Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Aftercare For Gender Reassignment Surgery?
The Elena Prousskaia Clinic prides itself on the quality of its aftercare so we will make absolutely sure you know what to expect, and how much rest is needed. We will give you specific instructions that may include how to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with Elena.
What Are The Risks For Gender Reassignment Surgery?
While complications are infrequent, no surgical procedure is without risks. Among the possible complications are scars, infection, haematoma, implant displacement, breast asymmetry and implant rupture. Elena will provide you with further information with the risks and provide you with a detailed consent form during your consultations. This will help you to minimise the risks.
What Does Gender Reassignment Surgery Entail?
Depending on your aim, Ms Prousskaia offers both breast tissue removal for female to male transition and breast implants for Male to Female transition. Normally both procedures are a one-night stay and are carried out under general anaesthetic.
What Does This Procedure Cost?
Please scroll down for more information on pricing.
What Is The Likely Recovery Time For Gender Reassignment?
The recovery tends to be similar to other breast procedures. The final result will be seen 12 months after surgery once swelling has settled down. You should rest and avoid any physical activity in the first 48 hours after surgery. You should avoid all sport activities, housework such as hovering, driving, dog walking for at least 4-6 weeks following surgery and any weight lifting or strenuous activities for up to 8-12 months following the surgery. Patients can benefit from taking four weeks off work, and after you have seen Ms Prousskaia for your four weeks follow up you can discuss beginning a gym routine focused on lower body strength.
Is This Procedure Painful?
After surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort, the level of which varies widely amongst patients. There is rarely prolonged pain unless there is a complication and in all cases you will be prescribed pain medication.
What Is The Difference Between This And Breast Reduction?
Breast tissue removal for Female to Male transition in most of cases is performed with horizontal scars and free nipple areolar graft to achieve male chest shape. Breast tissue removal can be combined with liposuction and skin tightening to avoid skin excess in large volume breast tissue removal.
What Type Of Implants Are Used For Male To Female Reassignment?
The shape of implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop). Both can provide an excellent result. The outer shell and the filling may vary depending on the manufacturer. Miss Prousskaia has never used PIP implants in her practice and she will offer you high quality implants from the best manufacturers. You will discuss with Miss Prousskaia which specific shape and size of implant would give you the optimal result. You should know that in the European Union (EU) 95% of implants used for breast augmentation are made of silicone gel and only 5% contains other type of fillings such as saline. Mentor Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants are devices with shells constructed from silicone elastomer. The shell is filled with MemoryGel®, Mentor’s proprietary formulation of silicone gel.
What Would My Expected Results Be?
Elena prides herself on taking the time to truly understand a patient’s aims and discussing what result will work best given the patient’s body shape and size. Although good results are expected, the body is not symmetric and almost everyone has some degree of unevenness, which may not be recognized in advance. The more realistic your expectations as to results, the better your results will be in your eye. You will have at least two consultations with Elena where she ensures that she meets your expectations and she will always try to achieve your desired results.
Am I A Candidate For Gender Reassignment Surgery?
Gender reassignment is a long process, which takes place with counselling and treatment by primary care doctors, psychologists, endocrinologists and surgeons. To consider suitability for surgery we would need to liaise with your GP to confirm that you fulfil the appropriate criteria, such as well documented gender dysphoria, a letter from a qualified mental health professional. You must be over 18 and not have acute mental health concerns. Usually with this kind of surgery the patient has already been living in a gender role for more than twelve months and receiving therapy.
