In my writings about labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, I tend to focus on the physical and emotional benefits that the procedures bring. However, there is one purpose for the procedures that pops up fairly regularly that, regardless of how sensitive or controversial, should be discussed: sexual reassignment surgery. Almost anyone who feels the biological need to change from a male to a female will need to receive a labiaplasty and / or vaginoplasty as part of this transformation.
Sexual reassignment surgery (or gender reassignment surgery) is a procedure in which a person’s genitals and physical characteristics are altered to those of the opposite gender. It’s common for a tanssexual who suffers from gender identity disorder to undergo SRS to alter their body to match gender identity.
Sexual reassignment surgery is generally not covered by medical insurance, since it’s considered an elective surgery. Total cost runs between $5,000 and up to $30,000 for a male to female reassignment (female to male is more expensive).
Those seeking SRS must meet certain requirements. These follow something known as the Standards of Care for Gender Identity Disorders, which were produced by the Harry Benjamin Int’l. Gender Dysphoria Assoc. The standards list criteria that determine when a person is transsexual and would benefit from sexual reassignment surgery. Among the requirements:
• Must be HIV negative • Must have lived at least a year in the desired gender role • Must have spent a year in hormone therapy • Must have a psychiatrist’s or therapist’s recommendation.
A person has to go through an assessment to determine if they meet these criteria to have the sexual reassignment surgery done.
Before a patient undergoes an SRS, they have to follow some strict pre-op instructions.. they include having the patient stop hormone treatment, stop smoking, and start taking aspirin two weeks prior to the surgery. The patient also should stop drinking soft drinks and begin a soft diet a few days before the surgery. They should then fast six hours prior to the surgery.
These are just the basics of what a person can expect prior to undergoing a sexual reassignment surgery, as it’s determined whether they qualify and what they must do to ensure the maximum success and benefit for the patient. In the future I’ll take you through some of the core procedures involved in SRS.
