Genital surgery, also known as genital reconstructive surgery or gender-affirming surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to alter the appearance and/or function of the genital organs to align with a person's gender identity or address specific medical conditions. Genital surgery is an essential component of gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals, but it can also be performed for medical reasons unrelated to gender identity.
There are several types of genital surgeries, depending on the individual's needs and goals:
1. Transgender Genital Surgery:
- Male-to-Female (MTF) Genital Surgery (Vaginoplasty): This procedure creates a neovagina and may involve the removal of the penis (penectomy) and construction of the clitoris (clitoroplasty).
- Female-to-Male (FTM) Genital Surgery (Phalloplasty or Metoidioplasty): Phalloplasty involves constructing a neophallus using various techniques, while metoidioplasty involves enhancing the clitoral tissue that has grown due to testosterone therapy.
2. Intersex Genital Surgery:
Intersex individuals may undergo genital surgery for medical reasons to address congenital differences in their reproductive and sexual anatomy. The specific surgical procedures vary depending on the individual's intersex condition and medical needs.
3. Vaginal Reconstruction:
Vaginal reconstruction surgery, also known as vaginoplasty, may be performed for cisgender women with congenital abnormalities, trauma, or other medical conditions affecting the vagina.
4. Penile Reconstruction:
Penile reconstruction surgery, also known as phalloplasty, may be performed for cisgender men with congenital abnormalities, trauma, or other medical conditions affecting the penis.
5. Genital Cancer Surgery:
In cases of genital cancers, surgical procedures may be performed to remove tumors or affected tissues while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible.
It's essential to emphasize that genital surgery is a personal decision, and not all transgender or intersex individuals choose to undergo these procedures. Gender-affirming care is multidisciplinary, and individuals may also pursue other aspects of gender transition, such as hormone therapy and mental health support, in addition to or instead of surgical interventions.
Genital surgery is complex and typically requires a thorough evaluation and extensive discussions with a qualified and experienced team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, psychologists, and other specialists. The decision to undergo genital surgery should be made with careful consideration, informed consent, and support from medical professionals who specialize in gender-affirming care.
Want to know more about Genital Surgery In Thailand, Please consult Professor Somyos Kunachak,he was trained in Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University School of Medicine as well as from several academic bodies in Europe and America. He has been practicing plastic surgery in Thailand for more than 25 years and is running a private practice alongside his career as a fulltime Educator for more than 20years.
During this period, Prof. Kunachak amassed training experiences not just in the field of Plastic Surgery, but also in Anti-Aging Medicine, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Chinese Acupuncture, Laser Medicine and Surgery, Minimal Invasive Surgery and while doing so, authored and published more than 30 scientific and medical researches.
Prof. Kunachak has just recently retired from the academe but his natural affinity to be an educator extends to accepting a consultancy position in his university for the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.