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Adult Gender Affirming Surgery

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Patient Resources

Adult Gender Affirming Genital Surgery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of vaginoplasty do you offer?

Within the Department of Urology, we offer penile inversion vaginoplasty in adults (19+ years old).

How long will I have to wait for surgery?

If you meet pre-operative criteria, you may be eligible to schedule a surgical date within the year. 

Do I need letters for surgery?

Yes. The Department of Urology follows the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines, and letters are required for pelvic surgery.

Do I need to completely stop hormones to have surgery?

No. Your estrogen dose will be lowered in the immediate preoperative and post-operative period, but it will not be completely stopped.

What is the post-op care pathway?

For vaginoplasty: Local 7 days after surgery; Follow-up 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months
For Orchiectomy: Same day discharge; Follow-up 6 weeks
For hysterectomy: Same day discharge; Follow-up 6 weeks

Do I need to dilate after full depth vaginoplasty surgery?

Yes, however frequency of dilation varies for adults based on time from surgery.

Do I need to have hair removal?

This depends on the type of vaginoplasty you are having. For full depth vaginoplasty with creation of vaginal canal in adults, hair is required. For zero depth vaginoplasty without creation of vaginal canal in adults, no hair removal required.

Who will be my provider and what type of training do they have?

To learn more about your care team, click here 

Where are patients seen?

Our clinic is located in the Center for Female Pelvic Health in Manhattan, New York. When you check in with security, instructions on how to locate the center will be provided.