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Also known as Gender Reassignment or Sex Change Surgery, Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) involves the surgical procedures required to change a person’s sexual characteristics from one gender to the other. The procedure can be used to transition a person from Male to Female and from Female to Male. Male to Female procedure involves reshaping of male genitals to appear and function as female genitalia (including a vaginoplasty), hair removal therapy, hormone replacement, facial feminization surgery, and Breast Augmentation.
Hormone treatment is started one year prior to surgery and continues after, where estrogen helps to reshape the body’s contours and stimulates the growth of labia majora. At least one therapist will be required to assess a patient’s psychological wellbeing before the go-ahead can be given.
The decision to have a breast augmentation should be an informed one that takes into account the potential risks and side effects. You should also have realistic expectations about the results of breast implant surgery to avoid disappointment. Find out about the procedure, the recovery period and any possible complications - ask your doctor or surgeon if you are unsure about anything.
One of the most common inquiries about the Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) pertains to its expense. The financial burden associated with the procedure may significantly impact one's decision to pursue it. Nonetheless, it's not easy to pinpoint the exact cost, given that numerous factors can influence it. In Japan, the total cost of the procedure may fluctuate considerably based on factors like surgeon qualification, the intricacy of the operation, and the span of hospitalization, to name a few.
It's vital to acknowledge that the Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) is not a one-off event, but entails a succession of treatments and surgeries. Typically, it includes mental health sessions, hormone treatments, and several surgical procedures, all of which add to the general cost. Expenses post-surgery, such as medication, check-up appointments, possible extra surgeries, and supplementary therapies, also require consideration. Furthermore, expenses for travel and lodging in Japan should be taken into account. For a precise cost approximation, reach out directly to the clinic.
Clinically speaking, sex change operation is known as “Genitoplasty Procedure”. This type of procedure can be performed to transition an individual from female to male and from male to female.
It is very important to understand that before you undergo surgery, you will need to first transition. Gender transition is a lengthy process that requires a lot of patience and resilience. In addition, it will be of great help if you have a strong support system to back you up in times of difficulty. It’s also essential that you have a therapist to not just help you with your emotional wellbeing before and after the transition, you will also need a letter of recommendation from your therapist before your surgery.
Transitioning from male to female will involve penectomy (removal of the penis), orchiectomy (removal of testes), vaginoplasty (creation of a vagina), and feminizing genitoplasty (creation of female genitalia). During the surgery, you will be induced with a general anesthetic.
You must start hormone treatment a year prior to your surgery to help reshape your body contours and stimulate the growth of your labia majora. Hormone treatment will be continued even after your sex-change operation.
There are popular MTF sex reassignment surgery techniques which you can choose from, two of which are: sex reassignment surgery with skin graft technique - the most popular SRS procedure, vaginal depth is up to 13-15cm (5-6 in). Another is sex reassignment surgery with colon graft - suitable for people with less scrotal skin and those who prefer a lubricated vagina and is considered as the most expensive procedure.
There are other procedures that you can undergo to fully transition from male to female. These may include; breast implants, facial feminization surgery (FFS), and another procedure would be to minimize the appearance of your Adam’s apple, etc. All procedures to help one fully transition will vary on the individual’s need and of course, their budget.
Prerequisites to Surgery
Popular MTF Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) Techniques
1. SRS with Penile Skin Inversion
2. SRS with Scrotal Skin Graft
3. SRS with Sigmoid Colon by Laparoscopic Technique
A lot of patients prefer having surgery overseas since it is far less expensive and most countries, like Japan, have a very high success rate in terms of plastic surgery and gender reassignment surgery.
Recovery after surgery will be a long and painful process. It will also require several follow up procedures as well as constant monitoring so you will have to stay a little bit longer at the hospital until you are ready to be discharged. Generally, allow for a minimum of 3 weeks stay in Japan after your surgery, this will allow for the removal of stitches and a few weeks of follow up visits with the surgeon.
Smoking before and after the surgery is highly discouraged and avoid smoking for at least two weeks to reduce risks of non-healing.
Most people are able to return to work in about 4-6 weeks after a sex change operation. Furthermore, you can resume strenuous work and exercise after 2 months. It is vital that you strictly follow all medication instructions during your recovery period.
Keep in mind, recuperation incorporates not only physical healing but also emotional rejuvenation. The Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) implies a noteworthy modification in your way of living and acclimating to an altered body image and social identification requires patience. Mental health guidance proves to be an important element in the healing journey, offering emotional assistance and managing any mental obstacles that come up.
Social support is very important before and after the surgery, especially the support that comes from your family and loved ones. You have to be socially and emotionally stable before you undergo the operation. This is why it is required that you have proper counseling to help you with your emotional wellbeing. You have to prepare yourself mentally, before, during and after transition because it can be quite overwhelming and stressful.
It is also important that you maintain a regular check-up with your local doctor to monitor the progress of your healing and avoid complications.
The success rate for a sex change is very high nowadays, given technological advancements and the greater experience of surgeons. Gender reassignment surgery from male to female has a higher success rate than female to male; this is why more male transgender people opt for a sex change.
However, given the nature and complexities of this type of surgery, you also have to be aware of its complications, for example, there is always a possible risk of infection, severe pain, given the intrusive nature of the surgeries and the potential for blood clotting and scarring.
Possible side effects may also include a decreased sexual sensation and ability to orgasm, fistula (opening between rectum and vagina), narrowing of vagina and hair growth in the vagina from the grafted tissue and the partial death of tissue used to create the new vagina.
There is no alternative to a sex-change operation for those who want to fully transition their body to match their gender identity. Undergoing gender reassignment surgery will require a lot of time, energy, patience, and of course money. A vast majority of people who experience gender dysphoria never really surgically alter their appearance. Instead, they use creams and hormonal pills to alter their bodily appearance. Estrogens (female hormones) will help develop the breast, widen the hips, help lose facial hair and slightly increase voice pitch.
Prior to even undergoing the Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female), those considering this option should be aware that their health care provider will necessitate a thorough evaluation phase. This is implemented to ascertain that the individual is thoroughly prepared, both physically and mentally, for the major changes that the procedure implies. The evaluation generally includes multifaceted assessments of physical and mental health, as well as evaluating certain social circumstances. The objective of these assessments is to gauge the individual's preparedness and appropriateness for the procedure.
In this initial stage, the health care provider implements a cross-disciplinary strategy, typically engaging a collaborative team made up of endocrinologists, psychologists, and surgeons. The aim is the effective provision of required hormone therapy and mental health counseling, alongside addressing any possible health-related issues. This pre-surgery stage also serves to educate and obtain consent, meticulously discussing details such as the implications, possible outcomes, risks, and difficulties related to the Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female). Once approved for surgery, patients should be ready to adhere strictly to all pre-surgery directions to lessen any potential risks and complications during the process.
Post Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female), patients should gear up for a substantial recovery period. This will require dedicated wound maintenance, compliance with prescribed medicines, and following specific physical limitations to assist healing. Depending on the specific nature of the surgery, some patients might also have to adhere to a vaginal dilation plan. This plan necessitates consistent use of dilators to avoid the newly created vagina from becoming narrow during the healing period.
A comprehensive understanding and consideration of prospective hazards and difficulties linked to Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) is vital before proceeding. As a significant surgical operation, it inherently possesses hazards such as intolerance to anesthesia, surgical infections, hematoma or blood congregating outside the blood vessels, excessive bleeding, or suturing problems. Even with the advancements in modern surgical procedures that help minimize these risks, they cannot be entirely eradicated and, therefore, must be anticipated.
The Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) encompasses elaborate and multifaceted surgeries like vaginoplasty, which have unique inherent risks. Some of these potential hazards include the possibility of diminished sexual sensitivity, complications in urinary functions, or challenges with the dimensions of the newly formed vagina. Other complications can include issues such as vaginal stenosis, a scenario where the vagina gradually shrinks and lessens over time, or rectovaginal fistula, a rare situation where a connection forms between the rectum and vagina unintentionally. Sometimes, more corrective surgeries might be necessitated due to post-surgical complications.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Japan is special in its own way; the culture, food, people, as well as technology are envied by the world over. With old Japan, comes the ancient tradition in the form of a geisha performance, onsen (hot spring) visit in the mountains, tea ceremony, or shrine visit. In contrast, there is modern Japan, full of smart systems and electronics, colorful advertisements and displays, and ultra-modern architecture. In recent years, Japan has become one of the top destinations in the world for oncology treatments and sees many tens of thousands of medical tourists each year. Many of these travel from within the region, including China and Korea, but they are unable to compete with the SE Asian nations with prices. Private hospitals are located across the country, with a particular focus in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. 25 of these facilities are JCI-accredited, with many offering Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) procedures.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Japan is a stratovolcano archipelago. The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. With a population of 127 million, 98% are ethnic Japanese. The country perfectly balances traditional with modern technology. Tourists will first see its exceptionally modern face, but after traveling around, they will find many opportunities to connect with the beautiful traditional culture.
Japan has four distinct seasons.
The main airport for international tourists is the Narita International Airport. It is located around 60km east of central Tokyo. It serves both domestic and international flights to almost every major city around the globe. There are several budget airlines that operate flights from this airport, namely Jetstar Japan, Eastar Jet, and Peach. There are other international airports such as Kansai International Airport, New Chitose International Airport, and Kyushu Saga International Airport.
To get to Tokyo from Narita Airport, tourists can use the rail, bus, taxi, or car rental. The most affordable train line is the Keisei Line that connects with the Toei Asakusa Subway Line and the Yamanote Line, it costs around ¥1,190 to ¥1,230 ($10 to $11.3). There’s also the Sky Access Express train that offers better access to Tokyo, a trip to Asakusa will cost around ¥1,290 ($11.9) and take about 58 minutes. The quickest way to get to Tokyo will be by the Skyliner train, it takes just 36 minutes to Nippori and will cost around ¥2,470 ($22.7). The airport introduced N’EX Tokyo Round-Trip ticket for foreign passport holders that provides round-trip travel from Narita to Tokyo and back for ¥4,000 ($37) for adults and ¥2,000 ($18.4) for children.
A regular taxi from Narita to Tokyo is very expensive, usually over ¥20,000 ($184). The best option is the shared minibus that starts with ¥6,180 ($57) per person. Buses are usually more affordable, the Limousine Bus costs ¥2,880 ($26.5) and the Tokyo Shuttle costs around ¥900 ($8) to ¥1,000 ($9).
Getting around Japan is fairly easy because the country has excellent public transportation. It is recommended to get a Japan Rail Pass. Japan’s bullet train is fast but expensive. There are cheaper train options. Buses are less expensive but will take more time than trains.
Citizens of 68 countries and territories can enter and stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand are granted a 15-day visa-free trip to Japan. Citizens of the United Arab Emirates are allowed to stay for 30 days without a visa. It is advisable to contact the nearest Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan for more information.