scrape follicles, some require prior electrolysis (which can take more than 6 months), and some procedures simply don't require hair removal."

In regards to dilation I hardly ever dilate and just after surgery my dilation was so to speak, lacking.  One year on from surgery, well that was a completely different story.  Over the years I have not lost any depth.  Again I would have; "no electrolysis down below."

After all these considerations, who is going to pay? What can you afford, and would this determine your options? Can you travel, with all the associated costs? Do you have other conditions which might restrict options? Will you have someone to support you through the preoperative period, and recovery period, if needed.

As for cost, I have enough capital or assests to pay for surgery several times over.  So in that respect it is not a problem for me.  In regards to someone to support me, ok you got me!  I seriously can't answer that one.  I seriously did not need any support before my surgery.  I worked until a couple of days before my surgery and I had a very little support after.  I was back to work after two weeks.  If I was to go through with it again, I would choose very little support as I would want to keep what I was doing very private.

And finally, as all surgeries carry risks, are you prepared to accept complications which might include temporary or permanent numbness in areas, necessary revisions, ongoing pain, urinary problems, or even a different result than you were expecting?

Did I ever give post surgical complications or risks any thought whatsoever at the time? No not ever.  In fact I was given an epidural and I remember it to this day and just after that, I was asked if I could get on the operating table and I said; "yes".  I suppose in a sense I could not wait to get it over and done with.  Since my surgery I have never had any complications or problems and I have never obsessed with how it looks.  Am I lucky? No, extremely lucky? Yes.  So I will be forever grateful to my surgeon.

There is a lot to consider, take time and think about them all!

Hugs,

Allie

Well I'm sorry I never considered all of the stuff above and if I had to go through with it all again.  I would be doing virtually no research and doing exactly the same thing again and I would not be thinking about all the options available, that is just me.

So to summarize once again, Several surgeons lined up, PIV surgery, no electrolysis down there and consideration for lubrication.  So research done and dusted and definitely no prevarication on my part.

Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter
@Allie Jayne

[Nadine Spirit]

Okay, so here is my surgical history and info........

My first surgery was an orchiectomy that left me in great pain. I won't tell you who that surgeon was as I don't really think it was their fault. It was a long time practicing well known trans surgeon. But he was the least expensive option that I researched. I needed something that I thought was affordable as I was paying out of pocket for everything.

The second surgery I had was a vaginoplasty and I went with Thomas Satterwhite working out of the practice he has created called Align Surgical in SF CA. I chose them for a variety of reasons:
- the office staff was very responsive to me, they returned my calls and emails in a very timely manner
- the aesthetic ability of the surgeon
- the experience level of the surgeon
- the surgeon's bedside manner
- the surgeon having examined me, considered my ongoing pain issues, and told me that he felt he would be able to resolve my issues as well as give me a satisfactory result
- the surgeon's PA was very helpful to me in managing my pain after the first surgery and before the second
- the surgery would take place in SF and I needed to stay there, and I knew the area as I grew up around there
- I was able to purchase my own private insurance that I worked with Align Surgical to guarantee that Satterwhite would be considered as in-network

The third surgery I had was a revision of the vaginoplasty. I went with Satterwhite again, for the same above stated reasons. I felt that he had done well with my previous surgery but after examination by his PA, we both decided that there were several improvements that could be made.


I am now very satisfied with the results of everything and am no longer in any pain. I too was very worried about continuing to experience sexual pleasure when I first started all of this, but I never once stopped being able to orgasm. After the second surgery I for sure had to let things heal and relearn how everything new worked. I think I had my first O actually the very first time I dilated though I didn't recognize what was happening. Past that it took maybe a couple of months until I was able to reliably O.

You are very early in the thoughts of all of this, and the one thing I would recommend to do now is to begin getting genital electrolysis. Yes I know not all surgeons require it, and many cauterize or scrape the follicles, but really if you've got the time, and you do, then electro is the gold standard of hair removal and I'm super happy I got that done when I did. Even if you don't get the surgery, would you really mind having less hair down there?

Good luck!

[Northern Star Girl]

@Robbyv213
Dear Robby:
You now have gathered a wealth of informational replies from
the Forum's members regarding your mentioned research.

The main theme of the replies revolve around permanent and
life changing surgery and how it will affect the rest of
your life.  Choose carefully and consider all the information
in this thread from members that have first hand experience.

You are doing the right thing by not jumping into your decision
without considering the gathered informational replies that you
have recieved on this thread and the other similar threads and
topics all around the Forum.

I am wishing you well as you continue in your journey.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

[Robbyv213]

Thank you again for everyone sharing their experiences, thoughts, opinions, and advice. I know it is different for everyone as to who they ultimately decide to go with and their reasons for going with said specific surgeon.

I really do appreciate everyone who has spoken up here. Every little bit of information helps, and unfortunately gives me even more food for thought lol jk. But yes. Still very early on, plenty of time, and who knows what my situation will be like when the time comes to actually move forward with it as to who I ultimately decide to go with, alot can change (financially, insurance wise, and even with the V/a in a few years time.)

[Devlyn]

My surgery was performed in Boston twenty minutes from my house. I'm glad, too, because there were complications and I had to go back  for followup care.

My wife had her surgery in London about an hour from our house, and she had to return for followup care.

In the old days everyone wanted to go to Dr Suporn in Thailand, but a 20+ hour stint in an airplane when you're having major surgical problems down below is no laughing matter.

If I were to give you any advice, it would be to give proper weight to the advantage of going with a local surgeon. You have a couple of well known names right in your state.

Hugs, Devlyn

[Mariah]

Mine was with Meltzer who did a wonderful job. Dr. Ley I have met with and she is good too. Hugs

Mariah

[Mandy Spencer]

Only information I have not found or heard about is whether his patients are able to reach orgasm afterwards and if so how soon afterwards.

Bottom surgery is somthing I've been thinking a lot about. It's obviously a really personal thing. In my ignorance, I thought it was just about about removing something, then I discovered recently that with modern techniques - the vagina is formed, using the existing nerves and retaining sensitivity. It possible to be a fully functioning female capable of achieving orgasm - mindblowing! There are obviously different approaches to transitioning and I agree that there is no rush - but when I hear about this possibility - I instinctively REALLY want it...   

[Robbyv213]

@Mandy Spencer yes the more and more info and research I gather the more I feel that I don't want anything less than a fully functional vagina down stairs. Yes no rush, patience is a virtue but it would be nice sooner than later. Lol.

But I guess that all depends on financial situation as I transition and when it becomes an issue I feel I have to address.

I'm sure after I start hormones and letting my hair grow (which I have started to let my hair grow and started using Rogain foam) I feel there may be things that I'd want to address first before bottom surgery. Like depending on how fast HRT works I may opt for facial surgery to help pass more (depending on how soft my features become or not).

As much as I'd like the whole package sooner than later realistically I feel bottom surgery will most likely be one of the last things done. I think I'd have more issues with being read as a man dressed as a woman vs being read as a woman. No one needs to know what my downstairs has or doesn't have.  So I guess it will be a let's see where the first step takes me, depending on how feminine my body becomes from hrt I'm sure things like facial surgeries and top surgery will be more of a pressing matter than full blown bottom surgery. Maybe an orchiectomy since that's relatively cheap and easy compared to other surgeries. But it will all just depend on my health and what I feel is the next biggest issue causing me any kind of stress, anxiety and or diaphoretic issues.

I know as I start to look more and more like a woman I will def want to be able to wear a swim suit and other things that wouldn't really be possible or I guess would be difficult to wear for long periods of time without having some sort of bottom surgery.

[Mandy Spencer]

be more of a pressing matter than full blown bottom surgery. Maybe an orchiectomy since that's relatively cheap and easy compared to other surgeries. But it will all just depend on my health and what I feel is the next biggest issue causing me any kind of stress, anxiety and or diaphoretic issues.

I know as I start to look more and more like a woman I will def want to be able to wear a swim suit and other things that wouldn't really be possible or I guess would be diff to wear for long periods of time without having some sort of bottom surgery.

Hi Robby - yes there are a few practical steps-  I see that orchiectomy is often the step before vaginoplasty and follows HRT - although once completed can reduce the need for hormones. Like you say - the end game is to be able to move freely as a woman in all situations. Looking forward to it - eventually!