Gender Enhancement

Gender enhancement surgery is a wide range of cosmetic surgical treatments for transgender patients looking to change their anatomical appearance.

This is an important decision to make for patients who feel conflicted between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. This is known as gender dysphoria. The surgery involves correcting these inadequacies by transforming the body to look either more feminine or masculine as determined by the patient. At the Hamlet Clinic, we can help you achieve your ideal body. Our number one priority is to accomplish a positive physical outcome. It is an empowered step in embracing your body and identity. We are committed to providing patients with honest advice and impeccable patient care, and of course, rewarding results. To learn more about gender enhancements and how it helps transgender people regain their lives, schedule a consultation or call us at 0207 127 4377.

About Gender Confirmation Surgery 

The surgery is known by different variants such as sex reassignment surgery (SRS) and gender reassignment surgery (GRS). Despite terminology differences, the meaning behind them remains the same. This procedure is a multi-step process where those suffering from gender dysphoria can choose to have surgical procedures done on their chest, genitals, or face to make their bodies match their gender identity. People with gender dysphoria often feel that they were born into the wrong gender. Surgical intervention is usually the last step in the transition process, but it is not a decision to be made lightly. 

We perform two main procedures: trans-feminine (Male to Female) and trans-masculine (Female to Male) surgeries. Trans-feminine operations are for patients looking to acquire female characteristics such as more delicate facial features, breasts, and other aspects of female anatomy. Conversely, trans-masculine (Female to Male) patients are looking to change their bodies to match male attributes. These procedures range from creating a flatter chest to adding other male anatomical features.

These procedures are a life-changing personal choice. That is why patients come to Dr Grant Hamlet. He is one of London’s most renowned cosmetic surgeons and finds it extremely rewarding to give patients a body that makes them proud. He and his friendly medical staff will make sure that you are well-taken care of.

If you are considering gender enhancement surgery, schedule a consultation with us or call 0207 127 4377.

Benefits

Transgender patients seeking gender enhancement or gender-affirming surgery enjoy increases in their mental and physical health. The overall quality of life improves after surgery. A study in 2007 reported high surgical satisfaction numbers. ^[1] 

Patients have reported:

Candidates in London

Gender enhancement surgeries are performed on people who identify as transgender. Those who are looking for gender enhancement surgeries should be mentally and physically healthy. The procedure is often reserved for clients who are proven to have gender dysphoria, a medical condition that causes great distress to their gender identity and expression. To ensure your surgery goes well, it is important that you disclose your medical history during your consultation. Gender affirmation surgery along with hormone therapy is a methodical process that may take time to develop results. ^[2] 

Ideal candidates should:

Personal Consultation

Dr Hamlet and his staff are here to help you achieve your ideal body. You’ll have the chance to be open about your transition process and surgical goals. Know that it’s okay to have a wide range of emotions about your new body. We are here to help. The staff will review your medical history and perform an examination to pinpoint specific areas to enhance. After that, Dr Hamlet will develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Start the process to finally control your appearance, your gender, and your life. Schedule a consultation with us. Our state of the art office facility in the Marylebone district offers a holistic approach to every one of our patients to ensure that they walk out feeling fabulous.

Preparation

Patients may be asked to finalize a few details before surgery. You may be asked to provide letters of recommendations by two licensed therapists and complete a comprehensive medical evaluation. Patients may first undergo hormone therapy. These hormones aredesigned to suppress the sex characteristics of the biological gender and enhance the attributes of the patient’s desired sex. ^[3] For example, trans men taking androgens will start developing facial hair. Trans women can take Men taking estrogens and anti-androgens will start to look more feminine. ^[4] Surgery is typically done in a hospital where you will rest comfortably throughout your procedure. Some follow up procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis.

Procedure

Surgical transition can be an involved process and may include several procedures to enhance the body to its optimal self. There are two types of surgeries:

Trans-Feminine (Male to Female) Top Surgery

In facial feminization surgery, Dr Hamlet has a lot of facial contouring procedures to choose from to make MTF patients appear more feminine. Some of these procedures are: facelifts,  rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and eyelid surgery. 

Aesthetic transformation can bring a feminine touch in both the inner and outer portions of the body of a transgender woman. These techniques require the reconstruction of the chest and lower body by using implants and fat grafts. Procedures such as breast augmentation are used.

Trans-Feminine (Male to Female) Bottom Surgery

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure where Dr Hamlet removes the penis and scrotum to create female genitalia. In this procedure, a skin graft will be used to create a new vaginal canal (the inside wall of the vagina). To do this, skin from your scrotum will be taken out and thinned so it works well as a skin graft. ^[5]

To make your new vaginal canal, a space is created between your rectum and bladder. Once your skin graft is inserted, your surgeon will place a gauze or spongy material inside the new vaginal canal for five days. The gauze puts pressure on the skin graft so it grows as it should into the surrounding vaginal tissue. ^[6]

Trans-Masculine (Female to Male) Top Surgery

Stronger and chiselled contours can be skillfully created in FTM facial enhancements. Cosmetic surgery can reduce smooth contours and enhance masculine lines in the face. Some operations include facial implants and rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). 

Different cosmetic procedures focus on the breast to create and accentuate the male body. Options comprise of mammoplasty (breast reduction) and mastectomy (breast removal).

Trans-Masculine (Female to Male) Bottom Surgery

There are two surgical methods for patients seeking male anatomical parts. Metoidioplasty is a process where ligaments that hold the clitoris in place are released, allowing it to hang away from the body to provide the genitals with a more masculine appearance. ^[7]

Phalloplasty is a surgical method used to construct male genitals from tissue from your forearm, thighs, and/or abdomen. The testicular augmentation creates the testes and finally, the urethroplasty can be performed so that the patient can urinate normally. ^[8] Testicular augmentation can be performed to create testicles with a natural appearance and feel. Finally, urethroplasty can be performed, so that the patient can urinate from a standing position.

Recovery

Everyone’s journey is unique. Your recovery process will be unique as well.

Most patients spend about 1-2 weeks in the hospital resting while doctors monitor their progress. When it’s time to go home, Dr Hamlet will give you specific instructions on how to care for your treatment. You will be prescribed medication to minimize discomfort.  It is important to get as much rest during the first two weeks after surgery. When you go home, expect aftercare to last another 7-10 days. Make sure to designate a loved one or friend to care for you after surgery to make the recovery period easier. Our office will schedule follow-up appointments to make sure your recovery is going smoothly. You can return to your usual daily activities including work in six to eight weeks. Certain things, such as driving, heavy lifting, and exercise, may be restricted in the post-operative period. Complete recovery can take up to one year.

FAQ

References

1. NHS Choices. (2020, May 28). Overview – Gender dysphoria. ; National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/
2. Monstrey, S., Ceulemans, P., & Hoebeke, P. (2011). Sex Reassignment Surgery in the Female-to-Male Transsexual. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 25(03), 229–244. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1281493
3. Selvaggi, G., & Bellringer, J. (2011). Gender reassignment surgery: an overview. Nature Reviews Urology, 8(5), 274–282. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2011.46
4. van de Grift, T. C., Elaut, E., Cerwenka, S. C., Cohen-Kettenis, P. T., & Kreukels, B. P. C. (2017). Surgical Satisfaction, Quality of Life, and Their Association After Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Follow-up Study. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44(2), 138–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623x.2017.1326190
5. What is gender reassignment surgery? | ISSM. (2018, September 21). ; International Society of Sexual Medicine. https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-gender-reassignment-surgery/