Preparing for Your First Gender-Affirming Surgery Consultation
Embarking on the journey of gender-affirming surgery is a significant step towards aligning your physical appearance with your true identity. At Reconstructive Surgical Arts, we understand that your first consultation can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. We put together this complete guide to help you prepare for your initial appointment for gender-affirming surgery, so you can arrive to our practice (or anywhere else!) feeling confident, informed, and ready to take this important step.
The Importance of Your First Gender-Affirming Surgery Consultation
Your first consultation is a crucial step in your gender-affirming journey: it’s your opportunity to lay the groundwork for your entire surgical experience. During this consultation, you will have the chance to discuss your personal goals and expectations with your surgeon, providing them with essential insights into what you hope to achieve through surgery.
In addition to outlining your goals, your surgeon will explain the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each procedure available to you, helping you understand the potential impact on your body and lifestyle. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions about which surgical path best suits your needs.
Establishing open communication and trust with your surgeon and their team can greatly enhance your overall experience. A positive relationship with your care providers ensures that you feel supported, heard, and comfortable throughout the surgical process. It also sets the stage for effective collaboration, allowing you to address any concerns and make well-informed choices about your care.
Overall, being well-prepared for your first consultation enables you to make the most of this valuable time. By taking these steps, you lay a strong foundation for a successful and empowering surgical journey.
Before Your Appointment
Research and Self-Reflection
Before your consultation, take some time to reflect on your goals and expectations. Consider the following:
What aspects of your body cause you dysphoria?
What changes do you hope to achieve through surgery?
How do you envision your ideal results?
Research different surgical options that align with your goals and practices near you that specialize in them. While your surgeon will provide detailed information, having a basic understanding can help you ask more informed questions during your consultation.
Gather Necessary Documents
To ensure a smooth consultation, gather the following documents:
Government-issued ID
Insurance information (if applicable)
Medical records, including any hormone therapy documentation
Letters of support from mental health professionals (if required for your desired procedure)
List of current medications and supplements
Prepare Questions
Write down any questions you have about the surgical process, recovery, and expected outcomes. Some important questions we recommend are:
What surgical techniques do you use?
What are the potential risks and complications?
How long is the typical recovery period?
What kind of results can I realistically expect?
How many of these procedures have you performed?
During Your Consultation
Open and Honest Communication
During your gender-affirming appointment, it's crucial to be open and honest with your surgeon. Share your goals, concerns, and expectations clearly. Remember, there are no "silly" questions when it comes to your health and well-being.
Physical Examination
Your consultation may include a physical examination. This helps your surgeon assess your current anatomy and determine the best surgical approach. You have the right to ask for a chaperone or bring a support person if it makes you more comfortable.
Discussing Surgical Options
Your surgeon will explain the different surgical options available to you that best fit your individual goals. They will explain the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each relevant procedure, which will vary depending on relevant factors.
At Reconstructive Surgical Arts, we specialize in gender-affirming bottom surgeries, including:
Orchiectomy (Bilateral orchiectomy)
Scrotectomy (Scrotum removal)
Vaginoplasty
Vulvaplasty (Zero depth vaginoplasy)
Penile sparing vaginoplasty
Metoidioplasty
Simple release metoidioplasty
Phalloplasty
Gender nullification
Understanding the Timeline
During your consultation, you'll discuss the timeline for your surgery. This includes:
Pre-operative preparations
The surgical procedure itself
Post-operative care and recovery
Follow-up appointments
Understanding this timeline can help you plan accordingly and set realistic expectations for your journey.
After Your Consultation
Reflect on the Information
After your consultation, take some time to reflect on the information you've received. Consider:
Do you feel comfortable with the surgeon and their approach?
Did they address all your concerns and questions?
Do you have a clear understanding of the surgical process and expected outcomes?
Follow-Up Questions
If you think of additional questions after your consultation, don't hesitate to reach out to your surgical team. At Reconstructive Surgical Arts, we're committed to answering all you ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Check our gender-affirming care FAQs and you might get some of your doubts answered.
Consider Your Support System
Gender-affirming surgery is a significant undertaking, both physically and emotionally. Consider who in your life can provide support during your surgical journey. This might include friends, family members, or support groups for individuals undergoing similar procedures.
Preparing for Surgery
If you decide to proceed with surgery after your consultation, there are several steps you'll need to take to prepare:
Medical Clearance
Depending on the procedure and your overall health, you may need to obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician or other specialists.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Your surgical team may recommend certain lifestyle adjustments to optimize your surgical outcomes. These might include:
Quitting smoking
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
Adjusting hormone therapy (if applicable)
Arranging Post-Operative Care
Plan for your post-operative care in advance. This might include:
Arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery
Ensuring you have support at home during your initial recovery
Preparing your living space for your recovery period
Meet Dr. Chris McClung: Your Gender-Affirming Surgeon
Dr. Chris McClung, founder and lead surgeon at Reconstructive Surgical Arts, is a distinguished expert in gender-affirming bottom surgeries. As a board-certified urologist with fellowship training in reconstructive and trauma surgery, Dr. McClung initially focused on cisgender reconstruction, congenital conditions, and trauma. His entry into the field of gender health came through his work managing complications in patients who had undergone bottom surgeries elsewhere.
Discovering the profound impact of gender-affirming care and the satisfaction of working with gender-diverse individuals, Dr. McClung transitioned to specializing in gender-affirming surgeries. With over 15 years of experience performing complex urologic surgeries and having conducted hundreds of bottom surgeries, Dr. McClung brings unparalleled expertise to his practice. His dedication to minimizing complications and providing exceptional patient care is evident in the low complication rates experienced by his patients.
At Reconstructive Surgical Arts, Dr. McClung and the rest of the team are committed to thorough communication and accessibility, offering comprehensive aftercare including in-office follow-ups and referrals for pelvic floor physical therapy. This holistic approach ensures that you will receive continuous support and personalized care throughout the journey.
Take the Next Step with Reconstructive Surgical Arts
Preparing for your first gender-affirming surgery consultation is an important step towards aligning your physical appearance with your true self. By doing your research, preparing questions, and approaching the consultation with openness and honesty, you can make the most of this valuable opportunity.
At Reconstructive Surgical Arts, we're here to support you all the way. From your initial gender-affirming appointment through your recovery and beyond, our team is committed to providing expert care, compassionate support, and outstanding results.
If you're ready to take the next step, contact us and schedule your consultation. Let's work together to bring your vision for your body to life!
