GENDER AFFIRMING Surgery in West Orange, NJ
What is Gender affirmation Surgery?
Gender affirmation surgery is when a person undergoes surgical procedures to change their body to better reflect their gender identity. Gender transition surgeries are considered medically necessary by the American Medical Association.
Dr. Thad Denehy specializes in performing gender affirmation surgery at his office in West Orange, New Jersey. Dr. Denehy has over 30 years of experience providing treatment to women with uterine fibroids. Dr. Denehy sees patients from Maplewood, Millburn, Livingston, Roseland, Bloomfield, and more. Call to schedule your consultation today.
When is the Right Time For Gender Affirming Surgery?
People with gender dysphoria often feel that they were born in the wrong gender. A person assigned female at birth, sometimes referred to as a biological female, may identify more as a male and vice versa.
Before deciding on a female-to-male gender-affirming surgery, most will begin with hormone therapy. This involves taking testosterone to increase masculine traits. Some surgeons also recommend laser hair removal prior to any operations.
If you have gender dysphoria, professionals usually recommend supportive counseling before surgery. The decision to have surgery is both very serious and very personal.
Female-to-Male Transgender Surgery
A gender affirmation surgery for trans men (female-to-male) can involve several surgeries in order to reach the desired outcome.
Typically, when transitioning from female to male, most will choose to remove the breasts through a mastectomy, more commonly referred to as top surgery. Some may also choose to alter their genital region, referred to as bottom surgery.
The two main aspects of bottom surgery include removal of female organs and construction of a penis through metoidioplasty or phalloplasty
Surgery for Transmen
Surgery for a transgender person who has transitioned from female to male involves many steps to achieve the desired results, first with the removal of female organs and then the construction of a penis.
Removal of Female Organs
- Partial Hysterectomy - In a partial hysterectomy, a surgeon will remove only the uterus.
- Total Hysterectomy - In a total hysterectomy, a surgeon will remove the uterus and the cervix.
- A Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) - A BSO involves the removal of the right and left fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Vaginectomy - A Vaginectomy is the removal of the vagina.
Construction of a Penis
Metoidioplasty
A metoidioplasty is a method of constructing a new penis, or neopenis by changing the clitoris into a penis.
A person will receive hormone therapy before the surgery to enlarge the clitoris for this purpose.
During the metoidioplasty process, the surgeon will lengthen the urethra and position it through the neopenis. To achieve the lengthening, the surgeon uses tissues from the cheek or vagina. The aim of this is to allow the person to urinate while standing.
An advantage of a metoidioplasty is that the neopenis may become erect, due to the erectile abilities of clitoral tissue, but is often too small for penetrative sex.
A metoidioplasty typically takes two to five hours. After the initial surgery, additional procedures may be necessary.
Centurion Procedure
A Centurion procedure involves repositioning round ligaments under the clitoris to increase the girth of the penis.
Centurion results in a natural-looking, though small penis, that retains full sensation. Centurion penises get erect without the need of an implant or device but tend to be too small for penetrative sex.
Because native tissues are used, the procedure doesn't require skin grafts from other parts of the body, which leave visible scars.
Phalloplasty
A phalloplasty uses skin flaps to create the penis. This can be done in several stages or in connection with female organ removal and lengthening of the urethra.
There are various skin flaps the surgeon is able to use to create the penis including skin from your leg, arm, or back. Your surgeon will talk to you about the risks and benefits of each site, depending on your body and priorities.
There are several benefits of a phalloplasty including potential sensation with a nerve hook up, ability to maintain an erection, and a penis for penetration sex.
Which Penis Surgery is Right For Me?
You have several options when undergoing female-to-male surgery. To decide which penis surgery is right for you, talk with Dr. Denehy about your priorities.
For example, if:
- it is important for you to pee out of the tip of your penis, then urethral lengthening is recommended.
- sensation is most important, your doctor can focus on a donor site with good nerve supply.
- penetrative sex is most important, and you would like to maintain an erection, then an erectile prosthetic can be an option.
- you would like the penis to also have a scrotum, you may choose to also have a scrotoplasty with testicle implants. The scrotum is usually made from vaginal tissue.
Risks and Benefits of Surgery
All gender-affirming surgeries carry a risk of:
- infection
- bleeding
- reactions to anesthesia
- dissatisfaction with the results
- lengthy recovery
- subsequent surgeries or hospital visits
Many who have undergone gender-affirming surgeries report benefits including:
- improved mental health
- greater overall well-being
- decreased gender dysphoria
- enhanced self-esteem
- greater satisfaction with one’s body
- increased ability to pass in society as a man
A person may also wish to undergo surgery if they are uncomfortable having a uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, or if hormone therapy does not stop menstruation.
Why You Can Trust Gyn Cancer and Pelvic Surgery
Dr. Thad Denehy has the expertise to deliver the most exemplary care for gender affirmation surgery. At Gyn Cancer and Pelvic Surgery, LLC you deserve the highest level of comprehensive medical care possible.
With decades of experience and respect throughout the state, Dr. Denehy has one of the highest patient volumes in the area of gynecologic oncology and gynecologic surgery in the Northeast.
We offer a full suite of surgical services, including gender affirming surgery, to assist you in your transition journey. We provide careful consideration and years of the highest surgical expertise.
The stages of surgery and your surgical plan are decided between you, Dr. Denehy, and the surgical team. The discussion and general plans are made during the initial appointment, and surgical plans are finalized in subsequent appointments with your team.
Contact us today as we help you transition from female to male and live the life you envision.