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Gender Affirmation Surgery (Bottom Surgery)

Gender Affirmation Surgery: Genital Reconstruction Procedures in Sydney

Overview

Gender affirmation “bottom surgery” refers to a range of genital reconstructive procedures that can modify external and/or internal genital anatomy in line with an individual’s goals as part of gender affirmation care. These are complex procedures that require careful assessment, detailed consent, and planned follow-up. A consultation is required to confirm suitability, discuss options and alternatives, and explain risks, scarring, and recovery. Outcomes vary and depend on anatomy, chosen technique, healing response, and post-operative care.

Meet Our Doctors

Discover the highly qualified surgeons and doctors behind our trusted procedures. Browse their credentials, specialties, and treatments, then explore each procedure in detail to find the right expert for your needs.

Dr. Lajevardi

MBBS BSc(Med) Hons GDip(Anat) MS (Plast) PhD (Med) FRACS (Plast)

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Dr. Sepehr Lajevardi is a Sydney based Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon specialising in aesthetic surgery of breast and body, as well as skin cancer and hand surgery.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Skin Cancer Resection & Reconstruction
- Hand Trauma & Elective Hand Surgery
- Post Weight Loss Body Contouring
- Breast Surgeries
- Transgender Surgery

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR LAJEVARDI

Dr Phaethon Karagiannis

MBBS BMedSci PGradDipAnat MPH FRACS (Plast)

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Dr Phaethon Karagiannis is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 14 years of medical experience, including 9 years exclusively in plastic surgery. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Melbourne, where he also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy. He later completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney.

Procedures & Treatments

Dr Phaethon primarily focuses on Facial Surgeries.

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Dr Purvesh Punj

FRACS (Plast), MSSc (Adel), MBBS (Adel)

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Dr Punj has completed two Subspecialty Fellowships after completing Plastic Surgery Training in Adelaide. Specialized in Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Rhinoplasty, Breast including Body Contouring & Reconstructive surgery.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Facial Surgery
- Nose Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Breast Surgeries
- Body Surgery

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Dr Nikolas Katelaris

MBBS, Master of Surgery, FRACGP

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Dr Katelaris has extensive training and experience in same-day, local anaesthetic surgical assessment and procedures that are completed with meticulous technique. Dr Katelaris was a Urology Registrar for 3 years at teaching hospitals in Sydney, Albury and Tweed Heads.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Skin Cancer
- Mens Health
- Urology
- Health Clinic

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Dr Hamid Hajian

MD, PhD, FRACS (Vascular Surgery)

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Dr Hajian is a Sydney-based vascular and Endovascular surgeon. He is a member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery. Dr Hajian is an Australian trained vascular surgeon. As a specialist in vascular surgery, he provides high quality of care for patients with various acute and chronic conditions affecting the blood vessels and circulatory system.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Varicose Veins
- Spider Veins
- Diabetic Foot Treatment
- Endovascular Surgery

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About This Procedure

Bottom surgery is not one single operation. The most appropriate procedure (or staged plan) depends on anatomy, goals, health factors, and what is clinically suitable. Procedures are commonly discussed in two broad groups:

Male to Female (MTF) Procedures (selected cases)

These procedures may involve removal of testes and reconstruction of genital tissues to create external genital appearance and/or a vaginal canal, depending on the procedure selected.

Options that may be considered include:

– Orchidectomy (selected cases): removal of the testes. This may be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a broader surgical plan.
– Vaginoplasty (selected cases): creation of a vaginal canal and external genital structures using established reconstructive techniques. Technique selection depends on anatomy and clinical factors.
– Vulvoplasty / “zero-depth” vaginoplasty (selected cases): creation of external genital structures without creating a vaginal canal.
– Labiaplasty / refinement procedures (selected cases): staged refinement of external tissues may be considered as part of the overall plan.

Female to Male (FTM) Procedures (selected cases)

These procedures may involve creation of a phallus or modification of existing genital tissues depending on individual goals and what is clinically suitable.

Options that may be considered include:

– Metoidioplasty (selected cases): modification of the hormonally enlarged clitoris; may be combined with additional procedures depending on goals (e.g., urethral lengthening in selected cases).
– Phalloplasty (selected cases): construction of a phallus using tissue from a donor site (often performed in stages). Technique and staging depend on anatomy, donor site suitability, and clinical planning.

Your surgeon will explain which options may be appropriate for you, expected limitations, and whether a staged approach is recommended.

Surgical Techniques & Approaches

Bottom surgery uses reconstructive plastic surgery principles and may involve different approaches depending on procedure type and individual anatomy.

Techniques may include:

– Reconstructive tissue design and grafting (selected cases): skin grafts and/or tissue flaps may be used. Donor sites (where tissue is taken) will also heal and will scar.
– Microsurgery (selected cases): for some phalloplasty techniques, vessels and nerves may be connected using microsurgical methods to support tissue viability and potential sensory outcomes.
– Nerve preservation strategies (selected cases): where clinically appropriate, techniques aim to preserve key nerves; however, sensory outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed.
– Urethral reconstruction (selected cases): may be required depending on the chosen procedure and goals. This can carry specific risks that will be discussed.

Technique choice is individualised. Your surgeon will explain the recommended plan, trade-offs, and what follow-up is typically required.

Are you considering a Gender Affirmation Surgery (Bottom Surgery)?

If you’re looking for more information about a Gender Affirmation Surgery (Bottom Surgery), get intouch with our friendly clinic staff to answer any questions you might have.

Suitability

Suitability is determined during consultation and may involve coordination with your usual treating team. Factors commonly considered include:

– General health and medical stability for major surgery
– Ability to safely undergo general anaesthesia
– Understanding of the procedure plan, limitations, scarring, risks, and recovery demands
– Capacity to commit to post-operative care and follow-up (including dilation protocols for canal-forming vaginoplasty, where relevant)
– Smoking/nicotine status (nicotine can significantly increase complication risk)

Some patients may be advised to delay surgery to optimise health factors (e.g., smoking cessation, medical conditions, weight stability) or to complete required preparation steps.

Expected Scarring & Incisions

All surgery results in scarring. Scar location and visibility depend on the procedure, technique, and whether donor sites are used.

Examples of scar locations may include:

– Genital region incisions (procedure-dependent)
– Donor site scars (e.g., forearm/thigh for some phalloplasty techniques, where applicable)

Scars are permanent but typically change over time. Scar quality varies between individuals and can be influenced by healing response, infection, tension on wounds, and aftercare.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery varies by procedure type and staging. Hospital stay, catheter duration, wound care, activity restrictions, and time off work differ significantly between patients and procedures.

Examples of recovery considerations include:

– Hospital stay: varies depending on procedure complexity and individual needs
– Catheter care: may be required for a period after surgery (timeframe varies)
– Dilation protocols (selected cases): canal-forming vaginoplasty requires an ongoing dilation schedule; adherence is important and long-term maintenance may be required
– Return to work and exercise: depends on your procedure and healing; your surgeon will advise staged return to activity

You will be provided with tailored written aftercare instructions and a follow-up schedule.

Risks & Considerations

All surgical procedures carry risks and outcomes vary. Your surgeon will discuss risks specific to your procedure plan and health profile. Potential risks may include:

– Bleeding, bruising, infection, delayed wound healing
– Scarring concerns (including hypertrophic scarring in some individuals)
– Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
– Tissue loss/compromised tissue viability (risk varies by technique, higher with nicotine use and some flap procedures)
– Urinary complications (e.g., strictures or fistulas), particularly where urethral reconstruction/lengthening is performed
– Sensory changes (temporary or permanent); sensation and sexual function vary and cannot be guaranteed
– Asymmetry, contour irregularities, or functional concerns requiring revision surgery (sometimes required, not guaranteed)
– Need for staged procedures and prolonged recovery depending on the surgical pathway

Your surgeon will also discuss procedure-specific considerations such as dilation requirements (for canal-forming vaginoplasty) and catheter care where applicable.

Fees & Inclusions

Costs are highly individualised and depend on:

– The procedures selected and whether surgery is staged
– Hospital and anaesthetist fees
– Assistant surgeon fees (where required)
– Donor site requirements and complexity

A detailed written quote and financial consent are provided after consultation once a surgical plan is confirmed. Medicare and private health insurance arrangements vary based on item numbers and clinical indications and will be discussed with you.

Resources & Guides

A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Procedure & Results

Do I need imaging?

Imaging is recommended in some situations and depends on symptoms, examination findings and your history.
Examination can provide clues, but imaging is often needed to confirm.
Changes in breast shape, firmness, swelling, discomfort, or concerns about implant integrity warrant assessment.

Pain & Recovery

Is the exam painful?

Most examinations are tolerable, but sensitivity varies. Tell your clinician if you are uncomfortable.
You can discuss concerns during the consultation; the assessment can be paced to your comfort.

Safety & Credentials

How do I verify practitioner registration?

Check the AHPRA public register and ask about experience with implant monitoring and management.
Imaging is performed by appropriate radiology providers; referrals are discussed during consultation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.