Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS)

Gender reassignment surgery (GRS), also known as surgery to change one’s sexual orientation, is becoming more and more common as people become more aware of the numerous medical and aesthetic advancements in body sculpting techniques. In essence, GRS is a choice chosen by people who prefer to live in the opposite sex and are unhappy with the way of life of a particular sex. This is referred to as “gender dysphoria” in medical terminology.

The process of changing one’s gender involves several steps, the most important of which is physical reassignment. Other psycho-social modifications include hormone therapy, mental therapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and speech therapy.

What Is Gender Reassignment Surgery?

Gender reassignment surgery is a surgical procedure to modify a person’s physical sex characteristics to correspond with their gender identity. It is an option for those individuals who believe their body does not correspond with their gender identity.

Gender Reassignment Surgery Types and How They Are Performed

Male-to-Female Surgery

Also known as penile inversion vaginoplasty. In this surgery, a male genital is transformed into female genitalia. The natural penis is used to create a neo-vagina, preserving sensitivity and function.

Other associated procedures include:

• Breast augmentation
• Orchiectomy
• Tracheal shave
• Facial Feminization Surgery
• Voice Feminization Surgery

Female-to-Male Surgery

Transforms female genitalia into a functional penis. The surgeon may use implants to create a urethra for standing urination and reshape vaginal parts to form a phallus.

Surgical steps may include:

• Metoidioplasty
• Vaginectomy
• Hysterectomy
• Phalloplasty
• Scrotoplasty

Additional supportive procedures may include facial masculinization, hormone treatments for hair growth, and chest reconstruction.

How To Choose The Right Option For Gender Reassignment Surgery

Choosing the right surgeon for gender change surgery is critical. Ask potential surgeons the following:

• How many successful surgeries have you performed?
• Do you have a complete surgical and medical team?
• Is the facility equipped with all standard tools and prosthetics?
• What post-surgery care do you provide?
• Can you show before/after photos and videos?

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is There a Chance of Breast Regrowth After Top Surgery?
A: No. Some fat may remain for contour but breast tissue does not regrow.

Q: What is the Ideal Duration of a Gender Transition?
A: It varies per individual. It can include surgery, voice therapy, hormone therapy, and counseling.

Q: How Commonly Gender Reassignment Surgery is Performed?
A: 42–54% of transgender men and 28% of transgender women undergo GRS. Top surgery is more common than bottom surgery.

Q: Is it Safe To Have Gender Reassignment Surgery?
A: Like any major surgery, there are risks. Proper health assessments and experienced staff minimize complications.