Gender Reassignment Surgery hints at medical surgery performed so that individuals get their physical aspects as per their gender identity. Altering the physical characteristics plays a critical role here that matches the gender that the person would like to identify with. It will make the person more comfortable later.
This can include medical procedures, such as:
- chest or breast augmentation,
- facial surgeries
- genital reconstruction.
If there is a mismatch between your sex and gender identity (gender incongruence), you may be eligible for this medical procedure. It may be useful if you are experiencing psychological distress, as a result of gender incongruity (gender dysphoria). The end goal of this procedure is harmony between the person’s inside thoughts, sensitivity, and outward actions. Thailand is a popular geographical region for this type of surgery on account of its affordability. Distinguished plastic as well as cosmetic surgeons and a team of support staff are reasonably available in Thailand.
The cost of gender reassignment surgery in Thailand varies greatly based on various factors that include: the type of operation, the surgeon’s reputation, the location and prestige of the medical institution, and any other services necessary.
Types of Gender Reassignment Surgery
Normally, we know 2 types of gender reassignment surgery and highlight them below:
1) Feminization Surgery:
It includes the transition from masculine to feminine.
- Breast augmentation: A medical surgery that enlarges the shape and size of a breast.
- Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS): Changing the facial features, to get a womanly look.
- Genital Reconstruction Surgery (Vaginoplasty): This creates a vagina. And is frequently accompanied by labiaplasty to fine-tune the external genitalia.
- Voice surgery: Surgery, such as voice feminization can help gain the pitch of voice that sounds more like a woman.
2) Masculinization Surgery:
It includes changes from feminine to masculine.
- Chest Reconstruction: Breast tissue is removed to create a more masculine chest.
- Genital Reconstruction Surgery (Phalloplasty or Metoidioplasty): A penis is made using tissue from other parts of the body. Metoidioplasty makes use of the clitoris to create a smaller penis. And typically involves lengthening the urethra.
- Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS): This considers surgeries to make facial features appear more masculine, such as: reshaping the nose, chin, and jawline.
Cost of the Gender Reassignment Surgery in Thailand
Not all the clinics unwrap the cost of this medical surgery in Thailand. Approximately Thai Baht3,42,900 or $10,000 is the starting cost for this Gender Reassignment Surgery in Thailand. This procedure is likely to cost one-third less than a similar surgery in the United States. An estimate of the overall cost of the surgery is available from different reliable online sources and this is summarized below.
1) Male-to-Female Surgery
- Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS): It involves changing facial contours to get a womanly look. Body parts that are commonly operated up on include reshaping the nose, jawline, and forehead. It ranges from Thai Baht1,71,527 to 7,54,720 or $5,000 to $22,000.
- Breast Augmentation: It makes use of implants. These create an increase in the size and shape of the breast. It ranges from Thai Baht 3,43,054 to 4,11,665 or $ 10,000 to $ 12,000.
- Vaginoplasty (SRS): Also known as genital reconstruction surgery. It involves the creation of a vagina and frequently accompanied by labiaplasty. It costs from Thai Baht 2,05,832 to 4,11,665 or $ 6,000 to $ 12,000.
2) Female-to-Male Surgery
- Chest Surgery (Top Surgery): To get a man-like chest, surgeons remove the breast in this procedure. It costs from Thai Baht1,71,527 to 2,40,138 or $5,000 to $7,000.
- Phalloplasty (Bottom Surgery): The body creates a penis from the remaining parts. Metoidioplasty lets the clitoris create a smaller penis. And typically involves prolongation of the urethra. It costs from Thai Baht4,11,665 to 5,48,887 or $12,000 to $16,000.
- Facial masculinization: This surgery aims to create more men-line facial features. It can include jaw, chin, cheek, and forehead contouring. It costs nearly Thai Baht85,769 or $2,500.
Factors Connected With The Cost of Gender Reassignment Procedure in Thailand
The total cost of this surgery depends on several criteria, such as:
- Location and facility offered by hospitals: Clinic establishments in big cities, and urban places are likely to charge more for their facilities and their popularity.
- Doctor’s experience and reputation: Surgeons with a wide experience may charge higher fees.
- Patient’s condition: The health of the person and if additional treatment is needed.
- Duration of hospital stay: This is proportionately related to the length of stay in the hospital or clinic.
- Post-surgery care: Medications and follow-up visits
How to Choose the Right Hospital In Thailand For Gender Reassignment Surgery
Hospitals in Thailand are known for their hospitality and peace of mind for the patients. When an international patient selects a good hospital, it can be a challenge. This is an
arduous task in selecting a suitable hospital and several things have to be taken into consideration, such as:
- Quality standards and different certifications.
- Transport facility and location of the hospital.
- Advanced diagnostic and various treatment facilities are offered.
- A quick patient assistance.
Benefits
Thailand has a good number of highly trained and well-qualified surgeons. The low cost and warm hospitality of Thai people towards foreigners make this country a viable option for this
surgery.
- Price is affordable: Thailand has one of the lowest prices for surgery compared to Western countries. Political stability is another factor for people to come and visit this country.
- Climate: The tropical climate of this country is also good for the healing process.
- Skilled availability of surgeons: The trained doctors are experts in this surgery and have good years of experience in their field. The track record of surgeons accompanies a number of surgeries. This builds up a good confidence in patients to undergo such medical procedures.
- Respect and acceptance for transgenders: Thailand is well-known for respect towards different communities, especially transgenders. The inclusive atmosphere provides good support for transgender people who willingly come to this country and even encourages others to come.
What to Avoid After the Surgery
Some things should be taken care of and avoided:
- Sexual acts: It is normally recommended that you give up sexual activity for some weeks or months. It will enable a smooth healing and avoid the straining of the surgical area.
- Heavy exercises and Avoiding long drives: When driving long distances, the sitting position is liable to exert pressure on the surgical area. Put a limit on going for long drives. Strenuous exercise that includes running and lifting heavy objects can strain the surgical area and prolong the healing.
- Bowel movements and straining: Constipation also leads to straining. A high-fiber diet and plenty of water should be taken for a quick recovery.
- Not abiding by dilation guidelines: In case of a vaginoplasty, strictly adhere to the doctor’s guidelines that govern the vaginal dilation. It will keep the vagina fresh and healthy.
- Swimming: Don’t go for hot bathing or swimming in the initial period of recovery. The heat in such a case can increase the swelling.
Conclusion
Thailand has emerged as a low-cost medical tourism destination for people wishing to transform themselves. Thailand, with its expert surgeons, world-class medical facilities, and accepting society, provides opportunities for people to align their looks with their actual selves. While Thailand’s low cost is a considerable advantage, meticulous planning is required throughout the process.
Thailand’s resolve to make gender-affirming operations available represents a step toward a more open and welcoming world in which people can express their true gender identity without financial restrictions.
