Gender Reassignment Surgery Cost Thailand

What is Gender Reassignment?

Gender reassignment surgery is a technological and scientific leap, in physical transition, which is a leap of faith for a happier and contended version of our true selves. Even if it wasn’t given, it can now be claimed.

A surgery that comes as a solution to those seeking to achieve self-identity and transition to their desired gender by changing the genitalia from one sex to another.

It is performed to align and match the trans person’s physicality and functionality with what they believe intuitively or emotionally as their true gender. This may also help those who no longer have to adjust to their continuous discomfort of being assigned with gender by birth when they really identify themselves with the other gender.

Gender reassignment surgery (GRS), sex change surgery (SCS), Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS), Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS), Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS), Gender Affirming Surgery (GAS)- are all same but different names given to a procedure/surgery or a series of such surgeries for transgenders or transsexual individual to make changes to the physical attributes and sexual characteristics to mirror those that go well with their identified gender to make gender dysphoria, a little better.

A few decades before, sex reassignment options and possibilities were not so openly discussed which blurred the most well-equipped options available to those seeking these procedures. Thanks to technology, globalization and a more progressive society, some well-known destinations have been showcased. These destinations have opened doors to those opting for such procedures and offer the best services in this field.

COST/PRICING

The cost of SRS is definitely steep. It may depend on the procedures opted, the surgeon, the location and the post-operative care. The estimates may also vary in correspondence to the change in the currency value and exchange rates. However, when it’s a transgender surgery/SRS Thailand is significantly cheaper than its Western counterparts. Let’s see a projection:

IN US THE COST OF AN

• MTF is $7,000-$24,000 (6,500-22,000)
• FTM is $50,000 (46,000)

IN EUROPE- A METOIDIOPLASTY SURGERY CAN COST AROUND €13000

An average transgender surgery may cost based on other procedures, which is $1,500- $26,000. However, the total cost could be as high as $200,000-$300,000

However, in Thailand, the cost varies from $7,000-$24,000

The cost of an SRS may always depend on case to case. 

Sort of Sex Reassignment surgeries:

Sex reassignment surgery is possibly of two types:

• Male to female (MTF): In order to change the gender identity to the true identity to which the person relates, male-to-female surgery is performed. The most integral procedure of this transition is- vaginoplasty, also termed as genital reassignment surgery. With the latest equipment and advanced technology, people who undergo the surgery can expect excellent results, on the basis of functionality and aesthetics, with a low complication rate. This procedure, however, may not be for people with obesity.

There are several other surgeries the person goes through during the treatment:

1. Facial Feminization Surgery– involves the procedure to transform masculine characteristics and features into a subtle feminine appearance. This may include balancing the facial frame like the jaw-line, hair-line, cheeks, and chin. Facial bones and soft tissues are also balanced to create a softer look. This concludes in complete facial rejuvenation.

2. Transfeminine Top Surgery– also termed as breast augmentation or mammoplasty, targets the transformation of the male chest to a feminine shape by enhancing the size by saline or silicone implants and constructing and balancing the breast-to-hip ratio.

3. Transfeminine Bottom Surgery – may also refer to vaginoplasty, which is the procedure to transform male genitalia and reconstruct it to that of a female. The most common method to perform this surgery is penile inversion vaginoplasty.

• Female to male (FTM): recommended for people who are strongly convinced that they are born in the wrong body. Transsexualism may still need to be explored to completely understand the etymology, however, what’s comprehended is that it’s a blend of various biological and psychological factors and sex reassignment is the only solution. This being the basis, before the gender-affirming surgery, the person receives testosterone replacement and has to undergo some other surgeries as well:

Mastectomy– involves removing breast tissues from one or both breasts to transform the shape of the breast.

Bottom Surgery– also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS), gender confirmation surgery (GCS). The procedures involved during this surgery are:

Vaginoplasty– refers to the construction or reconstruction of the vagina.

Phalloplasty– the construction or reconstruction of the penis.

Metoidioplasty– also termed as Meta is typically a TM surgery. This refers to working with existing genital tissue from the clitoris to create a neophallus i.e., a new penis. A prior hormone substitution therapy, for around a year, is a prerequisite as testosterone helps to increase the size of the clitoris. This surgery is generally requested by AFAB (assigned female at birth).

Before the surgery

Considering SRS may be an intimidating experience and should be considered after a lot of conviction. You have to be totally convinced, sure and practically understand every aspect and detail about the surgery, its procedure and the pros and cons as once done it’s irreversible and there may be a risk of side effects. A complete mental health check-up is thus required to rule out any mental health obstruction that might later affect your mental health. This must be thoroughly discussed with family, friends and your doctor to attain complete trust and confidence.

Risks/ Side Effects

There are risks attached to almost any surgical procedure which may later have a negative impact on the patient. It is therefore always wise to discuss the risks and educate the patient about any/all the risks. 

SRS is definitely a complicated surgery and every aspect should be explored:

It is irreversible– so the outcome has to be accepted. There should not be any doubts and dissatisfaction later.

Like other surgeries, even this surgery has a scope of infection, bleeding, pain and regular follow-ups.

Adjusting to the new body type- it may take some time to adjust to the newly transformed body/parts and mannerisms that come along.

The Better Side

By and large, people who have undergone the SRS experience an improvement in their quality of life in terms of satisfaction and self-acceptance. Depending on the surgeons you choose, the place of surgery the procedure is a success. Based on these procedures 94%-100% of individuals report how satisfied they have felt post-surgery. Mental health evaluation is a prerequisite of SRS and plays a very important role in concluding a surgery to be a success.

Top Ranking Destination for Sex Reassignment Surgery

When considering all the top-ranking options/destinations, Thailand sure makes a mark. It has become the hotspot, the most sought-after destination when it comes to aesthetic surgeries or sex reassignment surgeries.

Let’s review how Thailand is as a place to visit, the cost and some extremely significant facts we may ponder upon when considering a surgery that’s definitely not a regular surgery. Sure, enough sex reassignment paves a way to patients’ new life, but cannot be considered lightly as its irreversible once it’s performed.

About Thailand …

THAILAND

You talk about a perfect tropical getaway, scintillating beaches and forests at the same time, diving in water or treading a mountain to explore the wild and the abundance nature offers- Thailand gets the shout-out! It offers a wide range of places to make all family tours splendid, yet safe. It would not be incorrect to consider Thailand as a self-restoration destination. The high season lasts from November to March. The climate is hot and humid all through the year. A high-factor sunscreen and a pair of UV-protective glasses lets the tourists enjoy the tropical beauty and abundance along with its soaring temperature. 

Airports in Thailand are serviced by the world’s leading airlines. Tourists can pour in from anywhere in the world. All popular regions have their own international airports, Pattaya being an exception. Airports are favorably linked for domestic flights in Thailand and have a range of budget airlines. Trains  

Not only leisure attracts tourists, Thailand ranks among the top destinations when it comes to medical tourism. Saving on to monetary value, patients from all over the world visit Thailand for almost all sorts of treatments, surgeries and diagnostic centres. Thai hospitals not only offer cheaper pricing but it also ensures quality services as the majority of hospitals are certified and JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited. The healthcare standards stand at par with other western counterparts. It proudly displays having 1300 hospitals, around 400 are privately owned, 60 hospitals JCI accredited, with state-of-the-art infrastructure for the international clientele. Majority of the staff is English speaking and offer translation services.

Thailand also ensures that all the tourists who visit them are safe, thus making it the least dangerous destination in Southeast Asia. Aesthetic, dental and sex reassignment surgeries are most widely available in correspondence to the demand. 

HOW THAILAND STANDS APART

Thailand has earned this reputation over years by providing the most quality services and that too at a competitive price. Let’s review why would it make sense to circle Thailand, when considering SRS:

Approach and accessibility: A liberal and unprejudiced approach in matters like sex, transsexuals, and sex reassignment surgeries as a corrective measure- has made Thailand the first choice for SRS. People seeking such options are comfortable discussing the procedure and later getting it done with the utmost care due to easy, unruffled access to several options at the same place.

Affordability: For those males and females born into a specific gender, however, may not emotionally or mentally find it corresponding to their gender had to give up availing an option to undergo a procedure, just because of the cost involved. Countries like US, UK, Australia, Canada are comparatively too expensive and have a long waiting time to cater all aspirants. In Asia, Thailand has become the most sought-after hub for SRS. The cost is approximately 4 times less than what places in the US offer. 

In Thailand-The cost ranges from as low as $ 5,500- $22,000.

In US- The cost is upwards around $30,000, excluding the top surgeries which cost $9,000-$10,000

Quality services and experienced medical staff: Being cost-effective yet best in quality has attracted people from developed countries to Thailand. In Thailand these surgeries were first performed way back in 1975. This has ensured people have the most well-known surgeons (and a supply of such surgeons) and an experienced medical staff who have made a name and are trusted largely.

Less waiting time: In Thailand, government-funded healthcare is commonly available through public hospitals, however, only for the locals. Foreign patients bear the regular pricing. This ensures a controlled rush in private hospitals and results in less waiting time.

High success rate: Thailand has been performing the SRS since the 70’s. With decades of experience, it has established a network of the most efficient team of doctors and caregivers which definitely makes Thailand boast about the success rate of performing these surgeries. These surgeries are no doubt very complicated surgeries and there may always be a risk of side effects and the risk of the outcome. However, the surgeons claim to have a complication rate as low as 1%. Some hospitals also provide before and after pictures to showcase their aesthetics and the level of skill for patients to evaluate the difference.

QUESTIONS ASKED FREQUENTLY

Q. Are there any procedure details required? Which procedure details are required?
A. It is important to consult a trusted surgeon before the surgery. Counseling sessions are also a way to clear doubts and build self-conviction. A clear understanding about the benefits and side effects, other options available should also be discussed.
Medical records to confirm consistent gender dysphoria may help during the insurance process. A confirmation from a counselor or a psychiatrist may also be needed.

Q. How is SRS beneficial?
A. Individuals who have undergone the surgery enjoy carefree long-term health benefits. Not only this, it has been observed in a study that among those who have undergone the SRS, the need for mental health has shown a downward trend of 8%.

Q. Is there an age limit for who can get the SRS?
A. Yes, the individual has to be 18 and above.