gender reassignment surgery mtf cost

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• Gender Reassignment Surgery Cost (MTF & FTM)

Explore the rising demand for gender reassignment surgery worldwide. Learn about the various procedures and their detailed costs in this comprehensive article.

• Transgender Surgery

By Priyanka Dutta Deb

6th June '22

Gender reassignment surgery cost varies depending on the type of transition. 

• For male to female (MTF) transition, the cost ranges from $2438 to $6095 and  
• For female to male (FTM) transition, the cost falls between $4876 and $9752 .

When considering the cost of gender reassignment surgery, it's important to note that these figures encompass the surgical expenses alone. Additional costs, such as:

• pre-operative consultations
• post-operative care
• hospitalization may also be involved

For a precise cost estimate that aligns with your specific needs, it is highly recommended that you consult reliable healthcare providers or clinics.

Begin with clarity. Contact us for detailed cost insights now.

There are two broad types of gender reassignment surgery : top surgery and bottom surgery. The top surgery is performed for both people assigned female at birth (AFAB) and assigned male at birth (AMAB). 

• Male to female or non-binary (MTF/N): This procedure entails using saline or silicone implants to boost chest size and form for a more feminine or female appearance. Male-to-female top surgery is done under general anesthesia.
• Female to male or non-binary (FTM/N):  During FTM top surgery, breast tissue is removed and the chest is shaped to give the patient a flat, masculine, or male appearance. Following this, a nipple graft is planted to give a complete look .

Before we discuss each service's cost, let's take a quick look at overall transgender surgery costs in different countries.

You must be curious to know the gender change surgery cost of different surgical procedures. Let's read.

What is the Cost of Male-to-Female Top Surgery?

Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is another name for MTF and MTN top surgery. 

The MTF/N top surgery or breast augmentation surgery cost in India is around USD 1290 to USD 1940 . The surgeon's expertise and experience are two of the most critical aspects that affect the cost.

For the duration of the surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia. Your surgeon may choose different breast augmentation methods depending on your desired chest size, implant kind, and incision site. The average time for MTF and MTN top surgery is 1 to 2 hours .

The insertion cost and the implant cost are the two components of the surgery cost.

Navigating your options?  Contact us today for more information on cost!

What is the cost of female-to-male top surgery?

An FTM or FTN top surgery procedure takes from   1.5 to 4 hours . Various treatments are performed to get a more flat, masculine, or male-looking chest. Double incision, periareolar, and keyhole are the most popular procedures used by surgeons. 

The FTM top surgery cost ranges around USD 3870 .

Now that we have already discussed top surgery costs, let's take a look at how much mtf bottom surgery costs.

AFAB and AMAB people can undergo bottom surgery as part of their gender confirmation process. Bottom surgery involves transforming or reconstructing the bottom or genitalia. This involves Vaginoplasty, penile transplant , phalloplasty, and metoidioplasty.

What is the cost of male-to-female bottom surgery?

Vaginoplasty surgery is the major procedure performed in bottom surgery . There are three main options under Vaginoplasty. Penile inversion, non-penile inversion Vaginoplasty, and recto-sigmoid or colon graft.

The clitoris is moulded from the head/tip of the penis in all three surgical approaches. The Vaginoplasty cost is around USD 3870 to USD 4520.

Now, let's look at female to male bottom surgery cost.

What is the Cost of Female-to-Male Bottom Surgery?

This procedure involves the removal of the female organs in the lower region and reassigning them to male sexual parts. It includes removing the uterus, vaginal remodeling, labia reconstruction, metoidioplasty, and phalloplasty.

The whole procedure may cost somewhere around USD 5160 to USD 10,335 . 

To get a clearer picture of gender reassignment surgery cost, connect with us now .

What is the Cost of Facial Feminization Surgery?

Facial feminization surgery is a technique that involves changing your facial characteristics to make them appear more feminine. FFS is concerned with bone structure and nose shape. FFS is distinct for each person and can affect any part of the face or neck.

The facial feminization surgery cost is USD 1350 . 

What is Hormonal Replacement Cost?

Hormonal replacement therapy is for both MTF/N and FTM/N transitioning.

MTF/N: The hormones for a male-to-female transition enhance the alignment of your gender identity. It helps induce physical changes in your body produced by female hormones during puberty (gender congruence). Male secondary sex traits can be avoided if feminizing hormone therapy like progesterone is initiated before male puberty. The hormonal replacement therapy cost for MTF/N is USD 12/month.

FTM/N: You'll be administered the male hormone testosterone during masculinizing hormone therapy. It suppresses your menstrual cycles and lowers oestrogen synthesis in your ovaries.  The hormonal replacement therapy cost FTM/N is USD 7/month.

To make a more informed decision, talk to us today.

Factors affecting the cost of gender reassignment surgery:

• Hospital charges:  It depends on the type of hospital you choose. Moreover, the cost also depends on whether you are admitted to a general ward or a private room.
• Psychiatrist : If you need a psychiatrist to deal with your physical changes, your cost will impact you. A psychiatrist is recommended to understand better the complex procedures and adjustments you will need before and after your surgery.
• Clinical Experts and Surgeons : You will discuss the specifics of your gender change surgery with your doctor. It includes an assessment of your medical health status, discussing your long-term gender confirmation goals, and evaluating which procedures may be most appropriate to assist you in your journey. You can ask for specific details such as risks, benefits, and what to expect from the surgery.
• Medical Insurance:  Your medical insurance will play an essential role in the procedure, saving you a lot of money.
• Accommodation Charges:  The accommodation charges are included for international patients.
• Medication charges : These charges include all the medication you will receive before and after the procedure ends.
• Pre- and Post-treatment charges:  The pre-treatment charges include doctor consultation fees, diagnosis charges, etc. The post-treatment charges may include medicine costs, doctor's revisit charges, etc.

Your health is too important to ignore –  schedule your appointment now.

Do Insurance Companies Cover Gender Reassignment Surgery?

Yes, insurance companies that cover gender reassignment surgery! There is no legal prohibition for that. Not all employers provide insurance coverage to unmarried or live-in partners of straight employees. But, several organizations nowadays provide medical insurance to their employees' same-sex partners, including coverage for gender-reassignment surgery.

Some independent companies have made it a goal to try and incorporate this coverage into their medical insurance for employees.  

Note: This article is on the cost of gender reassignment surgery, and data about it is only for your informational purposes and is subject to change.  

1. Side effects of gender reassignment surgery

• Infections.
• Side effects of anesthesia.
• Difficulty in urinating.
• Severe complications in intestines.
• Leakage of urine through openings.
• Closure of vaginal opening.

2. Who typically undergoes gender reassignment surgery?

Gender reassignment surgery is typically undergone by individuals who experience gender dysphoria, a condition where an individual's gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth. It is usually recommended as a last resort after other treatments such as therapy, hormone therapy, and social transition have been tried.

3. What are the types of gender reassignment surgery?

The two main types of gender reassignment surgery are "top surgery," which refers to surgeries that alter the chest and breast area, and "bottom surgery," which refers to surgeries that alter the genital area. Top surgery may involve a mastectomy, breast augmentation, or breast reduction. Bottom surgery may involve genital reconstruction, orchiectomy, metoidioplasty, or phalloplasty. 4. Do the costs vary for different types of gender affirmation procedures? Yes, the cost can vary based on the specific surgeries involved, such as chest or breast augmentation, facial feminization, or genital reconstruction. References: 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

Dr. Josef Hadeed Plastic Surgery | Beverly Hills & Los Angeles (josefhadeedmd.com)

The Economic Times: Business News, Personal Finance, Financial News, India Stock Market Investing, Economy News, SENSEX, NIFTY, NSE, BSE Live, IPO News (indiatimes.com)

Market research reports, consulting: Global Market Insights Inc. (gminsights.com)

Transgender surgery – Knowledge gap among physicians impacti... : Current Urology (lww.com)

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2779429  

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Question and Answers

Can transgender women get pregnant?

Transgender women who have had hormonal treatment and/or surgery may notice a drop in sperm count and fertility as a side effect of the process. But this scenario, when became the case, is an exception. Effective relationships between transgender women who wish to have a baby and a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist are of utmost importance as they will provide them with advice and the needed support.

Answered on 5th Apr '24

Dr. Vinod Vij

After sex change body Ex vometing

Female | 20

In case you are experiencing vomiting after a sex change surgery, please consider medical attention. This could be a symptom of the complication, like an infection or medication intolerance. It is advisable to see a gender reassignment surgeon or a doctor who has dealt with transgender patients in the past. Do not delay seeking medical care.  

Answered on 21st Feb '24

In ftm hrt, would the physical effects be noticeable? I have family that are very conservative and am just wondering whether they will be able to notice.

Indeed, the physical results of FTM HRT are visible but may differ depending on an individual. It is possible also to identify some physical changes such as a deepening voice, facial and body hair growths, and redistribution of the fatty mass. It is best to consult with a gender-affirming healthcare provider who specializes in trans healthcare

Answered on 29th Jan '24

Can a transgender male have a period?

Men who are transgenders assigned female at birth still possess uterus, and consequently continue to menstruate as normal. Hormone therapy commonly used in the gender transition brings about a significant decrease or cessation of menstrual bleeding. In order to get personalized advice regarding the management of menstrual health for those going through gender transition, a specialist in transgender medicine or endocrinology needs to be consulted.

Answered on 18th Jan '24

Female to male fmga operation cheyinchukuna valaki pillalu putte is there a possibility

FMGA surgery DOES NOT allow for biological pregnancy.. 

Answered on 13th Dec '23

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How Much Does Gender-Affirming Surgery Cost?

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Gender-affirming care encompasses a broad range of psychological, behavioral and medical treatments for transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people.

The care is designed to “support and affirm an individual’s gender identity” when it is at odds with the sex they were assigned at birth, as defined by the World Health Organization.

What is gender-affirming surgery?

Gender-affirming surgery refers to the surgical and cosmetic procedures that give transgender and nonbinary people “the physical appearance and functional abilities of the gender they know themselves to be,” according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It is sometimes called gender reassignment surgery.

There are three main types of gender-affirming surgeries, per the Cleveland Clinic:

Top surgery , in which a surgeon either removes a person’s breast tissue for a more traditionally masculine appearance or shapes a person’s breast tissue for a more traditionally feminine appearance. 

Bottom surgery , or the reconstruction of the genitals to better align with a person’s gender identity.

Facial feminization or masculinization surgery , in which the bones and soft tissue of a person’s face are transformed for either a more traditionally masculine or feminine appearance.   

Some people who undergo gender-affirming surgeries also use specific hormone therapies. A trans woman or nonbinary person on feminizing hormone therapy, for example, takes estrogen that’s paired with a substance that blocks testosterone. And a trans man or nonbinary person on masculinizing hormone therapy takes testosterone.

Gender-affirming surgeries and treatments are the recommended course of treatment for gender dysphoria by the American Medical Association. Gender dysphoria is defined as “clinically significant distress or impairment related to gender incongruence, which may include desire to change primary and/or secondary sex characteristics,” according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Some LGBTQ+ advocates and medical professionals feel that gender dysphoria shouldn't be treated as a mental disorder, and worry that gender dysphoria’s inclusion in the DSM-5 — the authoritative source on recognized mental health disorders for the psychiatric industry — stigmatizes trans and nonbinary people.

How much does gender-affirming surgery cost?

Gender-affirming surgery can cost between $6,900 and $63,400 depending on the precise procedure, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics.

Out-of-pocket costs can vary dramatically, though, depending on whether you have insurance and whether your insurance company covers gender-affirming surgeries.

There are also costs associated with the surgery that may not be represented in these estimates. Additional costs may include:

Surgeons fees

Hospital fees

Consultation fees

Insurance copays

The cost of psychiatric care or therapy, as most insurance companies and surgeons require at least one referral letter prior to the surgery. An hour of therapy can cost between $65 and $250, according to Good Therapy, an online platform for therapists and counselors. 

Time off work. After bottom surgery, you can expect to miss six weeks of work while recovering. Most people miss around two weeks of work after top surgery. 

Miscellaneous goods that’ll help you recover. For example, after bottom surgery, you might need to invest in a shower stool, waterproof bed sheets, cheap underwear and sanitary towels. Top surgery patients may need, depending on the procedure, a mastectomy pillow, chest binder and baggy clothes.

Is gender-affirming surgery covered by insurance?

It’s illegal for any federally funded health insurance program to deny coverage on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation or sexual characteristics, per Section 1557, a section of the Affordable Care Act. Section 1557 doesn’t apply to private insurance companies, though, and several U.S. states have passed laws banning gender-affirming care.

The following states have banned gender-affirming surgery for people under 18 years old, according to the Human Rights Campaign: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia. In four of these states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Indiana — court injunctions are currently ensuring access to care.

And these states have either passed laws — or have governors who issued executive orders — protecting access to gender-affirming surgery, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a public policy nonprofit: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, D.C.

But even if your state has enshrined protections for gender-affirming care, some private insurance companies may consider surgeries “cosmetic” and therefore “not medically necessary,” according to the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund. If you have private insurance or are insured through your employer, contact your insurance company and see if they cover gender-affirming care. Also, ask about any documentation the insurance company requires for coverage.

The Williams Institute estimates that 14% of trans Americans currently enrolled in Medicaid live in states where such coverage is banned, while another 27% of trans Americans live in states where coverage is “uncertain,” because their state laws are “silent or unclear on coverage for gender-affirming care.”

Because of Section 1557, Medicaid is federally banned from denying coverage on the basis of sex or gender; among the roughly 1.3 million transgender Americans, around 276,000 have Medicaid coverage, according to a 2022 report from the Williams Institute.

How to pay for gender-affirming surgery

If your private insurance company won’t cover gender-affirming care, and you’re unable to obtain coverage through the federal marketplace, consider these sources:

Online personal loan.

Credit union personal loan.

Credit card.

CareCredit.

Home equity line of credit.

Family loan.

There are also several nonprofits that offer financial assistance for gender-affirmation surgeries. Those organizations include:

Point of Pride , which offers grants and scholarships to trans and nonbinary people seeking gender-affirming surgery and care.

The Jim Collins Foundation , which raises money to fund gender-affirming surgeries. 

Genderbands , which offers grants for gender-affirming surgeries and care. 

Black Transmen Inc. , which funds gender-affirming surgeries for Black trans men. 

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Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS)

What is Gender Confirmation Surgery?

• Transfeminine Tr

Transmasculine Transition

• Traveling Abroad

Choosing a Surgeon

Gender confirmation surgery (GCS), known clinically as genitoplasty, are procedures that surgically confirm a person's gender by altering the genitalia and other physical features to align with their desired physical characteristics. Gender confirmation surgeries are also called gender affirmation procedures. These are both respectful terms.

Gender dysphoria , an experience of misalignment between gender and sex, is becoming more widely diagnosed.  People diagnosed with gender dysphoria are often referred to as "transgender," though one does not necessarily need to experience gender dysphoria to be a member of the transgender community. It is important to note there is controversy around the gender dysphoria diagnosis. Many disapprove of it, noting that the diagnosis suggests that being transgender is an illness.

Ellen Lindner / Verywell

Transfeminine Transition

Transfeminine is a term inclusive of trans women and non-binary trans people assigned male at birth.

Gender confirmation procedures that a transfeminine person may undergo include:

• Penectomy is the surgical removal of external male genitalia.
• Orchiectomy is the surgical removal of the testes.
• Vaginoplasty is the surgical creation of a vagina.
• Feminizing genitoplasty creates internal female genitalia.
• Breast implants create breasts.
• Gluteoplasty increases buttock volume.
• Chondrolaryngoplasty is a procedure on the throat that can minimize the appearance of Adam's apple .

Feminizing hormones are commonly used for at least 12 months prior to breast augmentation to maximize breast growth and achieve a better surgical outcome. They are also often used for approximately 12 months prior to feminizing genital surgeries.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is often done to soften the lines of the face. FFS can include softening the brow line, rhinoplasty (nose job), smoothing the jaw and forehead, and altering the cheekbones. Each person is unique and the procedures that are done are based on the individual's need and budget,

Transmasculine is a term inclusive of trans men and non-binary trans people assigned female at birth.

Gender confirmation procedures that a transmasculine person may undergo include:

• Masculinizing genitoplasty is the surgical creation of external genitalia. This procedure uses the tissue of the labia to create a penis.
• Phalloplasty is the surgical construction of a penis using a skin graft from the forearm, thigh, or upper back.
• Metoidioplasty is the creation of a penis from the hormonally enlarged clitoris.
• Scrotoplasty is the creation of a scrotum.

Procedures that change the genitalia are performed with other procedures, which may be extensive.

The change to a masculine appearance may also include hormone therapy with testosterone, a mastectomy (surgical removal of the breasts), hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), and perhaps additional cosmetic procedures intended to masculinize the appearance.

Paying For Gender Confirmation Surgery

Medicare and some health insurance providers in the United States may cover a portion of the cost of gender confirmation surgery.

It is unlawful to discriminate or withhold healthcare based on sex or gender. However, many plans do have exclusions.

For most transgender individuals, the burden of financing the procedure(s) is the main difficulty in obtaining treatment. The cost of transitioning can often exceed $100,000 in the United States, depending upon the procedures needed.

A typical genitoplasty alone averages about $18,000. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, averaged $5,409 in 2019.  

Traveling Abroad for GCS

Some patients seek gender confirmation surgery overseas, as the procedures can be less expensive in some other countries. It is important to remember that traveling to a foreign country for surgery, also known as surgery tourism, can be very risky.

Regardless of where the surgery will be performed, it is essential that your surgeon is skilled in the procedure being performed and that your surgery will be performed in a reputable facility that offers high-quality care.

When choosing a surgeon , it is important to do your research, whether the surgery is performed in the U.S. or elsewhere. Talk to people who have already had the procedure and ask about their experience and their surgeon.

Before and after photos don't tell the whole story, and can easily be altered, so consider asking for a patient reference with whom you can speak.

It is important to remember that surgeons have specialties and to stick with your surgeon's specialty. For example, you may choose to have one surgeon perform a genitoplasty, but another to perform facial surgeries. This may result in more expenses, but it can result in a better outcome.

A Word From Verywell

Gender confirmation surgery is very complex, and the procedures that one person needs to achieve their desired result can be very different from what another person wants.

Each individual's goals for their appearance will be different. For example, one individual may feel strongly that breast implants are essential to having a desirable and feminine appearance, while a different person may not feel that breast size is a concern. A personalized approach is essential to satisfaction because personal appearance is so highly individualized.

Davy Z, Toze M. What is gender dysphoria? A critical systematic narrative review . Transgend Health . 2018;3(1):159-169. doi:10.1089/trgh.2018.0014

Morrison SD, Vyas KS, Motakef S, et al. Facial Feminization: Systematic Review of the Literature . Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(6):1759-70. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000002171

Hadj-moussa M, Agarwal S, Ohl DA, Kuzon WM. Masculinizing Genital Gender Confirmation Surgery . Sex Med Rev . 2019;7(1):141-155. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.06.004

Dowshen NL, Christensen J, Gruschow SM. Health Insurance Coverage of Recommended Gender-Affirming Health Care Services for Transgender Youth: Shopping Online for Coverage Information . Transgend Health . 2019;4(1):131-135. doi:10.1089/trgh.2018.0055

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Rhinoplasty nose surgery .

Rights Group: More U.S. Companies Covering Cost of Gender Reassignment Surgery. CNS News. http://cnsnews.com/news/article/rights-group-more-us-companies-covering-cost-gender-reassignment-surgery

The Sex Change Capital of the US. CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-3445_162-4423154.html

By Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She has experience in primary care and hospital medicine.

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MTF Gender Confirmation: Genital Construction

The specifics, the takeaway.

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As part of a transgender individual’s transition, genital reassignment surgery alters male genitalia into female genitalia.

Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C

Published: October 07, 2021

Last updated: February 18, 2022

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$ 7000 - $ 24000

What is a male to female (MTF) gender reassignment surgery?

Male to female (MTF) gender reassignment surgery is also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS), genital construction, and generally as Gender Confirmation Surgery. These procedures are used to remove and alter male genitalia into traditional female genitalia. Plastic surgeons will remove the scrotum, perform a penile inversion to create the neovagina, remove and alter penile erectile tissue to form the clitoral tissue of the clitoris, and construct labia usually from scrotal tissue. The prostate gland is left intact. These procedures create fully functional female genitalia in transgender patients.

Typically gender reassignment surgery is performed as a last step in a transgender individuals transition journey. Guidelines from The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) state candidates must have letters of recommendation from their mental health provider and physician, have been living full time as a woman for one year, and have completed one year of hormonal therapy to be eligible.

Information on facial feminization surgeries, top surgeries (like a breast construction), and other male to female gender affirming surgeries as part of a gender transition for transwomen can be found in our comprehensive guide to MTF gender affirmation solutions .

What concerns does a MTF gender reassignment surgery treat?

• Transfeminine Bottom Surgery & Genital Construction : Male to female gender reassignment surgery creates female genitalia that are aesthetically authentic and functional. A vaginoplasty, penectomy, orchiectomy (testicle removal), clitoroplasty, and labiaplasty are typically performed.

Who is the ideal candidate for a MTF gender reassignment surgery?

The ideal candidate for MTF gender reassignment surgery is a transgender women seeking to complete her physical embodiment of her gender identity. This reconstructive genital surgery creates functioning female genitalia.

MTF gender reassignment surgery is not recommended for those who have not been on hormone therapy for one year, have not been living full time as a woman for one year, do not have letters of recommendation from their mental health provider and physician, children under the age of 18, and those with certain chronic medical conditions.

What is the average recovery associated with a MTF gender reassignment surgery?

Most patients experience four to six weeks of recovery time following a MTF gender reassignment surgery. Patients can expect bruising, swelling, and tenderness following the procedure. A urinary catheter is placed for one week and vaginal packing as well which may cause a sensation of fullness. Vaginal dilation is a component of the procedure and the patient will be advised on how to complete this progressive dilation at home over the course of a few weeks.

What are the potential side effects of a MTF gender reassignment surgery?

Possible side effects following a MTF gender reassignment surgery include bleeding, swelling, bruising, site infection, altered sensation, difficulty urinating, difficulty with sexual function, prolonged edema, and complications from anesthesia or the procedure.

What can someone expect from the results of a MTF gender reassignment surgery?

The results of MTF gender reassignment surgery are permanent. This procedure creates functional female genitalia and removes all male genitalia. The prostate gland is left intact which is important for transgender individuals ongoing healthcare and preventative screenings.

What is the average cost of a MTF gender reassignment surgery?

What to expect.

A MTF Gender Reassignment Surgery creates female genitalia. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a MTF Gender Reassignment Surgery:

Before Surgery

• Prophylactic antibiotics or antivirals may be prescribed
• Stop taking blood thinning medications two weeks prior to surgery. Blood thinners may include, Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin, and prescription anticoagulants
• Stop smoking four weeks prior to the procedure and continue cessation for four weeks post op
• No alcohol two days prior to the procedure
• Do not eat or drink six hours before

During Surgery

• General anesthesia
• A penile inversion is performed to create the vaginal canal
• The scrotum is removed
• Skin grafts are used to create the labia and vulva
• Erectile tissue is removed from the new vaginal walls, and erectile tissue from the head of the penis is used to create the clitoris
• ​The urethra is shortened

Immediately After Treatment

• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness

1 - 30 After Treatment & Beyond

• Resume most activities after a few days
• Swelling typically resolves within a few weeks
• Avoid strenuous activity for two to four weeks
• Remove urinary catheter and vaginal packing after one week
• Continue progressive vaginal dilation

Result Notes

• Results are permanent
• Proper aftercare will ensure optimal results

Gender confirmation surgeries for transgender individuals are an important component of transgender health and in creating an embodied gender identity. Gender reassignment surgery allows transgender women who feel it is a part of their transition to more fully embrace their gender identity.

To learn more about our content creation practices,  visit our Editorial Process page .

Source List

AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons Gender Confirmation Surgeries plasticsurgery.org
• Karel E Y Claes Chest Surgery for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Individuals PubMed.gov ; 2018-07-02

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You Won't Believe How Much It Costs to Be Transgender in America

By Elle Bradford

I decided to come out to my family and friends as transgender at 15. At the time I didn't really know what impact that decision would have on my life, but I knew I'd been in the wrong body for as long as I could remember. I didn't quite have the words to articulate my feelings until I found a YouTube of someone transitioning. I realized there was a medical term for the feelings, and that I too could transition to the gender I identified with — I was born a boy, but now I could become a girl.

Luckily, everyone I told was extremely understanding and supportive. My parents took the time to educate themselves on the issue and did everything in their power to make my transition as easy as possible. I was incredibly fortunate to have this foundation of support, as one of the greatest setbacks that transgender teens face is being shunned by families. Many in fact, end up homeless or attempting suicide .

Another frequent setback is the cost of transition. It's a very expensive process, and unfortunately, unlike in other Western countries, healthcare doesn't automatically cover most (or any) of these costs . (Some insurances and employers do, however, and the Human Rights Campaign website has an excellent resource that can walk you through the process.) This makes the prospect of transitioning seem unachievable to a lot of people struggling with gender identity. So how much does it all cost exactly? It depends of course on the desired transition, but here are some of the most popular treatments and procedures, and what they've cost me so far. It should also be noted, however, that no one has to undergo any of the below in order to identify as transgender. This is simply my journey.

Hormone Therapy: $1,500/Year

Deciding to transition into the opposite gender is not a decision that should be taken lightly. I underwent two years of therapy despite knowing in my heart that I was making the right choice. This process was one of the most rewarding stages of my transition. It felt liberating to have a healthcare professional validate my decision and help me understand my feelings on a deeper level. Unfortunately, professional therapy costs thousands of dollars a year, and most trans youth simply can’t afford it. Once my therapist and I decided that transitioning was the right decision for me, I began hormone replacement therapy, also known by its nickname: HRT. It's one of the most powerful tools a person transitioning can have at their disposal. I was initially put on anti-androgens to halt my body’s production of testosterone. This stopped my male puberty right in its tracks, and prevented the development of things like facial hair, excessive muscle, and a deeper voice. Three months later I was placed on estrogen, which was super exciting for me. Soon thereafter my body began to change—my skin became softer, my fat began redistributing itself to my breasts and hips, and my voice started changing. You can’t even begin to imagine how rewarding this process can be for a transgender teenager. Sadly, this incredibly crucial transformation also comes at a price. I had to visit my MD once a month to have my hormone levels checked, and to renew the prescription for my medication. It also costs a whopping $1,500 every year (at least). Once some people complete their gender reassignment surgery, they stop taking this medication, but I'm still on it. I started when I was 16 and am now 25, so that's about $13,500 so far, and I plan to be on HRT for the rest of my life.

Gender Reassignment Surgery: $30,000-Plus

Nearly two years after beginning my therapy and hormone replacement therapy, I was ready for my gender reassignment surgery at 18. In order to have this surgery, most doctors will require proof of at least two years of therapy, as this is not a reversible procedure. They also need to be certain that you're fully aware of the decision that you're making and all of its consequences. For me, it was one of the happiest moments in my life. There are really no words to describe the excitement and anticipation I felt leading up to surgery. I will say, however, that I cannot stress enough enough how important it is to do your research before choosing a GRS surgeon. Only a handful of doctors in the world are truly experts in this field, and choosing the wrong one can lead to catastrophic results. This step in the transition is very expensive, and the average cost is upwards of $30,000. In addition to the actual procedure, you also have to pay for travel costs and hotel accommodations if a good physician does not live in your neighborhood. But in my opinion, this is a small price to pay for a lifetime of completion. I feel incredibly blessed that I had the opportunity at such a young age, and the opportunity to live my life in a way that feels true to me, in part, because of this surgery.

Facial Feminization Surgery: $25,000-$60,000

A year after having gender reassignment surgery, I went back under the knife for facial feminization surgery — a set of reconstructive procedures that alter typically male facial features to bring them closer in shape and size to typical female facial features. In my personal experience, this is the most life changing surgery of them all. As a young transgender woman, nothing was more important to me than being able to "blend" into society seamlessly. It's not only crucial for vanity reasons (what girl wants to look like a boy?), but also for safety reasons. Being trans often subjects you to discrimination, bullying, and physical aggression .

It's so important to members of the trans community that our outward appearance and inner self are in complete harmony. Speaking from personal experience, although not often, I did occasionally come across some level of bullying prior to having FFS. It's simply a lot easier to be singled out and targeted when the aggressor can identify you as being trans. But again, there's a price to pay for the procedure. Board certified surgeons that are qualified to do these procedures will charge anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000 depending on the amount of work you get. Mine cost about $30,000 , as I only opted for the procedures that I thought would benefit me the most at the time, which were forehead and jawline contouring.

Breast Augmentation: $5,000-$10,000

Having a breast augmentation as a transgender woman is an entirely personal choice. I know many who have chosen not to, and instead let their hormones do all the work when it comes to breast development. I chose to have surgery because I wanted a fuller bosom, and my hormones didn't help completely on that front. This surgery will cost between $5,000 and $10,000, and it all depends on the surgeon you choose, where that person is located, and what type of implant you want. Breast augmentation was by far the most painful of all the surgeries. In fact, after all the other procedures, I usually only felt some level of discomfort. When I woke up from this one, it was like an elephant was sitting on my chest.

By P. Claire Dodson

By Hannah Coates

By Teen Vogue Editors

Looking back at those two years of my life, from about 16 to 19, in which most of my transition took place, I often tell friends that I didn’t feel any less "female" prior to having the surgeries. And I think this is very important. Transitioning simply brought all the puzzle pieces together. I never had a waking moment where I thought in order to feel or be female, I needed to undergo multiple surgeries. My brain, heart, and soul felt 100% female prior to transition. Oftentimes, after surgery, my relatives would ask if I felt any different. My answer was always the same: no. I've always been the same old Elle.

I chose to undergo these surgeries to better my life experience, not to "become" female because I already was. Nowadays, I really only think about the process of transition when I am filming a Youtube video related to it. My journey into the person I am today would not have been possible if that 15-year-old me hadn't stumbled upon someone else going through the same thing. I hope I can help others in the same way.

For more information on transgender individuals and some of the issues and hardships they frequently face, check out the LGBT organization, the Human Rights Campaign .

Related: Trans Teen Wins Right to Use Bathroom of His Choice

Check out Teen Vogue ’s December/January issue cover star, Fernanda Ly.

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Does Insurance Cover Gender-Affirming Care?

How much does gender-affirming surgery cost, how much does gender-affirming medication cost, other ways to pay for gender-affirming care and surgery, tips for financing gender-affirming care and surgery, bottom line.

• Health Insurance

In many cases, health insurance in the U.S. covers gender-affirming care. However, whether or not your insurance plan covers a specific gender-affirming treatment depends on your state, employer, and the plan’s benefits.

Key Takeaways

• Health insurance generally covers gender-affirming care.
• Not all plans cover all procedures, or the process can be murky and require preauthorization and appeals.
• Gender-affirming care can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Major insurance companies recognize transgender-related care as being medically necessary and have put policies in place outlining coverage criteria. However, at least 20 states have passed legislation limiting coverage of gender-affirming care for people up to age 18. And some transgender people may still be denied coverage of hormone treatments or transition-related surgery by an insurer.

An estimated 1.6 million Americans at least 13 years old identify as transgender, according to a June 2022 estimate.

Health insurers generally cover an array of medically necessary services that affirm gender or treat gender dysphoria, according to the American Medical Association. Gender dysphoria is a condition that occurs when someone feels a conflict between the sex they were assigned at birth and the gender they now identify with.

Gender-affirming care is the phrase used by most medical groups for dysphoria treatment. This care includes hormones, surgery, or counseling. The care aligns a person’s gender identity with gender expression in appearance, anatomy, and voice.

In 2010, the federal Affordable Care Act banned health insurance discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Before the law’s passage, medically necessary gender-affirming surgeries and hormones often weren’t covered by insurers.

A 2022 rule from the Biden Administration noted that “categorical coverage exclusions or limitations for all health services related to gender transition are discriminatory” and that a covered entity can’t deny or limit coverage or claims, or charge more in cost-sharing related to gender transition.

However, insurance is regulated at the federal and state level based on whether it is an ACA, public, or employer plan, so the rule doesn’t apply evenly to all insurers. Coverage and requirements vary based on state, employer, plan type, and more.

Investopedia / Candra Huff

Determining What Your Plan Covers

Plan members can generally find out what’s available in their member booklet. This should have been given to you when you got the policy or, if it’s an employee plan, when you joined the company. It may be called a certificate of coverage, a benefit plan, a summary plan description, a certificate of insurance, or something similar.

This document should describe the insurer’s clinical evidence criteria to qualify for gender dysphoria treatment claim coverage. Requirements might include:  

• One or two letters from a therapist containing specific information
• Being on hormones for a year
• Being at least 18 years old to have surgery.

Some plans may still list exclusions for certain procedures. Even if an exclusion exists in the documentation, the next step is to apply for pre-authorization or pre-approval. This earns a plan’s approval in advance for claims and may even be successful if an exclusion is evident—as it allows an appeal.

"Many [patients] call their insurance carrier and are told services will not be covered, and on that basis never attempt to file a claim,” says an article on the San Francisco-based UCSF Gender Affirming Health Program’s website. “Transgender individuals and their health providers should be aware that unless a denial is in writing, it is not a denial and cannot be appealed.

Typically, documentation submitted to the health plan shows why the treatment is medically necessary or explains the legal problems with an exclusion. Not getting preauthorization can lead to a claim denial, even if a procedure is covered. For example, many plans routinely require preauthorization for all surgeries of any kind for anyone.

If denied a preauthorization request or a claim, an attorney, health care advocate, or your human resources department may be able to help with filing an appeal. Appeals should include individualized, extensive documentation of a service’s medical necessity and appropriateness, and a comprehensive overview of the transition process of gender transition.

Here, we list four types of health insurance and how they might cover gender-affirming care.

Employer-Provided Insurance

Altogether, 24 states and the District of Columbia prohibit transgender exclusions in private health insurance coverage, according to the nonprofit LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Movement Advance Project, leaving 26 states without such protections.

However, health coverage benefits that a private employer provides can vary based on whether the employer fully funds the plan. If funded by the employer, the plan is governed by the federal law ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act , which overrides any state nondiscrimination law. The employer decides what health care is or is not covered.

Employer-based plans are governed in the state where the plan was issued, not where you live.

Up to 91% of businesses on the 2022 Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index-rated businesses offer at least one transgender-inclusive plan option, up from 0 in 2002.

Affordable Care Act Plan Coverage

Individuals can buy their own health insurance policies, often with the help of federal subsidies, through the Healthcare.gov marketplace. Most insurers are getting rid of transgender-specific exclusions, which ACA regulation explicitly banned.

Still, policies vary by state and in what they cover. Health insurance policies may feature exclusions for items such as “services related to sex change” or “sex reassignment surgery” to deny coverage.

Around 6% of Silver Marketplace plans specifically exclude coverage for exclusions for treatment of gender dysphoria, according to a survey by Out2Enroll, an organization connecting the LGBT+ community with health care coverage.

Check a policy’s terms of coverage for a full explanation of which procedures and services are covered or excluded. You can also use a state-based Trans Insurance Guide from Out2Enroll to find a plan with the coverage you want.

Medicare and Medicaid Coverage

Nearly 10,000 transgender Americans 65 and older are enrolled in Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Under these plans, medically necessary care—including some gender-affirming procedures—is covered. Coverage by Medicare Advantage plans may vary, so try to get preauthorization before accessing transition-related services, suggests the National Center for Transgender Equality.

On a state-by-state basis, Medicaid coverage is uneven for lower-income people seeking gender-affirming care. Medicaid programs cover transgender-related care in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Meanwhile, programs in nine states bar coverage of transgender-related care for people of all ages, and programs in two states prohibit coverage of transgender-related care for minors.

Military and Veteran Coverage  

Active military members can access gender-affirming hormonal treatment and therapy for gender dysphoria. Tricare, the health benefits provider for military members, does not usually cover gender-affirming surgeries. However, a waiver may be requested and granted in some cases for medically necessary gender-affirming surgery.  

The Veterans Health Administration offers gender-affirming health care, including hormones and prosthetics, mental health care, and other health care. Coverage for gender-affirming surgery has traditionally been denied but is currently undergoing a review.

For just one person, the cost of gender-affirming care might range from $25,000 to $75,000, according to estimates from the HRC Foundation.

Gender-affirming surgeries may include top surgery (breast removal or augmentation), bottom surgery, vocal surgery, and face and body surgeries such as browlifts, jawline contouring, Adam’s apple removal, and forehead reduction.

Bottom surgery may include:

• Phalloplasty : Creation of penis 
• Metoidioplasty : Phallus created from existing genital region tissue. 
• Hysterectomy : Uterus and cervix removal  
• Nullification surgery : Creating a gender-neutral look in the groin
• Oophorectomy : Removal of one or both ovaries
• Vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty : Creation of vagina and vulva 
• Orchiectomy : Testicle removal 

Research published in 2022 by The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics detailed the costs of gender-affirming surgery from 1993 to 2019. The chart below shows the average costs of five of the most common gender-affirming procedures within a commercially insured population over the span of those years.

However, not all transgender people desire surgery. According to 2019 statistics, only 28% of transgender women get any type of surgery, and only 5%–13% receive genital surgery. Surgery is more common among transgender men, with 42%–54% getting some type of surgery; up to 50% get genital surgery.  

Gender-affirming medication is far more common. Up to 65% of transgender people received gender-affirming hormone therapy in 2019, up from 17% in 2011, according to The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. The study notes the costs of gender-affirming medication from 1993 to 2019.  

Another 2022 study from Vanderbilt University found that masculinizing hormones run $29.76 to $463.54 per fill while feminizing hormones cost $12.95 to $180.98. Much of the cost depends on the delivery method, such as injection or gel. The authors note that “the most cost-effective hormone therapies were oral estrogen and injectable testosterone esters.”

One 2020 survey found that among insured respondents taking gender-affirming hormones, almost 21% reported that their claims were denied. This group (and those uninsured) were more likely to take non-prescription hormones from unlicensed sources, which may not be monitored for quality and potentially lead to health risks.

Other costs are involved as well. For example, at Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, gender-affirming hormone treatment costs between $95 to $105. Lab monitoring may need to be run to ensure health while taking hormones, which can average $26 to $142 per visit.

Aside from health insurance, how can you pay for gender-affirming care or surgery? Here are 10 options.

Payment Plans 

Some healthcare providers offer payment plans directly or through lenders that let you pay off medical bills over time.

You might take out a personal loan or even a type of personal loan called a medical loan to cover expenses related to gender-affirming care or surgery. A medical loan is just a personal loan used to pay for medical expenses.

Credit Cards 

Credit cards may be another avenue for covering the costs of gender-affirming care or surgery, although these tend to have higher interest rates. You may see promotional materials for the CareCredit credit card in your provider’s office, but other credit cards can pay for the same healthcare costs, often with a better interest rate and without the dangerous deferred interest feature that CareCredit cards have. You’re better off with a regular credit card that has a promotional 0% purchase rate offer.

Even with health insurance, hormone therapy may be less expensive if you comparison shop and use pharmacy programs, such as GoodRx.

Surgery Grants

Several organizations offer grants for people seeking gender-affirming care or surgery, such as the Darcy Jeda Crobitt Foundation and the Jim Collins Foundation.

Health Accounts 

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) , consider allocating some account money for gendering-affirming care or surgery.

Health Reimbursement Agreement 

A health reimbursement agreement (HRA) is an employer-funded group health plan that reimburses employees for qualified medical expenses, which might include gender-affirming care or surgery.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) 

You could take out a home equity line of credit to cover the costs of gender-affirming care or surgery. With this type of loan, you typically can borrow up to a specific percentage of your home equity. Interest rates on HELOCs are generally lower than those on a personal loan, because your home serves as collateral. Just realize that if you can’t repay the loan, your could lose your home. 

Friends-and-Family Loans 

If you’ve got supportive friends or relatives, they might be willing to chip in money to pay for your gender-affirming care or surgery. Just make sure you have a written agreement and repayment plan.

Crowdfunding

You might consider setting up a crowdfunding campaign on a platform like GoFundMe to raise money from friends, relatives, colleagues or strangers.

When you’re financing gender-affirming care or surgery, follow these tips:

Shop Around 

A number of online tools such as Hospital Cost Compare and Healthcare Bluebook allow you to compare costs for the same procedures and treatments offered by different healthcare providers. This homework could save you a lot of money.

Explore Your Options 

Even if health insurance covers a procedure or treatment, you must cover some out-of-pocket costs. Therefore, consider looking into surgery grants, crowdfunding, friends-and-family loans or other methods to bridge the monetary gap.

Check the Interest Rate 

Be sure to investigate how much you’ll pay to borrow money if you go down that road. With the CareCredit card, for example, the APR may be higher than a regular credit card or a personal loan. 

Try Negotiating or a Payment Plan

You can negotiate with a healthcare provider to lower the costs of gender-affirming care or surgery. For instance, a healthcare provider might discount your services if you agree to pay off your medical bills quickly. If a healthcare provider isn’t willing to provide a discount, they might let you make interest-free payments as part of a payment plan.

Ask About Financial Assistance

Some nonprofit healthcare providers offer financial assistance programs that cover all or some of your medical expenses.

What Are the Different Types of Gender-Affirming Care?

Various types of gender-affirming care include puberty-blocking medication, hormone therapy, top surgery, bottom surgery, nullification surgery, laser hair removal, facial feminization surgery, speech therapy, and mental health services.

How Much Does Gender-affirming Care Cost in the U.S?

The cost of gendering-affirming care varies widely, depending on the type of procedure or treatment involved. For one person, gender-affirming care might cost anywhere from $25,000 to $75,000, according to estimates from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Health insurance may or may not cover these costs to varying degrees.

Does Insurance Cover Puberty Blockers?

According to one study, insurance companies cover puberty blockers 72% of the time. The estimated out-of-pocket cost for a 3-month supply ranges between $9,500 and $39,000.

The campaign for transgender rights in the U.S. has experienced victories and setbacks in recent years—in some cases affecting coverage of gender-affirming care. Even amid progress made, some people still encounter problems securing health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care or covering out-of-pocket costs. Getting coverage for care may require preauthorization, documentation of medical necessity, and an appeal. This may prompt use of alternative financing methods like crowdfunding, credit cards, loans, or grants.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “ HHS Announces Prohibition on Sex Discrimination Includes Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity .”

The Williams Institute at UCLA. " How Many Adults and Youth Identify as Transgender in the United States? "

American Medical Association. “ Transgender Coverage Issue Brief .”

First Report Managed Care. “ Transgender Patients: Calculating the Actual Cost .”

UCSF. " Health Insurance Coverage Issues for Transgender People in the United States .”

Transgender Health Insurance. " Health Insurance - Understanding Your Plan ."

HRC. " Corporate Equality Index 2022. "

Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine. “ Sweden’s Karolinska Ends All Use of Puberty Blockers and Cross-Sex Hormones for Minors Outside of Clinical Studies .”

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “ BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Medical Policy Manual .” 

Movement Advancement Project. " Medicaid Coverage of Transgender-Related Health Care ."

HealthCare.gov. “ Transgender Health Care .”  

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program. "

Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law. “ Medicaid Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care ,” Page 1.

National Center for Biotechnology Information. “ Health Insurance Coverage of Recommended Gender-Affirming Health Care Services for Transgender Youth: Shopping Online for Coverage Information .”

British Columbia Nurses’ Union. “ Position Statement: Gender-Affirming Care .”

Journal of General Internal Medicine. " Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Spending and Use in the USA, 2013–2019. "

Annals of Family Medicine. "Insurance Coverage and Use of Hormones Among Transgender Respondents to a National Survey ."

Aetna. “ Gender Affirming Surgery .”

Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care. " Gender Affirming Medical Care of Transgender Youth ."

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Vaginoplasty (MTF)

Vaginoplasty  , gender confirmation surgery.

Medically reviewed by Tuan A. Tran, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. | Written by Nhuhao Do on May 27 th , 2021  

  Overview   

Transgender and intersex people follow different paths to express their gender identity. Some may choose to pursue gender confirmation surgery (GCS), also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or bottom surgery to better identify with their gender expression. This article will focus on bottom surgery for assigned male at birth (AMAB). Male-to-female, or male to non-binary people may elect to undergo vaginoplasty to obtain female genital. They may also decide to pursue other procedures as part of gender confirmation surgery including,  chest reconstruction  and  facial feminization surgery .    

Before the surgery  

A good candidate for vaginoplasty is a healthy adult with realistic expectations of what the procedure can help them achieve along with the understanding of potential risks. Before proceeding with your surgery, your surgeon will go over an informed consent with you; you will be asked to provide a psychiatric evaluation; and other medical screening including, blood tests and electrocardiogram (EKG).    

Leading up to your surgery, you will be required to stop hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for two weeks before surgery, and refrain for another two weeks after surgery. Most people will also need to go through hair removal via electrolysis. In vaginoplasty, hair will be removed on the skin that will eventually comprise the lining of the neovagina. Be sure to discuss in detail with Dr. Tran about the any medications that you take regularly and any recreational drugs you may use. He will advise whether or not you will need to stop taking any of those medications before your surgery.   

Procedure in Detail  

There are three main methods of vaginoplasty performed today:  

Penile inversion  

• Rectosigmoid or colon graft  
• Non-penile inversion vaginoplasty  

In all three surgical methods, the clitoris is sculpted from the head of the penis. Dr. Tran will discuss with you to determine the best technique for body to achieve your desired results.     

Penile inversion involves using the penile skin to form the neovagina. The labia major and minora are primarily made from scrotal tissue. This results in a sensate vagina and labia.  

One main drawback is the lack of self-lubrication by the vaginal wall. Common variations include using the remaining scrotal tissue as a graft for additional vaginal depth, and using the intact mucosal urethra recovered from the penis to line part of the vagina, creating some self-lubrication.  

Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty  

Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty involves the use of intestinal tissue to form the vaginal wall. This technique is sometimes used in conjunction with penile inversion. Intestinal tissue helps when penile and scrotal tissue is scarce.  

This method is an option for transgender women who began hormone therapy at puberty and were never exposed to testosterone.    

Intestinal tissue offers the benefit of being mucosal, and therefore self-lubricating. This technique is also used to reconstruct vaginas for cisgender women who developed atypically short vaginal canals.  

Non-penile inversion  

Non-penile inversion is also known as the Suporn technique or the Chonburi Flap. This method uses perforated scrotal tissue graft for the vaginal lining, and intact scrotal tissue for the labia majora similar to the penile inversion technique. The penile tissue is used for the labia minora and clitoral hood. This technique reported greater vaginal depth, more sensate inner labia, and improved cosmetic appearance.  

After your surgery, you will stay hospitalized for 3-6 days. During that time, you will have a catheter until you can purge the bulk of your urine through your urethra on your own. You will follow-up with Dr. Tran 7 days after your surgery for a post-operative appointment.     

Risks and side effects  

Pain and swelling are expected after your surgery. Some may experience minor  urinary incontinence , similar to that after giving birth and should subsides overtime. Although rare, there are other side effects after vaginoplasty to be considered:   

• Loss of sensation in part or all of the neoclitoris due to nerve damage  
• Rectovaginal fistula  
• Vaginal prolapse   

Cost and Consultation  

Many major medical insurances in California, including CalOptima, cover for vaginoplasty as part of gender confirmation surgery. If you have more questions or would like to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Tran, please contact us via our  website ,  Tran Plastic mobile app   or call us today at 714-839-8000.     

References   

Bizic M., Kojovic, V., Duisin, D., Stanojecvic, D., Vujovic, S., Milosevic, A., Korac, G., & Djordjevic, M. (2014, May 26).  An overview of neovaginal reconstruction options in male to female transsexuals . Hindawi The Scientific World Journal. DOI:   dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/638919  

Cavanaugh, T., Hopwood, R., & Lambert, C. (2016, November 18).  Informed consent in the medical care of transgender and gender-nonconforming patients . AMA Journal of Ethics | Illuminating the Art of Medicine. Retreived from   journalofethics.ama-assn.org/2016/11/sect1-1611.html  

Mayo Clinic Staff.  Anatomy before and after penile inversion. Mayo Clinic . Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/feminizing-surgery/multimedia/img-20358606  

Watanyusakul, S. (2002, July 27).  A new method for sensated clitoris and labia minora reconstruction in male-to-female sex reassignment surgery . Aikchol Hospital, Chonburi. Retrieved from  https://supornclinic.com/paper/  

Weyers, S., Verstraelen, H., Gerris, J., Monstrey, S., Santiago, G., Saerens, B., Backer, E., Claeys, G., Vaneechoutte, M., & Verhelst, R. (2009, May 20).  Microflora of the penile skin-lined neovagina in

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• Patient Care & Health Information
• Tests & Procedures
• Feminizing surgery

Feminizing surgery, also called gender-affirming surgery or gender-confirmation surgery, involves procedures that help better align the body with a person's gender identity. Feminizing surgery includes several options, such as top surgery to increase the size of the breasts. That procedure also is called breast augmentation. Bottom surgery can involve removal of the testicles, or removal of the testicles and penis and the creation of a vagina, labia and clitoris. Facial procedures or body-contouring procedures can be used as well.

Not everybody chooses to have feminizing surgery. These surgeries can be expensive, carry risks and complications, and involve follow-up medical care and procedures. Certain surgeries change fertility and sexual sensations. They also may change how you feel about your body.

Your health care team can talk with you about your options and help you weigh the risks and benefits.

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Why it's done

Many people seek feminizing surgery as a step in the process of treating discomfort or distress because their gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. The medical term for this is gender dysphoria.

For some people, having feminizing surgery feels like a natural step. It's important to their sense of self. Others choose not to have surgery. All people relate to their bodies differently and should make individual choices that best suit their needs.

Feminizing surgery may include:

• Removal of the testicles alone. This is called orchiectomy.
• Removal of the penis, called penectomy.
• Removal of the testicles.
• Creation of a vagina, called vaginoplasty.
• Creation of a clitoris, called clitoroplasty.
• Creation of labia, called labioplasty.
• Breast surgery. Surgery to increase breast size is called top surgery or breast augmentation. It can be done through implants, the placement of tissue expanders under breast tissue, or the transplantation of fat from other parts of the body into the breast.
• Plastic surgery on the face. This is called facial feminization surgery. It involves plastic surgery techniques in which the jaw, chin, cheeks, forehead, nose, and areas surrounding the eyes, ears or lips are changed to create a more feminine appearance.
• Tummy tuck, called abdominoplasty.
• Buttock lift, called gluteal augmentation.
• Liposuction, a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body.
• Voice feminizing therapy and surgery. These are techniques used to raise voice pitch.
• Tracheal shave. This surgery reduces the thyroid cartilage, also called the Adam's apple.
• Scalp hair transplant. This procedure removes hair follicles from the back and side of the head and transplants them to balding areas.
• Hair removal. A laser can be used to remove unwanted hair. Another option is electrolysis, a procedure that involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle. The needle emits a pulse of electric current that damages and eventually destroys the follicle.

Your health care provider might advise against these surgeries if you have:

• Significant medical conditions that haven't been addressed.
• Behavioral health conditions that haven't been addressed.
• Any condition that limits your ability to give your informed consent.

Like any other type of major surgery, many types of feminizing surgery pose a risk of bleeding, infection and a reaction to anesthesia. Other complications might include:

• Delayed wound healing
• Fluid buildup beneath the skin, called seroma
• Bruising, also called hematoma
• Changes in skin sensation such as pain that doesn't go away, tingling, reduced sensation or numbness
• Damaged or dead body tissue — a condition known as tissue necrosis — such as in the vagina or labia
• A blood clot in a deep vein, called deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in the lung, called pulmonary embolism
• Development of an irregular connection between two body parts, called a fistula, such as between the bladder or bowel into the vagina
• Urinary problems, such as incontinence
• Pelvic floor problems
• Permanent scarring
• Loss of sexual pleasure or function
• Worsening of a behavioral health problem

Certain types of feminizing surgery may limit or end fertility. If you want to have biological children and you're having surgery that involves your reproductive organs, talk to your health care provider before surgery. You may be able to freeze sperm with a technique called sperm cryopreservation.

How you prepare

Before surgery, you meet with your surgeon. Work with a surgeon who is board certified and experienced in the procedures you want. Your surgeon talks with you about your options and the potential results. The surgeon also may provide information on details such as the type of anesthesia that will be used during surgery and the kind of follow-up care that you may need.

Follow your health care team's directions on preparing for your procedures. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking. You may need to make changes in the medicine you take and stop using nicotine, including vaping, smoking and chewing tobacco.

Because feminizing surgery might cause physical changes that cannot be reversed, you must give informed consent after thoroughly discussing:

• Risks and benefits
• Alternatives to surgery
• Expectations and goals
• Social and legal implications
• Potential complications
• Impact on sexual function and fertility

Evaluation for surgery

Before surgery, a health care provider evaluates your health to address any medical conditions that might prevent you from having surgery or that could affect the procedure. This evaluation may be done by a provider with expertise in transgender medicine. The evaluation might include:

• A review of your personal and family medical history
• A physical exam
• A review of your vaccinations
• Screening tests for some conditions and diseases
• Identification and management, if needed, of tobacco use, drug use, alcohol use disorder, HIV or other sexually transmitted infections
• Discussion about birth control, fertility and sexual function

You also may have a behavioral health evaluation by a health care provider with expertise in transgender health. That evaluation might assess:

• Gender identity
• Gender dysphoria
• Mental health concerns
• Sexual health concerns
• The impact of gender identity at work, at school, at home and in social settings
• The role of social transitioning and hormone therapy before surgery
• Risky behaviors, such as substance use or use of unapproved hormone therapy or supplements
• Support from family, friends and caregivers
• Your goals and expectations of treatment
• Care planning and follow-up after surgery

Other considerations

Health insurance coverage for feminizing surgery varies widely. Before you have surgery, check with your insurance provider to see what will be covered.

Before surgery, you might consider talking to others who have had feminizing surgery. If you don't know someone, ask your health care provider about support groups in your area or online resources you can trust. People who have gone through the process may be able to help you set your expectations and offer a point of comparison for your own goals of the surgery.

What you can expect

Facial feminization surgery.

Facial feminization surgery may involve a range of procedures to change facial features, including:

• Moving the hairline to create a smaller forehead
• Enlarging the lips and cheekbones with implants
• Reshaping the jaw and chin
• Undergoing skin-tightening surgery after bone reduction

These surgeries are typically done on an outpatient basis, requiring no hospital stay. Recovery time for most of them is several weeks. Recovering from jaw procedures takes longer.

Tracheal shave

A tracheal shave minimizes the thyroid cartilage, also called the Adam's apple. During this procedure, a small cut is made under the chin, in the shadow of the neck or in a skin fold to conceal the scar. The surgeon then reduces and reshapes the cartilage. This is typically an outpatient procedure, requiring no hospital stay.

Top surgery

• Breast augmentation incisions

As part of top surgery, the surgeon makes cuts around the areola, near the armpit or in the crease under the breast.

• Placement of breast implants or tissue expanders

During top surgery, the surgeon places the implants under the breast tissue. If feminizing hormones haven't made the breasts large enough, an initial surgery might be needed to have devices called tissue expanders placed in front of the chest muscles.

Hormone therapy with estrogen stimulates breast growth, but many people aren't satisfied with that growth alone. Top surgery is a surgical procedure to increase breast size that may involve implants, fat grafting or both.

During this surgery, a surgeon makes cuts around the areola, near the armpit or in the crease under the breast. Next, silicone or saline implants are placed under the breast tissue. Another option is to transplant fat, muscles or tissue from other parts of the body into the breasts.

If feminizing hormones haven't made the breasts large enough for top surgery, an initial surgery may be needed to place devices called tissue expanders in front of the chest muscles. After that surgery, visits to a health care provider are needed every few weeks to have a small amount of saline injected into the tissue expanders. This slowly stretches the chest skin and other tissues to make room for the implants. When the skin has been stretched enough, another surgery is done to remove the expanders and place the implants.

Genital surgery

• Anatomy before and after penile inversion

During penile inversion, the surgeon makes a cut in the area between the rectum and the urethra and prostate. This forms a tunnel that becomes the new vagina. The surgeon lines the inside of the tunnel with skin from the scrotum, the penis or both. If there's not enough penile or scrotal skin, the surgeon might take skin from another area of the body and use it for the new vagina as well.

• Anatomy before and after bowel flap procedure

A bowel flap procedure might be done if there's not enough tissue or skin in the penis or scrotum. The surgeon moves a segment of the colon or small bowel to form a new vagina. That segment is called a bowel flap or conduit. The surgeon reconnects the remaining parts of the colon.

Orchiectomy

Orchiectomy is a surgery to remove the testicles. Because testicles produce sperm and the hormone testosterone, an orchiectomy might eliminate the need to use testosterone blockers. It also may lower the amount of estrogen needed to achieve and maintain the appearance you want.

This type of surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis. A local anesthetic may be used, so only the testicular area is numbed. Or the surgery may be done using general anesthesia. This means you are in a sleep-like state during the procedure.

To remove the testicles, a surgeon makes a cut in the scrotum and removes the testicles through the opening. Orchiectomy is typically done as part of the surgery for vaginoplasty. But some people prefer to have it done alone without other genital surgery.

Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty is the surgical creation of a vagina. During vaginoplasty, skin from the shaft of the penis and the scrotum is used to create a vaginal canal. This surgical approach is called penile inversion. In some techniques, the skin also is used to create the labia. That procedure is called labiaplasty. To surgically create a clitoris, the tip of the penis and the nerves that supply it are used. This procedure is called a clitoroplasty. In some cases, skin can be taken from another area of the body or tissue from the colon may be used to create the vagina. This approach is called a bowel flap procedure. During vaginoplasty, the testicles are removed if that has not been done previously.

Some surgeons use a technique that requires laser hair removal in the area of the penis and scrotum to provide hair-free tissue for the procedure. That process can take several months. Other techniques don't require hair removal prior to surgery because the hair follicles are destroyed during the procedure.

After vaginoplasty, a tube called a catheter is placed in the urethra to collect urine for several days. You need to be closely watched for about a week after surgery. Recovery can take up to two months. Your health care provider gives you instructions about when you may begin sexual activity with your new vagina.

After surgery, you're given a set of vaginal dilators of increasing sizes. You insert the dilators in your vagina to maintain, lengthen and stretch it. Follow your health care provider's directions on how often to use the dilators. To keep the vagina open, dilation needs to continue long term.

Because the prostate gland isn't removed during surgery, you need to follow age-appropriate recommendations for prostate cancer screening. Following surgery, it is possible to develop urinary symptoms from enlargement of the prostate.

Dilation after gender-affirming surgery

This material is for your education and information only. This content does not replace medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. If you have questions about a medical condition, always talk with your health care provider.

Narrator: Vaginal dilation is important to your recovery and ongoing care. You have to dilate to maintain the size and shape of your vaginal canal and to keep it open.

Jessi: I think for many trans women, including myself, but especially myself, I looked forward to one day having surgery for a long time. So that meant looking up on the internet what the routines would be, what the surgery entailed. So I knew going into it that dilation was going to be a very big part of my routine post-op, but just going forward, permanently.

Narrator: Vaginal dilation is part of your self-care. You will need to do vaginal dilation for the rest of your life.

Alissa (nurse): If you do not do dilation, your vagina may shrink or close. If that happens, these changes might not be able to be reversed.

Narrator: For the first year after surgery, you will dilate many times a day. After the first year, you may only need to dilate once a week. Most people dilate for the rest of their life.

Jessi: The dilation became easier mostly because I healed the scars, the stitches held up a little bit better, and I knew how to do it better. Each transgender woman's vagina is going to be a little bit different based on anatomy, and I grew to learn mine. I understand, you know, what position I needed to put the dilator in, how much force I needed to use, and once I learned how far I needed to put it in and I didn't force it and I didn't worry so much on oh, did I put it in too far, am I not putting it in far enough, and I have all these worries and then I stress out and then my body tenses up. Once I stopped having those thoughts, I relaxed more and it was a lot easier.

Narrator: You will have dilators of different sizes. Your health care provider will determine which sizes are best for you. Dilation will most likely be painful at first. It's important to dilate even if you have pain.

Alissa (nurse): Learning how to relax the muscles and breathe as you dilate will help. If you wish, you can take the pain medication recommended by your health care team before you dilate.

Narrator: Dilation requires time and privacy. Plan ahead so you have a private area at home or at work. Be sure to have your dilators, a mirror, water-based lubricant and towels available. Wash your hands and the dilators with warm soapy water, rinse well and dry on a clean towel. Use a water-based lubricant to moisten the rounded end of the dilators. Water-based lubricants are available over-the-counter. Do not use oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly or baby oil. These can irritate the vagina. Find a comfortable position in bed or elsewhere. Use pillows to support your back and thighs as you lean back to a 45-degree angle. Start your dilation session with the smallest dilator. Hold a mirror in one hand. Use the other hand to find the opening of your vagina. Separate the skin. Relax through your hips, abdomen and pelvic floor. Take slow, deep breaths. Position the rounded end of the dilator with the lubricant at the opening to your vaginal canal. The rounded end should point toward your back. Insert the dilator. Go slowly and gently. Think of its path as a gentle curving swoop. The dilator doesn't go straight in. It follows the natural curve of the vaginal canal. Keep gentle down and inward pressure on the dilator as you insert it. Stop when the dilator's rounded end reaches the end of your vaginal canal. The dilators have dots or markers that measure depth. Hold the dilator in place in your vaginal canal. Use gentle but constant inward pressure for the correct amount of time at the right depth for you. If you're feeling pain, breathe and relax the muscles. When time is up, slowly remove the dilator, then repeat with the other dilators you need to use. Wash the dilators and your hands. If you have increased discharge following dilation, you may want to wear a pad to protect your clothing.

Jessi: I mean, it's such a strange, unfamiliar feeling to dilate and to have a dilator, you know to insert a dilator into your own vagina. Because it's not a pleasurable experience, and it's quite painful at first when you start to dilate. It feels much like a foreign body entering and it doesn't feel familiar and your body kind of wants to get it out of there. It's really tough at the beginning, but if you can get through the first month, couple months, it's going to be a lot easier and it's not going to be so much of an emotional and uncomfortable experience.

Narrator: You need to stay on schedule even when traveling. Bring your dilators with you. If your schedule at work creates challenges, ask your health care team if some of your dilation sessions can be done overnight.

Alissa (nurse): You can't skip days now and do more dilation later. You must do dilation on schedule to keep vaginal depth and width. It is important to dilate even if you have pain. Dilation should cause less pain over time.

Jessi: I hear that from a lot of other women that it's an overwhelming experience. There's lots of emotions that are coming through all at once. But at the end of the day for me, it was a very happy experience. I was glad to have the opportunity because that meant that while I have a vagina now, at the end of the day I had a vagina. Yes, it hurts, and it's not pleasant to dilate, but I have the vagina and it's worth it. It's a long process and it's not going to be easy. But you can do it.

Narrator: If you feel dilation may not be working or you have any questions about dilation, please talk with a member of your health care team.

Research has found that that gender-affirming surgery can have a positive impact on well-being and sexual function. It's important to follow your health care provider's advice for long-term care and follow-up after surgery. Continued care after surgery is associated with good outcomes for long-term health.

Before you have surgery, talk to members of your health care team about what to expect after surgery and the ongoing care you may need.

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Feminizing surgery care at Mayo Clinic

• Tangpricha V, et al. Transgender women: Evaluation and management. https://www.uptodate.com/ contents/search. Accessed Aug. 16, 2022.
• Erickson-Schroth L, ed. Surgical transition. In: Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource by and for Transgender Communities. 2nd ed. Kindle edition. Oxford University Press; 2022. Accessed Aug. 17, 2022.
• Coleman E, et al. Standards of care for the health of transgender and gender diverse people, version 8. International Journal of Transgender Health. 2022; doi:10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644.
• AskMayoExpert. Gender-affirming procedures (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2022.
• Nahabedian, M. Implant-based breast reconstruction and augmentation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 17, 2022.
• Erickson-Schroth L, ed. Medical transition. In: Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource by and for Transgender Communities. 2nd ed. Kindle edition. Oxford University Press; 2022. Accessed Aug. 17, 2022.
• Ferrando C, et al. Gender-affirming surgery: Male to female. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 17, 2022.
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Financing & Support for Gender Confirmation Surgery

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Updated: December 5, 2023

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Between 1.4 million and 1.65 million adults in the U.S. identify as transgender, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA's School of Law. For many transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, medical transition is a significant and empowering part of their journey. Transition may include hormonal treatment and/or surgery known as gender confirmation surgery or gender affirmation surgery.

Many transgender individuals go through the process of transition — which includes legal, psychological, social and medical experiences — to resolve gender incongruence between their internal sense of self and external anatomy. Gender identity refers to an individual's experienced gender and sense of self.

Not all transgender people want to undergo gender confirmation surgery. But for those who do, the process can help to alleviate gender dysphoria . Gender confirmation surgery also doesn’t change or “reassign” one’s gender or sex. Instead, it allows transgender and gender non-conforming people to change their bodies to reflect their gender identity more accurately.

While hormonal treatment and/or surgery is a deeply important step for many trans and gender non-conforming people, it can also be expensive. Learn more about the average costs of medical transition care options and find resources and ways to help fund procedures.

Medical Transition Care Options and Average Costs

Medical transition care options are diverse in terms of procedures, costs and outcomes. Each transgender person, along with their medical provider, should choose the options that make the most sense in terms of budget and desired results.

The main two medical transition care options are hormonal transition and gender confirmation surgery. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of each kind of gender-confirming healthcare treatment.

Hormonal Transition

Average Cost: $20–350/month

The majority of transgender individuals who seek out medical transition choose to undergo hormonal transition, also known as hormone therapy. Because of its relative affordability and accessibility, hormone therapy can be a particularly effective option for those experiencing gender dysphoria or looking for an alternative to surgery. Hormone therapy can help trans men and women, as well as nonbinary and gender non-conforming individuals, achieve significant physical changes.

Patients who undergo masculinizing hormone therapy often take testosterone. Testosterone therapy can affect a patient’s fat distribution, facial characteristics, vocal cords, hair growth patterns, libido, menstrual cycles and more. Testosterone typically comes in the form of injections (approximately $80 per month), patches ($300 per month), and gels ($300–350 per month) .

Patients who go through feminizing hormone therapy often take estrogen or testosterone blockers such as spironolactone and/or progesterone. Like testosterone therapy, this can affect a patient’s voice, facial appearance, libido, fertility, emotions and fat distribution. It can also promote breast development. On average, oral estrogen costs about $20 per month, while estrogen injections can cost up to $200 per month and spironolactone up to $20 per month.

Gender Confirmation Surgeries

Average Cost: $5,000–$50,000

Gender confirmation surgery for transgender patients refers to reconstructive surgeries to bring patients' bodies into conformity with their experienced gender. Surgeries might include reconstruction of the chest and/or face. Depending on the type of surgery, patients may have a recovery period from about two weeks to several months after their initial hospitalization.

Like all surgeries, these procedures come with potential risks. But patients who seek out board-certified surgeons and follow all pre- and post-op guidelines are usually satisfied with their results.

Here are some of the most common gender confirmation surgeries that transgender and gender non-conforming patients seek out.

Types of Surgeries for Trans Men

For trans patients, gender confirmation surgery might include removing breast tissue and reconstructing the chest, facial masculinization surgery (FMS) to make their facial features appear more masculine, removing and reconstructing the external genitalia, and removing internal reproductive organs.

Here are the most common forms of gender confirmation surgery for trans men and nonbinary patients.

How much is facial masculinization surgery (FMS)?

Average Cost: $10,000–$50,000

Here is what FMS surgery may include:

• Thyroid cartilage enhancement: An “Adam’s apple” is made using a small incision in the chin area and an implant in the throat region.
• Cheek augmentation: Small incisions inside the mouth allow the surgeon to place implants in the cheek to create a more angular appearance.
• Forehead lengthening or augmentation: Forehead lengthening and augmentation procedures involve lengthening the area between the eyes and scalp, and sometimes placing an implant, to create a more masculine, angular forehead.
• Jaw and chin augmentation: Jaw and chin reshaping and implants can help to widen the face and contour the jawline for more masculine facial proportions.
• Nose reshaping: Rhinoplasty can help to widen the nose and masculinize the facial proportions.

How much does it cost to have surgery procedures for trans men and what are the procedures?

Surgery procedures could include:

• Facial masculinization surgery (FMS): FMS may include thyroid cartilage enhancement, cheek augmentation, forehead lengthening or augmentation, jaw and chin augmentation and nose reshaping.
• Periareolar procedure: The areolas and nipples are resized and repositioned during this surgery. Two circular incisions around the areolas allow the surgeon to remove the “ring” of chest tissue.
• Keyhole procedure: The keyhole procedure involves just one semi-circular incision below each of the nipples. Keyhole top surgery also allows most patients to keep the sensation in their nipple area.
• Double incision: In double incision top surgery, the surgeon makes two incisions at the top and bottom of the pectoral muscles. The nipples and areolas are removed and replaced with nipple grafts.
• Inverted-T top surgery: Inverted-T top surgery involves horizontal and vertical incisions and the removal of chest tissue but not nipples. Sensation is retained for most patients.
• Metoidioplasty: Metoidioplasty involves releasing the clitoris from the ligament attached to it and repositioning it to create a penis. With this procedure, patients can also choose to undergo urethral lengthening and remove vaginal tissue.
• Phalloplasty: Surgeons use skin grafts from other parts of the body (usually the thigh or forearm) to create a penis. A vaginectomy, or the closing of the opening in the front of the pelvis, as well as scrotoplasty, which creates a scrotum, can be included in some phalloplasty procedures. This is the most expensive of bottom surgery options for trans men, with price tags up to $150,000 in some cases.
• Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy includes the removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Types of Surgeries for Trans Women

Around half of trans patients choose to undergo breast augmentation, facial feminization surgery (FFS) (which involves a variety of procedures that make facial features appear more feminine) and the removal or reconstruction of genitalia.

How much is facial feminization surgery (FFS)?

Average Cost: $20,000–$50,000

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) may include:

• Genioplasty: Genioplasty uses surgical incisions inside the mouth to contour the chin for a softer, rounder shape.
• Cheek augmentation: Implants, fat transfers or fillers can soften the face to create a more feminine look.
• Brow lift: A brow lift raises the eyebrows for a shorter forehead, softer look, and enlarged appearance of the eyes.
• Tracheal shave: The neck bump created by thyroid cartilage is reduced in a tracheal shave.
• Lip lift or augmentation: Lip augmentation can be achieved with implants and fillers. A lip lift emphasizes the upper lip.

What are the surgery procedures for trans women and how much do they cost?

Here are some of the most common gender confirmation surgeries for trans women:

• Facial feminization surgery (FFS): This surgery may include genioplasty, cheek augmentation, brow lifts, tracheal shave and lip lift or augmentation.
• Breast augmentation/augmentation mammoplasty: Breast augmentation is one of the most common gender confirmation surgeries for trans women and nonbinary patients. It might involve saline or silicone implants or even fat transfers from other parts of the body.
• Vaginoplasty: In vaginoplasty, a surgeon uses skin grafts from another part of the body (usually the scrotum or abdomen) to create a vaginal canal. The surgeon also uses existing genital tissue to create a clitoris. This allows most patients to have penetrative intercourse.
• Orchiectomy: An orchiectomy is often a transfeminine patient ’s first gender affirmation surgery. It involves the removal of the testicles.
• Vulvoplasty: A vulvoplasty involves the external part of the vagina rather than the vaginal canal. Skin from the patient’s genitalia is used to create a vaginal opening, the inner and outer labia, a clitoris and an opening that allows the patient to urinate.

Additional Alternatives

Some trans women undergo voice feminizing therapy to adapt their voice to their gender identity. In voice feminizing therapy, vocal cords are surgically altered to raise the patient’s vocal pitch.

Some trans patients might also choose to undergo gender confirmation surgery in the form of body contouring procedures. These might include liposuction or abdominoplasty as well as implants in the calves, buttocks or other areas.

In the U.S., it is illegal for most public and private health insurance providers to discriminate against transgender patients or deny them transition-related care. However, trans patients may still face financial and logistical barriers. Here’s what you should know about health insurance coverage and gender confirmation surgery.

Type of Barriers

Transgender patients still sometimes face health disparities and barriers to medical care, including transition-related medical care. These are some of the obstacles that trans and gender non-conforming people might face when trying to access healthcare and insurance coverage.

• Differences in state-by-state health insurance coverage: Each U.S. state has different policies regarding health insurance and trans-related care. Some U.S. states legally require health insurance providers to cover transition-related care while others do not.
• Difficulty accessing up-to-date and accurate insurance information: The language in health insurance plan summaries can be out-of-date or vague. This can lead to discriminatory denials of care.
• Discrimination and stigma: Discrimination against the LGBTQ community remains widespread, and transgender people may face health disparities and stigma in the context of medical care as a result, as well as other financial challenges . A 2015 study by the National Center for Transgender Equality revealed that about one-third of transgender patients said they were denied medical care or harassed by a medical provider.
• Lack of training and cultural competency among health providers: Some healthcare providers haven’t had adequate training in healthcare for transgender patients, which can lead them to make questionable decisions.

Additional Insurance Considerations

Transgender patients might also have questions about Medicaid coverage and Medicare coverage for gender confirmation surgery and other transition-related care. Both Medicare and Medicaid are prohibited from denying coverage of trans-related care if it is medically necessary.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides some coverage for transition-related medical care to transgender veterans . However, there is still an exclusion when it comes to coverage of gender confirmation surgery.

If you have insurance through your employer, you might be able to save up for your out-of-pocket surgery costs with a non-taxed Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Ways to Navigate Health Insurance for Gender-Confirming Surgeries

It can be challenging to navigate health insurance coverage for gender confirmation surgery, but it’s not impossible. It’s important to know your rights as a patient when interacting with providers and finding the best health insurance plan for your needs. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Stay informed

Remember that your health insurance plan should cover your transition-related care. Make sure that you read your insurance provider’s member handbook. Ask for the medical policy and any specific documents about eligibility for trans-related medical care to determine if you qualify.

Find a plan with no exclusions

Look for a health insurance plan that doesn’t have exclusions for either all transition-related care or specific kinds of treatments. You can often find this information in the medical policy.

Ask your current or potential employer about coverage

If you’re in the negotiation phase of a job interview, don’t be afraid to ask your potential employer about transition-related health coverage. If your current company or school doesn’t cover transition-related care, you might want to advocate for coverage.

Understand informed consent vs. WPATH standards

Before choosing a plan and care provider, find out about your potential provider’s ethical approach. An informed consent model of care allows you to make your own transition-related decisions after being informed of the risks by a physician. The WPATH standards of care might require additional steps, such as letters of support from therapists and other providers.

Look into pre-authorization

You'll need to see your primary care physician before requesting pre-authorization for surgery. It is also known as prior authorization. You might need to gather documents such as letters from medical providers before applying. Depending on the plan you selected, your primary care physician can provide you with a referral. Keep in mind that the referral or pre-authorization may not guarantee the surgery or other procedures will be authorized. National Center for Transgender Equality addresses common health coverage questions related to pre-authorization that may be helpful. It may be a good idea to speak with your health coverage provider directly.

Appeal denials

If you are denied coverage for a transition-related procedure, do not be afraid to appeal your insurance provider’s decision. Some exclusions might be prohibited or deemed discriminatory.

Outside of partial or full health insurance coverage, there are several other options for financing gender confirmation surgery, such as loans, lines of credit, grants and scholarships and fundraising.

There are several different personal loans you can use to fund your transition-related care.

• Bank or credit union loans: To qualify for a loan from a bank or credit union, you’ll need a good credit score and history.
• Family loans: If a family member can extend you a personal loan, consider creating a promissory note so that you have a repayment schedule in writing.
• Online loans: If your credit history is less than ideal, an online personal loan could be a good option.

Grants and Scholarships

Several organizations offer grants and scholarships to cover some or all of the costs associated with gender-confirming surgeries. These can help you avoid or offset any potential medical debt .

• The Jim Collins Foundation : The Jim Collins Foundation is dedicated to funding gender-confirming surgeries for trans people who need them. Grants are awarded on an annual basis.
• Genderbands Transition Grants : Genderbands offers transition grants to offset the expense of gender confirmation surgery for trans and nonbinary recipients.
• Rizi Xavier Timane Trans Surgery Grant : Rizi Xavier Timane, DSW, established a grant program to aid in the costs of gender-confirming surgeries for trans and nonbinary individuals.
• TransMission : The Loft LGBTQ+ Community Center’s TransMission is a small scholarship fund that helps trans and nonbinary recipients with medical, surgical and legal expenses.
• Stealth Bros & Co. Surgery Support Fund : The Stealth Bros & Co. Support Fund offers financial aid to trans men and transmasculine people for surgery, hormone therapy and related expenses.
• Black Transmen, Inc. Surgery Scholarship : Black trans men in the U.S. who have already been approved for surgery by a surgeon can apply for up to $1,000 in financial assistance.
• Point of Pride : Point of Pride offers scholarship-like funding for gender-confirming surgeries on an annual basis with a competitive application process each November.

Fundraising

Many people may raise funds for their gender confirmation surgery. For example, some throw parties with suggested donation amounts so friends, family and other supporters come together. Others raise money for their procedures by selling original art and letting would-be buyers know that they’re supporting a good cause.

Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is one option if you own your home. With a HELOC, you can borrow against your home’s appraised value and repay it over time.

Certain surgeons partner with medical financing companies to help gender confirmation surgery patients make payments over time. You may want to check your credit score with a free report . Other surgeons allow patients to make smaller payments in installments.

Advocacy Organizations Making a Change

Many LGBTQ advocacy organizations are making a difference in the lives of transgender and gender non-conforming people every day. Here are just a few of the LGBTQ charities , nonprofits and other organizations making positive changes.

• The Sylvia Rivera Law Project : In addition to impact litigation advocacy, the Sylvia Rivera Law Project offers legal services and resources to aid people in their journey toward gender self-determination.
• Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund : The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is a nonprofit that fights for trans rights and against discrimination. The organization’s Trans Health Project helps transgender people access trans-confirming health insurance.
• Transgender Law Center : The Transgender Law Center is a trans-led advocacy organization that offers educational materials and other resources around healthcare, immigration, incarceration and employment.
• National Center for Transgender Equality : The National Center for Transgender Equality offers educational materials, self-help guides and other resources for the trans community.
• SPARTA : SPARTA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transgender, nonbinary and gender non-conforming people serving in the U.S. military.

Additional Resources for Trans-Related Healthcare and Support

If you are a transgender or gender non-conforming patient seeking funding or support for your gender confirmation surgery, various resources can help. Here are some of the best resources available for trans people, loved ones and allies who want to know more about gender confirmation surgery.

• National Center for Transgender Equality's Know Your Rights : The National Center for Transgender Equality regularly updates its guide to existing and expanding legal protections for trans people in the U.S.
• HealthCare.gov's Transgender Health Care : The website helps explain what to know about applying for Marketplace health insurance coverage as a trans or gender non-conforming patient.
• HRC's Corporate Equality Index : Human Rights Campaign (HRC) publishes an annual guide to workplace policies and benefits for LGBTQ employees, including a list of companies that offer trans-inclusive benefits.
• Transgender Law Center's Transgender Health Benefits Guide : The Transgender Law Center offers a guide to healthcare advocacy for trans and gender non-conforming patients, including advice on what to do if you face discriminatory denials of care.
• Out2Enroll : Out2Enroll helps members of the LGBTQ community find and enroll in health insurance plans.
• Trans-Health.com's Trans Health Clinics : The clinics in this list specialize in transition-related and trans-confirming care and mental health support.

Social Support

• Transbucket : Initially started in 2009, Transbucket is an online resource and peer-to-peer support group exclusively dedicated to trans participants, primarily discussing gender confirming surgeries and medical transition.
• Gender Spectrum : Gender Spectrum hosts online support groups for trans, nonbinary and gender non-conforming youth, as well as parents and educators.
• Sam & Devorah Foundation for Trans Youth : The Sam & Devorah Foundation for Trans Youth connects members of the trans community with mentors who can offer emotional support and advice as well as empowerment and "building the confidence and skills critical for self-agency and leadership."

Mental Health Support

• The Trevor Project : The Trevor Project provides a number of resources, including suicide prevention and crisis intervention services, to LGBTQ people under 25.
• Trans Lifeline : The Trans Lifeline is a hotline offering peer-to-peer support services for trans callers, as well as their family, friends and allies.
• The Tribe, LGBTribe : The LGBTribe offers mental health support and wellness tools to LGBTQ participants.

About Laura Dorwart

Laura Dorwart is a writer living in Oberlin, Ohio, with her family. She has bylines at VICE, The New York Times, The Guardian and many others. She has a Ph.D. from UCSD, an MFA in nonfiction writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and experience in UX writing and copywriting for brands such as KeyBank. Follow her work at www.lauradorwart.com.

• American Psychiatric Association . " What Is Gender Dysphoria ." Accessed May 27, 2021 .
• CostHelper . " How Much Does Sex Reassignment Surgery Cost ." Accessed May 30, 2021 .
• Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity . " Barriers to Health Care for Transgender Individuals ." Accessed May 28, 2021 .
• European Association of Urology . " First accurate data showing that male to female transgender surgery can lead to a better life ." Accessed May 19, 2023 .
• First Report Managed Care . " Transgender Patients: Calculating the Actual Cost ." Accessed May 30, 2021 .
• Gender Confirmation Center . " Techniques, Incisions, & Surgery Options Facial For Feminization Surgery ." Accessed May 30, 2021 .
• Grand View Research . " U.S. Sex Reassignment Surgery Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Gender Transition ." Accessed May 29, 2021 .
• Jones, Jeffrey M. Gallup . " LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate ." Accessed June 1, 2021 .
• Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery . " Trans-masculine (Female to Male) Surgeries ." Accessed May 30, 2021 .
• National Center for Transgender Equality . " U.S. Trans Survey ." Accessed May 26, 2021 .
• Planned Parenthood . " Sex and Gender Identity ." Accessed May 25, 2021 .
• The International Center for Transgender Care . " Facial Masculinization Surgery ." Accessed May 30, 2021 .
• UCSF Transgender Care . " Information on Estrogen Hormone Therapy ." Accessed May 29, 2021 .
• UCSF Transgender Care . " Information on Testosterone Hormone Therapy ." Accessed May 29, 2021 .
• University of Utah Healthcare . " Transfeminine Bottom Surgery ." Accessed May 30, 2021 .
• Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law . " How Many Adults Identify as Transgender in the United States ." Accessed May 27, 2021 .

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Transgender Surgical Program

• 617-726-3525

Contact Information

Phone: 617-726-3525 Fax: 617-724-7126

Email: [email protected]

Explore This Treatment

About gender-affirming surgery at mass general.

Specialists in the  Transgender Health Program  and Transgender Surgical Program at Massachusetts General Hospital are dedicated to ensuring a welcoming and affirming environment for all patients. We offer patients a wide spectrum of gender-affirming services to support them throughout their entire care journey, including comprehensive primary care, surgical treatment, hormone management, case management and behavioral health support.

The Transgender Surgical Program is a collaboration with specialists from the Mass General  Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , the  Department of Urology  and the  Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology . Our multidisciplinary surgical team works closely with providers from the Transgender Health Program and every patient to develop a safe and all-inclusive surgical plan that aligns with the patient’s personal goals.

Gender-Affirming Surgical Procedures

Our expert team performs a variety of highly specialized gender-affirming surgical procedures tailored to meet the needs of transgender and gender-nonconforming patients.

• Vaginoplasty , sometimes referred to as bottom surgery, is a surgery that is used to create a vulva, labia, and vaginal canal
• Orchiectomy , also known as testicle removal surgery and/or bottom surgery, is a procedure in which the testicles are surgically removed
• Hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of the uterus and, in some case, the ovaries
• Phalloplasty , sometimes referred to as bottom surgery, is surgery to create a penis. It can include a variety of different procedures, depending on individual goals
• Mastectomy , sometimes referred to as top surgery, is a surgery to remove breast tissue from the chest
• Breast augmentation is surgery that uses implants made of silicone or saline to enhance the size of a person’s natural breasts
• Facial feminization or masculinization is surgery to alter facial features—the chin, nose, cheeks, forehead, etc.—to create a more feminine or masculine facial structure
• Voice feminization surgery is a procedure that alters the pitch and quality of an individual's voice to align it with a more feminine sound though surgery that involves lengthening the vocal cords or adjusting the tension of the vocal cords. Before undergoing surgical intervention, patients will work with a speech therapist specializing in voice feminization
• Voice masculinization surgery is a procedure that alters the pitch and quality of an individual's voice to align it with a more masculine sound though surgery to decrease the tension of the vocal cords. In addition to surgery, some individuals may benefit from speech therapy to further refine their vocal skills and communication. This procedure is not common, as only 75% of people can masculinize their voice with hormone therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About Gender-Affirming Surgery

For genital or “bottom” surgery, the first step is to schedule an initial visit with the Transgender Health Program. To schedule this appointment, call 617-726-3525 or email us . For breast or “top” surgery, you are not required to schedule an intake visit with the Transgender Health Program, unless you need a referral for support services. Instead, please contact the Transgender Surgery Program team at 617-726-3525 to learn how to proceed with a surgical consult. Providers should fax referrals to 617-724-7126.

Following confirmation from the Transgender Health Program that you are ready to move forward with bottom surgery, the Transgender Surgery Program team will contact you to set up a surgical consult.

Fertility preservation offers the opportunity to freeze eggs or sperm to be used for building a family in the future. This can be done prior to initiation of gender affirming hormone therapy or surgery. For some, it can also be used after hormonal therapy has already been started. Resources and care are also available for coordinating use of eggs or sperm from another person (donor) or for another individual to carry a pregnancy (gestational carrier).

Patients who desire fertility preservation or family building through Mass General must:

• Complete a consultation with the Mass General Fertility Center
• Be of reproductive age (requirements vary by family building plan)
• Follow center-specific guidance and protocols for selected treatment

During your surgical consultation, your physician will ask you about your fertility preservation goals and will assist you with setting up a consultation with a fertility specialist. We are committed to supporting you and guiding you through this process.

Required documents prior to gender-affirming surgery vary depending on the type of procedure. Our surgical program coordinator will assist you with questions and provide you with more information during your surgical consult.

Once we’ve scheduled a date for your surgery, we will submit a prior authorization for surgery to your insurance company for approval. Some out-of-network insurances may require you to obtain prior authorization for surgical consultations. Please reach out to your insurance company to determine what is required. Our dedicated surgical coordinator is happy to assist you with this process.

There are medical rates at many of the surrounding local hospitals. Depending on the procedure, you may need to remain local for a few weeks. If you are interested in medical rates, our dedicated surgical coordinator will be happy to provide you with more information.

Patient Stories

Patients who underwent gender-affirming surgery at Mass General share their experiences.

Finally, Herself: Elise’s Journey to Gender-Affirming Surgery

When Elise first heard of gender-affirming surgery, it seemed next to impossible in her situation. After a few years filled with research and conversations about her gender identity, what seemed impossible became achievable. She sought care with the Mass General Transgender Health Program team.

Tanner Chose Mass General for Gender-Affirming Care

"I wouldn’t have been able to do it if I didn’t have my team by my side every step of the way. I went from worrying, to feeling grateful," Tanner Bonanza, gender-affirming surgical patient.

Meet Our Team

The Mass General Transgender Surgical Program and the Transgender Health Program form a multidisciplinary and collaborative team of providers and staff who work together to provide gender-affirming care for all patients.

Jay Austen, MD

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Rich Ehrlichman, MD

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Health Reporting in the States

Bill of the month: a plan for affordable gender-confirmation surgery goes awry.

Emmarie Huetteman

Wren Vetens was promised a significant discount on the cost of her gender-confirmation surgery if she paid in cash upfront, without using her health insurance. Yet afterward, Vetens received an explanation of benefits saying the hospital had billed her insurer nearly $92,000. Lauren Justice for KHN hide caption

Wren Vetens was promised a significant discount on the cost of her gender-confirmation surgery if she paid in cash upfront, without using her health insurance. Yet afterward, Vetens received an explanation of benefits saying the hospital had billed her insurer nearly $92,000.

Wren Vetens thought she'd done everything possible to prepare for her surgery.

She chose a doctoral program in physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a school that not only embraced transgender students like her, but also granted insurance coverage for her gender-confirmation surgery when she enrolled in 2016. When uncertainty over the fate of an Obama-era anti-discrimination rule allowed the state to discontinue such coverage, Vetens and her mother, Kimberly Moreland, an OB-GYN, shopped for another plan.

Deducing the procedure would run from $19,000 to $25,000, based on prices posted online, they purchased insurance from Consolidated Health Plans. It would pay a maximum of $25,000 for the operation.

With that information in hand, Vetens planned ahead: She got her insurer's preapproval and scheduled surgery during winter break of her second year, allowing time for recovery before returning to her studies.

Tell Us Your Billing Story

Do you have a medical bill or explanation of benefits that you'd like us to see? Submit it here and tell us the story behind it .

We may use it, with your permission, in one of our monthly features.

So, she was shocked when a hospital representative called her a couple of months before the long-awaited surgery estimating the bill would be $100,000. That meant she would be on the hook for as much as $75,000 after her insurer's $25,000 payout.

With preparations for the surgery well underway, Vetens was feeling overwhelmed with stress. "There were days when I just couldn't get out of bed for a whole day," she said, describing two weeks of panic attacks.

After mother and daughter complained about the last-minute surprise, a hospital representative offered a solution: If they paid out of pocket and in full before Vetens' surgery — forgoing their use of insurance — the hospital would accept just $20,080, assuring them the hospital would charge nothing to Vetens' insurer. But if they did not decide and pay up right away, the surgery would be canceled.

"I certainly felt that I had no choice," Vetens said.

After Moreland gave the hospital her credit card number for payment, they thought the financial roller coaster was over and Vetens could focus on recovery.

Then the bill came.

Patient: Wren Vetens, then 23, a Ph.D. student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Total bill: $91,850.20

Insurance payment: $25,427.91

Vetens owed: $13,191.95 (after $20,080 that was counted as a deposit)

Service provider: University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison

Medical treatment: Vetens underwent a procedure known as penile inversion vaginoplasty to address her diagnosis of gender dysphoria, a condition resulting from one's sex identified at birth being in conflict with one's gender identity.

The procedure, in which the patient's penile and scrotal tissue is used to create a vagina, generally takes about two to four hours and requires a short inpatient stay, according to Dr. Madeline Deutsch, the medical director for transgender care at the University of California, San Francisco.

Candidates for the procedure must live for at least one year in their identified gender role and undergo at least one year of hormone therapy, Deutsch said. Preparation also includes permanent hair removal.

What gives: Though gender dysphoria is relatively uncommon, many of the billing and insurance issues Vetens encountered are typical for patients planning major surgery. Much of her stress and frustration arose from the vast difference between online price estimates ($19,000-$25,000), the hospital's billed price to the insurer ($91,850) and what it was willing to accept as an upfront cash payment ($20,080).

Hospitals set list prices high because insurers with whom they have contracts typically negotiate them down. In exchange for charging an insurer's members a lower price, doctors and hospitals gain access to those customers, who have incentives to use these in-network providers. Hospitals may offer package deals for procedures to patients, if they pay cash upfront, in part because the hospital avoids the hassle of negotiation.

Officials at University of Wisconsin Hospital said they offered Vetens the option to pay $20,080 for these reasons: to secure extra experience and exposure for the hospital's programs for transgender patients, and to shield Vetens from an even bigger bill. "We were trying to protect the patient," said Dr. Katherine Gast, Vetens' surgeon.

Dr. Kimberly Moreland (left) helped her daughter shop for an insurance plan that would cover Vetens' gender-confirmation surgery. Yet mother and daughter still found themselves caught between the hospital and the insurer. Courtesy of Richard Malatesta/Kimberly Moreland hide caption

Dr. Kimberly Moreland (left) helped her daughter shop for an insurance plan that would cover Vetens' gender-confirmation surgery. Yet mother and daughter still found themselves caught between the hospital and the insurer.

As both parties hedged their bets in trying to determine what a penile inversion vaginoplasty was worth, Vetens was stuck in the middle with the prospect of hugely varying payments.

Lisa Brunette, a hospital spokeswoman, said that, despite having provided Vetens an estimate of $100,000, the hospital really did not know how much it would charge for the procedure because it did not know how much it would be reimbursed by the insurance company. Vetens was the second person to have the procedure at the hospital.

The spokeswoman for the hospital said its contract with Vetens' insurer "relies on a complex formula."

And in an apparent chicken-and-egg quandary, Drew DiGiorgio, president and chief executive of Consolidated Health Plans, said the insurer did not know how much it would reimburse because it did not know how much the hospital would charge.

When Moreland called the hospital to pay the $20,080 price — an option she acknowledged many simply could not afford — she asked for an itemized bill.

The next day, she received a brief letter outlining some of the general services included for the price, such as "physician's fee" and "post surgery labs." Then it simply said: "Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty — $20,080.00."

"How in the world did you come up with a number if you have no idea what it covers?" she asked.

Had Vetens chosen a hospital that did not contract with her insurer, the family could have been reimbursed 60 percent, or about $12,000 of the money paid, since her insurance pays a portion of out-of-network care.

But since Consolidated Health Plans has a contract with the University of Wisconsin Hospital, it said it would not reimburse anything at all. Contracts between insurers and providers discourage such sideline cash transactions, since hospitals can make more money when patients use insurance, as evidenced by Vetens' bill.

Vetens and Moreland appealed to Consolidated Health Plans, feeling that they had been "the victims of a bait-and-switch scam."

The surprises didn't end there. Though multiple hospital representatives reassured Vetens that they wouldn't charge her insurance after her cash payment, Vetens received an explanation of benefits saying the hospital had billed her insurer nearly $92,000.

A hospital bill followed, identifying their $20,080 as "pre-payment," treating it like a partial deposit. Vetens owed more than $13,000, it said.

Studies have shown that more than half of hospital bills contain errors , a problem made worse by the fact that medical bills — with codes and jargon — can be nearly impossible for even savvy patients to understand.

"That was not supposed to happen. That was an error," said Abby Abongwa, a hospital billing official. "That was absolutely an error on our part."

Resolution: After the bill for $91,850 arrived, an alarmed Vetens showed it to her surgeon. The hospital quickly apologized and repaid her insurance company.

Within a few weeks of receiving the appeal — which noted that Vetens and Moreland had contacted a national media outlet — Consolidated Health Plans reimbursed Vetens nearly $18,000, offering her no explanation for why the company had ultimately decided to reverse its earlier judgement that it would not pay anything toward her care.

With their reimbursement, Vetens and Moreland paid about $2,100 for the surgery, all told.

The Takeaway: Be mindful that online pricing estimates frequently represent cash prices, which are often far lower than the price hospitals will bill your insurance.

Ask about a cash price — you may get a better deal. But if you forgo insurance, you're on your own. Your insurer is under no obligation to pay you back for any part of the bill or help you troubleshoot billing, and any payment you make likely will not count toward your deductible.

Enlist your doctor's help. Gast, Vetens' surgeon, proved a powerful advocate for her patient when disputes arose about billing and pricing. Billing representatives might not always be responsive to patients, but it's in the hospital executives' interest to keep staff surgeons happy.

Some of these issues can be settled only through legislation. Right now, there is no legal requirement for hospitals to provide itemized bills to patients. Hospital bills are fraught with errors, and there is little accountability for providers who bill erroneously.

In the meantime, don't be afraid to ask questions and fight back.

Bram Sable-Smith, who contributed to the audio story, is part of NPR's reporting partnership with Side Effects Public Media, member station KBIA and Kaiser Health News.

Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation that is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.

You can follow Emmarie Huetteman on Twitter: @emmarieDC .

• bill of the month
• gender dysphoria
• gender identity
• transgender
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• Plastic surgery

How Gender Reassignment Surgery Works (Infographic)

Bradley Manning, the U.S. Army private who was sentenced Aug. 21 to 35 years in a military prison for releasing highly sensitive U.S. military secrets, is seeking gender reassignment. Here’s how gender reassignment works:

Converting male anatomy to female anatomy requires removing the penis, reshaping genital tissue to appear more female and constructing a vagina.

An incision is made into the scrotum, and the flap of skin is pulled back. The testes are removed.

A shorter urethra is cut. The penis is removed, and the excess skin is used to create the labia and vagina.

People who have male-to-female gender-reassignment surgery retain a prostate. Following surgery, estrogen (a female hormone) will stimulate breast development, widen the hips, inhibit the growth of facial hair and slightly increase voice pitch.

Female-to-male surgery has achieved lesser success due to the difficulty of creating a functioning penis from the much smaller clitoral tissue available in the female genitals.

The uterus and the ovaries are removed. Genital reconstructive procedures (GRT) use either the clitoris, which is enlarged by hormones, or rely on free tissue grafts from the arm, the thigh or belly and an erectile prosthetic (phalloplasty).

Breasts need to be surgically altered if they are to look less feminine. This process involves removing breast tissue and excess skin, and reducing and properly positioning the nipples and areolae. Androgens (male hormones) will stimulate the development of facial and chest hair, and cause the voice to deepen.

Reliable statistics are extremely difficult to obtain. Many sexual-reassignment procedures are conducted in private facilities that are not subject to reporting requirements.

The cost for female-to-male reassignment can be more than $50,000. The cost for male-to-female reassignment can be $7,000 to $24,000.

Between 100 to 500 gender-reassignment procedures are conducted in the United States each year.

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Gender Transition Cost — How Much Does Hormone Therapy and Gender Reassignment Surgery Cost?

Gender transition is a process whereby transgender people undergo certain medical, social, and legal steps in order to transition into a gender other than the one that they were assigned at birth. Like many forms of medical treatment, however, gender transition for transgender people often costs money. This article will inform you about how much gender transition costs, how much certain transgender surgeries cost, and more.

The Process of Changing Your Gender

There is no single right way to transition. However, many gender transitions do end up sharing certain similar steps and milestones that will be covered here.

Why Transgender People Transition

Many transgender people are diagnosed with a condition called gender dysphoria, where they feel a level of discomfort — ranging from mild to extreme — with the physical characteristics or social roles of the gender that they were assigned at birth. A literature review by Cornell University looked at publications in medical journals from 1991 to 2017, and found overwhelming evidence that gender transition was an effective treatment for gender dysphoria.

Starting Gender Transition

There is no single right way to begin gender transition, and the best way to access services related to medical transition may vary depending on where you live. However, in general, you should expect to begin medical transition by visiting a trained and licensed therapist. After several sessions, a therapist may officially diagnose you with gender dysphoria and write a referral letter, directing a medical doctor to begin hormone therapy.

Once you have picked out a qualified medical doctor, they will supervise hormone therapy as part of your medical transition. They may also be able to answer any questions you have about other medical aspects of transition, including transgender surgeries.

Milestones for medical transition often include seeing a therapist and getting a hormone prescription from a doctor, but it’s also important to remember to create a budget in order to account for the regular cost of medications and visits to the doctor.

Hormone Therapy

Best practices surrounding access to transgender hormone therapy are still being worked out by doctors and mental health professionals. However, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health recommends in their Standards of Care that individuals seeking hormone therapy:

• Have persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria.
• Have the capacity to make fully informed decisions about medical treatment.
• Are of the age of majority in their country, or otherwise have parental consent to begin hormone therapy.

After starting hormone therapy under the supervision of a qualified medical doctor, a person can expect to take on some secondary sexual characteristics of their target sex over the course of several months, or even years.

According to the Trans Care Project , people who are undergoing hormone therapy as part of a transition from female to male (FtM) should expect to take the hormone testosterone, typically either in the form of a patch or cream that is applied to the skin or an injection of testosterone directly into the muscle. In the United States, testosterone is a schedule III controlled substance, so you will need a doctor’s permission to use it.

Also according to the Trans Care Project , people who are undergoing hormone therapy as part of a transition from male to female (MtF) should expect to take the hormone estrogen, typically in a pill, a patch or cream applied to the skin, or an injection of estrogen directly into the muscle. In addition to estrogen, people transitioning from male to female should also expect to take an anti-androgen, a type of drug that blocks the body’s natural production of testosterone. This will prevent testosterone from overriding the estrogen that a person is taking and allow feminizing effects to take place. There is some anecdotal evidence (but no definitive medical evidence) that the hormone progesterone has feminizing effects as a part of medical transition, so some people will take progesterone in addition to estrogen and an anti-androgen.

Gender Reassignment Surgery

Although the media often focuses on genital surgery as the definitive surgical procedure for gender transition, the reality is not so simple. While genital surgery is an important part of gender transition for many transgender people, it is not always the first surgery that a person might seek out. In fact, some transgender people transition completely without getting genital surgery at all. Which transgender surgeries (if any) are right for you is a discussion for your doctor, but here are some surgical options that some people choose as part of a gender transition.

Genital Surgery

As stated above, surgery in order to reconfigure a person’s genitals into those of their target sex is an important part of medical transition for many people.

Top Surgery

As part of female puberty, many people undergoing an FtM transition have developed unwanted breast tissue. Top surgery is a general term for a variety of surgical procedures that can be used to remove this breast tissue, leading to a quality of life improvement for the patient. Some people who undergo an MtF transition may choose to have breast augmentation surgery if they are unsatisfied by the development of breast tissue as a result of their hormone therapy.

Facial Feminization Surgery and Facial Masculinization Surgery

Facial bone structure often changes as a result of male puberty, and these changes play an important role in the way that we see gender in the world. For example, they are one reason why we can often tell a person’s sex only by looking at their face.

In cases where hormone therapy is not sufficient to alter a person’s face to either appear more feminine (for MtF transitions) or more masculine (for FtM transitions), cosmetic surgery on the face can be used to either reduce bone in certain areas or use surgical implants to add the appearance of new or shaped bone.

How Much Does Transgender Hormone Therapy Cost?

When figuring out the cost of your hormone therapy, you should remember to account for several things:

• Whether or not your insurance will help to cover the cost of hormones, including copay amounts. Many medications used as part of hormone therapy have generic versions, which will often be covered at the lowest copay by your insurance, but some do not. If your insurance covers these medications, then you should ignore the prices given below, which are determined without considering insurance coverage.
• The cost of visits to the doctor and blood tests that are a necessary part of hormone therapy for many people. If possible, ask your doctor to bill hormone blood tests as preventative. This way they are more likely to be covered by insurance and at a better rate.
• Prices below are derived from GoodRX reportings as of September 2018. Keep in mind that the cost of medication may fluctuate depending on availability, the pharmacy that you buy from, and the region where you are located.

FtM Hormone Therapy

How much does testosterone cost.

• Testosterone Cypionate: This popular injectable form of testosterone costs between $40 and $90 per 10 ml bottle of 200 mg/ml solution without insurance. Keep in mind that a single 10 ml bottle can last you for several months, depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Needles and syringes are very inexpensive and can be bought at the pharmacy or online.
• Androgel: The generic equivalent of this topical form of testosterone can cost between $30 and $80 without insurance for a packet of six patches, which may last about a month depending on your dosage. Brand-name patches will cost upwards of $130 for comparable amounts.

MtF Hormone Therapy

How much does estrogen cost.

• Estradiol Pill: Generic estradiol is an incredibly cheap pill form of estradiol that many transgender women take. A bottle of 30, 2-mg tablets costs just $4 at the Walmart pharmacy. Other vendors may charge up to $40, but generic estrace is often covered by insurance at reasonable rates.
• Estradiol Patch: Patches deliver hormones through your skin and a single patch may be worn for up to a week. While patches may be more convenient than pills, since you only have to worry about application once a week, they also cost more. A packet of four generic estradiol patches that deliver 0.1 mg of estradiol per day will cost you between $30 and $60.
• Injectable Estradiol: Hormone injections are, for some people, the most convenient way to administer the medication. Unlike patches, they leave no visible indications on your body of the hormones that you are taking and, as long as you don’t mind injecting yourself or having a nurse or trusted friend do it for you, administration is an easy process that takes 10 to 15 minutes every one or two weeks, depending on the dosage determined by your doctor. However, injectable estradiol is also more expensive than other forms. Generic injectable estradiol (estradiol valerate) has experienced supply shortages in the past, but a 5 ml vial may cost you between $40 or $100. Depending on your dosage, a single vial may last a little over a month. Non-generic injectable estradiol (estradiol cypionate) has a longer half-life inside the body than valerate, meaning that you can go longer between injections, but it also costs more. Estradiol cypionate (or depo-estradiol) may cost around $120.

How Much Do Anti-Androgens Cost?

• Spironolactone: Spironolactone is the most commonly prescribed anti-androgen in the United States, in part because it is cheap and easy to acquire. Without insurance, spironolactone may cost between $4 and $12 per month.
• Cyproterone: Cyproterone is another popular anti-androgen. However, it is more expensive than its counterpart, Spironolactone, at anywhere between $12 to $35 for a monthly supply.

How Much Does Transgender Surgery Cost?

For many transgender people, surgeries are an important part of gender transition that are used in addition to or in lieu of hormone therapy. Although certain surgical procedures are often highlighted in media coverage of transgender people, the reality is that there are many transgender surgeries available, and deciding which ones are right for you and your transition is a personal matter. Below, we will cover some of the more popular transgender surgeries, and how much they cost without help from your insurance provider. With any surgical procedure, make sure that you research your surgeon to find out their qualifications and the prices they charge.

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) Surgery Cost

In order to correct certain gendered features in the face, some transgender people will undergo facial cosmetic surgery, called facial feminization surgery (FFS) or facial masculinization surgery (FMS). Neither FFS nor FMS is a single procedure by itself. Instead, they represent a wide variety of procedures that contribute to sexual characteristics in the face. As a result, the price that you can expect to pay for FFS or FMS will vary wildly depending on the surgeon you choose and the procedures they perform. According to individuals that we spoke to who had sought out these procedures, surgery could cost you between $5,000 or $50,000, although most surgeries are likely to fall somewhere in the middle, as few people only get a single small procedure or an extremely large number of procedures.

FtM Top Surgery

Surgical procedures centered around the chest or “top surgery” are designed to either augment or remove breast tissue, depending on the person’s transition goals. For many FtM individuals, top surgery is a very important part of transition and seen as a major milestone.

It may be more optional for those making an MtF transition, as hormone therapy will develop breast tissue in many people. According to individuals that we spoke to who had sought out these procedures, top surgery can cost between $3,000 or $10,000, depending on the surgeon that you choose, and how difficult or time-consuming the procedure will be to perform for them.

Gender Reassignment Surgery Cost

The term “bottom surgery” is used to refer to genital surgery, or gender confirming surgery, for transgender people. Although it is popularized in the media as the most important surgery that a transgender person can get, there are many people who consider their transitions complete without bottom surgery.

Male to Female Surgery

According to individuals that we spoke to who had sought out these procedures, MtF bottom surgery can cost between $10,000 or $30,000. Once again, this depends heavily on the surgeon that you choose and the exact procedures that they perform.

Female to Male Surgery

Bottom surgery for FtM people is often more expensive, as the surgical procedure is more involved. It may cost between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on the surgeon you see and the techniques used.

Fortunately, although many medically necessary surgical procedures as a part of transition are not covered by insurance, bottom surgery is receiving more and more coverage as insurance companies partner with specific surgeons.

How Much Does it Cost to Legally Change Your Gender?

Unfortunately, healthcare costs aren’t the only costs related to gender transition. In order to change you legal sex (for example, the sex marker on your driver’s license), you will have to pay a fee in many states in order to have your legal name and gender changed. For example, in Massachusetts a legal name change costs $185. You should speak with your state government in order to find out how much they will charge. There are also some additional costs that you may or may not have to pay as part of changing your legal name and gender:

• A lawyer’s fee is you’re having difficulty changing your name because of a criminal record .
• The cost of publishing your name change in a local newspaper, which many states require, but which can be waived by a judge.
• The cost of new legal identification documents, such as a new driver’s license or passport.

Paying for Gender Transition

With all of these costs, paying for gender transition isn’t easy. Especially since transgender people are four times more likely to have a make less than $10,000 a year than the average person in the United States. Minorities in general may be more likely to work in jobs that only pay minimum wage . If you’re struggling to figure out how you can pay for your transition, here are some things to consider:

Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance companies are slow to add on new coverage, especially for minorities who are already the subject of heated political debates. However, insurance coverage for gender transition is slowly beginning to catch up to modern medical science. Many insurance companies will cover hormone therapy at the same rate as any other prescription from your doctor. Surgical procedures, such as bottom surgery and FtM top surgery, are also being covered more widely, and some insurance companies will even cover cosmetic surgery as part of gender transition .

Find a Good Job

Getting on the right insurance plan can be a matter of working for a company with good employee benefits. Finding a job that fits your personality can help you excel. It goes without saying that making more money will help you to pay for transition, although in order to do this, you may have to make a choice between money and job satisfaction .

Paying Medical Bills With Your Roth IRA

Typically, if you have a Roth IRA retirement plan , you will receive a tax penalty if you withdraw money from it before you reach age 59 and a half. However, you can avoid this tax penalty if you’re withdrawing from your Roth IRA in order to pay for a medical procedure that costs more than 7.5 percent of your annual income.

Medical Loan Providers

Some surgeons and doctors will partner with medical loan providers such as CareCredit . They offer loans specifically for the cost of a your surgery or other medical procedures. If you do decide to take out loans to pay for transition, make sure that you have a good credit score so you can receive competitive interest rates . It’s also very important that you pay debt back, so that you can avoid default, wage garnishment, or tanking your credit history.

Using a Credit Card to Pay for Transition

It is possible to use a credit card to pay for gender transition. However, you will need an acceptable credit history to get approved for a credit card in the first place. If you aren’t sure of your credit history, Experian offers free credit score and credit report checks. It’s also unwise to use a credit card to make payments if you won’t be able to afford your credit card bill at the end of the month. Credit cards tend to have very high interest rates compared to other forms of debt and companies tend to slap on credit card fees wherever they can. If you do decide to use a credit card to pay for your gender transition, use is sparingly and pay off your entire balance as quickly as possible.

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Home » Price List

At The London Transgender Clinic, we commit to ensuring you understand the cost of your treatment plan and ensure we will not introduce any hidden costs.

Due to the individualised service we provide, we cannot provide you with an exact price until you have a consultation to discuss your goals , however, we have provided you with a guide price so you can begin to plan your finances.

When a formal quotation is provided, it will include everything from the treatment, our supportive aftercare, and the hospital stay where required.

We also offer Finance options so you can spread the cost of your treatment. Find out more on our Finance page.

  Please be aware that guide prices are subject to change. For a guaranteed fee, please book a consultation.

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