Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) in Singapore

What you need to know about Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) in Singapore

Also known as Gender Reassignment or Sex Change Surgery, involves the surgical procedures required to change a person’s sexual characteristics from one gender to the other. The term Transgender can be used to refer to such a person. The procedure can be used to transition a person from Male to Female and from Female to Male. M to F procedure involves reshaping of male genitals to appear and function as female genitalia (including a vaginoplasty), hair removal therapy, hormone replacement, facial feminisation surgery and Breast Augmentation.

Hormone treatment is started one year prior to surgery and continues after, where oestrogen 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.

 

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MyMediTravel offers 14 Medical Centers in Singapore, some of which offer Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) procedures - see below for the complete list, along with prices. Note, average cost can vary depending on the degree of functionality and which procedures a patient wants included. Please submit a Free Quote and one of our agents will get to work on your bespoke request focused in Singapore right away.

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Prerequisites to Surgery

1. Patients must be at least 20 years old or have consent from parents / legal guardians for those between 18 and 20.

2. At least 12 months of successful and continuous real-life experience living as a woman.

3. At least 12 months of continuous hormonal therapy.

4. Must consult with a psychiatrist in home country and in the country where the procedure will be performed (this can be arranged in chosen hospital).

5. Physically fit for surgery.

 

Popular MTF Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) Techniques

1. SRS with Penile Skin Inversion

• Suitable for patients who do not want a vagina for sexual intercourse, particularly popular with elderly trans people. Depth is around 2-4 cm (1-2 in) and penile hair removal is required prior to surgery.
• Surgery: 2.5 hours
• Hospitalization: 4 nights
• Recovery time in country of operation: 3-4 weeks

2. SRS with Scrotal Skin Graft

• Scrotal skin is used to create vaginal depth of up to 13-15 cm (5-6 in), depending on skin quality and quantity (additional depth is possible by using groin skin). This is the most popular SRS procedure.
• Surgery: 4 hours
• Hospitalization: 6 nights
• Recovery time in country of operation: 3-4 weeks

3. SRS with Sigmoid Colon by Laparoscopic Technique

• Sigmoid colon is used to create the vagina, allowing for greater depth than what is possible with SRS with scrotal skin graft. More suited to those with less scrotal skin or those who prefer to have a lubricated vagina, like that of a biological woman. By far the most expensive technique.
• Surgery: 6 hours
• Hospitalization: 7 nights
• Recovery time in country of operation: 3-4 weeks

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Popular Procedures to Combine with SRS

1. Usually performed in one operation: Orchiectomy to remove the testicles and prevent further production of testosterone, Penectomy to remove the penis and Vaginoplasty to form the female genitalia

2. Breast Augmentation to create the breasts, which is usually performed at a later date.

3. Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) and Tracheal Shave to help feminize the facial features and is not necessary for many patients.

4. Hair Implants, Hair Removal Therapy and Continued Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Additional factors to consider:

1. Due to the nature of the surgery, recovery time can be a long a painful procedure and will require several follow up procedures immediately after the surgery.

2. Success rate is extremely high now with the more recent advances in technology and procedures applied, however, complications can occur due to the complexity of the procedures. As with any surgery conducted under general anesthetic, there is a possible risk of infection, severe pain, bleeding, blood clotting and scarring.

3. Possible side effects could include Fistula (opening between rectum and vagina), decreased sexual sensation and ability to orgasm, partial death of the tissue used to create the new vagina, labia or clitoris, narrowing of the vagina and hair growth in the vagina from the grafted tissue.

4. Due to the psychological and social consequences of bringing a person's body in-line with their gender-identity, statistics show that patient reviews and satisfaction is considered the highest across any surgical procedure. Whilst no one can expect perfection, the outcome is generally extremely well received.

About Singapore

The tiny city-state of Singapore is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, however, this doesn’t detract from its beauty, often being referred to as the Garden City. This ultra-modern metropolis, despite only achieving independence in 1965, has grown to become one of the most affluent countries, not only in the region but in the entire world. Singapore is home to 22 JCI accredited facilities and despite the higher cost of treatment compared to its neighbours, it has a thriving Medical Tourism industry.

Singapore welcomes tens of thousands of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Sex Reassignment Surgery (Male to Female) procedures. Its hospitals are well established and boast strong reputations, with the national language being English, all medical staff will speak English and many also speaking a form of Chinese or Malay. Local accreditation bodies include the Singaporean Ministry of Health, the Singapore Health Promotion Board and the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC).