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Feminizing Genital Surgery: Before Your Surgery

What is feminizing genital surgery?

Feminizing genital surgery changes the look and function of your genitals so they align with your gender identity. This is also called "bottom surgery." There are different types of surgery that you may have.

You may have vulvoplasty. This surgery creates a vulva. The vulva includes the labia, clitoris, and urethra. The scrotum is often used to form the labia. The head of the penis is used to create a clitoris. The urethra is shortened and placed below the clitoris.

You may have vaginoplasty. This surgery creates a vulva just like vulvoplasty. And it creates a vagina. The doctor will use skin from the penis to form the vaginal wall. Sometimes extra skin is needed. It may come from the lower belly, hip, or scrotum.

Doctors can use different methods to do the surgery. One is robotic surgery. You and your doctor can discuss ahead of time which method is right for you.

You will be asleep during surgery. You will stay in the hospital for about 2 to 5 days after surgery. Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had. Most people can go back to work or their normal routine in 6 to 8 weeks.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Arrange for the care and support you'll need after surgery. Be sure you have someone to take you home. At home, you'll need help with many things, including wound care and showering. Your doctor can tell you how long you'll need this help. Having the support of people who care about you is important to your recovery.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
If you are taking hormones, your doctor will tell you whether to keep taking them or stop before your surgery.
If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking slows healing and increases surgery risks. Your doctor may require that you quit for a period of time before and after surgery. You have the best chance for a healthy recovery if you quit smoking completely. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any changes in your physical or mental health that might affect the surgery or your recovery.
Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
Follow your doctor's instructions about when to bathe or shower before your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them. If you're not able to remove jewellery, let your surgical team know as soon as possible.

At the hospital or surgery centre

Bring a picture ID.
You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery.
How long surgery takes will depend on what type or types of surgery you have. Your doctor will tell you what to expect.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.
You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.
You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.