Transgender Vaginoplasty
ART Surgical and Dr. Angela Rodriguez provide gender-affirming care for trans women in San Francisco, California and across the country. For transgender vaginoplasty, Dr. Rodriguez meets with each patient to understand their goals and needs.
What is Vaginoplasty for Transgender Individuals?
Vaginoplasty creates or reconstructs the vagina. It is often chosen by transgender individuals as part of gender affirmation surgery. It helps match physical characteristics with gender identity. Vaginoplasty is a complex procedure. It requires skilled surgeons specializing in transgender healthcare.
Preparation and Considerations for Vaginoplasty
If you’re considering gender-affirming vaginoplasty surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez to understand your options. She will discuss your goals and the surgical technique that is right for you. To reduce risks, you may be told to stop certain daily habits. This includes smoking or taking certain medications. Maintaining good hygiene and fasting before surgery are also common requirements. Dr. Rodriguez and the ART Surgical team will share pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for successful surgery.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
After vaginoplasty, taking care of yourself is important for a smooth recovery. You might initially feel discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but the medications your doctor gives you will help. Follow the instructions on how to care for the surgical site and keep things clean to prevent infections.
Plan follow-up appointments with our team to ensure everything is healing well. Emotional support and counseling can still be helpful as you get used to the physical changes and work through the mental side of recovery. Being patient and following Dr. Rodriguez’s thorough advice will help you recover well after vaginoplasty. Depending on your specific vaginoplasty procedure, you may need to begin a daily dilation regimen. Our team will provide extensive postoperative care instructions tailored to your needs.
Each patient is on their own transformation journey with Dr. Rodriguez as their guide. If you'd like to see vaginoplasty results, click below.
To learn more about vaginoplasty and how Dr. Angela Rodriguez and her team will guide you through the process, book a one-on-one consultation.
Transgender Vaginoplasty FAQs
Vaginoplasty creates or reconstructs the vagina. It is part of gender affirmation surgery. It helps match physical features with gender. It is a complex procedure. It requires skilled surgeons specializing in transgender healthcare.
Vaginoplasty involves various techniques. The most common approach is penile inversion. The penile skin is used to create the vaginal lining. The procedure may also include the removal of the testes, creation of the clitoral hood, labiaplasty, and shortening/repositioning of the urethra.
Vaginoplasty is irreversible. It involves the removal or alteration of genital tissue. It is important to discuss the procedure with a qualified doctor before making a decision. During this meeting, you should share your goals. Your doctor will also discuss the procedure in depth and what you can expect.
Vaginoplasty is irreversible. It involves the removal or alteration of genital tissue. It is important to discuss the procedure with a qualified doctor before making a decision. During this meeting, you should share your goals. Your doctor will also discuss the procedure in depth and what you can expect.
Vaginoplasty recovery varies. Most individuals can expect several weeks of healing. You will have weekly follow-up appointments for the first couple of weeks. Your surgeon will provide extensive care instructions. This might include wound care and a dilation regimen. Dilation helps preserve the depth of the vaginal canal. Our team at ART Surgical is available 24/7 during your recovery period.
Like any surgical procedure, vaginoplasty has some risks. These might include infection and scarring. Complications related to anesthesia are also possible. However, these risks can be minimized with a skilled surgeon and proper aftercare. Be sure to follow your medical team's instructions every step.
Insurance coverage for vaginoplasty varies. It depends on your policy and provider. Some insurance plans recognize the medical necessity of gender-affirming care. If they do, they may cover some or all of the costs. It is important to contact your insurance company to understand your specific coverage.
Preparing for vaginoplasty involves many steps. It is necessary to undergo a complete medical consultation. During these meetings, qualified doctors will assess your physical and mental health. They will help make sure you are prepared for the procedure. Your surgical team will provide personalized guidance to ensure a smooth preparation process.
The final results of vaginoplasty may take several months to fully develop. You will notice changes as swelling subsides and the tissues heal. It’s essential to be patient during the healing process.
To find a skilled vaginoplasty surgeon, research experienced healthcare providers who specialize in transgender care. Recommendations from trusted sources and consultations with potential surgeons are key to selecting the right surgical team. At ART Surgical, we’d love to be your guide through this process. Share your story and let us know how we can help by contacting us today.