Gender reassignment surgery in Iran: All you need to know

Having gender reassignment surgery abroad is not an uncommon decision. Because, while the ideal option would be undergoing the complex surgery in your hometown, not all countries offer the type of procedure you seek with the quality you deserve and at the price you can afford. As a result, medical tourism has emerged as a popular alternative for many transsexuals. Iran is considered a “paradise” for many. The extensive experience of Iranian specialists coupled with low costs of the surgery have enticed tons of patients from Arab and East-European countries to undergo SRS in Iran.

Why choose Iran for gender reassignment surgery?

Gender reassignment surgery is indisputably a very complicated procedure for both male and female transsexuals. It is often performed through multiple steps and has considerable downtime. It might seem even more bothersome if you are considering SRS overseas. That said, here are three main reasons why undergoing gender confirmation surgery in Iran could be the ideal solution you are seeking.

You will experience world-class quality healthcare: Iran is the second most popular destination for gender reassignment surgery. This has provided Iranian surgeons and the healthcare centers with extensive knowledge and experience in both female-to-male and male-to-female transition procedures. Iran is the most developed country in the region in using the latest techniques for a successful gender reassignment surgery.

Sex reassignment surgery in Iran is affordable: Due to the country’s economic factors, Iran’s top-rated healthcare services are exceedingly cheap. Gender reassignment surgery, for example, can cost half or even third of that found in the European countries or the USA. (about $7000)

• Read More: Transgender Surgery in Iran: How Can I Start Surgical Gender Transitioning?

You can count on AriaMedTour: AriaMedTour strives to offer the ultimate facilitating and care assistance packages to international patients. By having us take control of your journey, you will have the surgery alone to be concerned about, leaving the rest to us. Our treatment plans include but are not limited to the following services:

• Free online consultation for a thorough assessment and discussing your candidacy.
• Making doctor and hospital appointments in advance.
• Booking appropriate accommodation for your two-weeks to a month of stay.
• Trip planning.
• Preparing private transfer, personal interpreter, and patient coordinator.

What is Gender dysphoria?

First off, let us learn a little bit more about the condition that SRS patients face. Gender dysphoria is referred to as a condition that makes the person feel a mismatch between their emotional and biological gender. In other words, they have the idea of having been born in the wrong body. The symptoms often appear when puberty hits and can drastically deteriorate if not addressed properly.

People with gender dysphoria, also known as transsexuals, usually face drastic social ignorance and bullying. In severe cases, they might even be led to have suicidal thoughts.

Nowadays, however, sex-change surgery has made it possible for transsexuals to embrace their true gender. In countries like Iran where SRS is both legal and in accordance with religious laws, the surgery has become exemplary popular, with most patients reporting 96% satisfaction with the results.

What is SRS?

SRS or Sex Reassignment surgery is also known as gender reassignment surgery, gender confirmation surgery, and multiple other names. By changing the biological gender of the person, SRS helps the patient have a physical appearance that matches his or her identified gender. Depending on whether it is FTM (female to male) or MTF (male to female) the surgery can take many forms including bottom surgery and top surgery. While some steps of the process are crucial in maintaining a satisfactory transition, others could be optional. Contact us the get a thorough consultation about different surgical options available for you.

Male to Female Transition Surgery

Feminization surgery, commonly known as MTF surgery is a procedure to alter the masculine physical appearance of female transsexuals who mentally identify themselves as women. The surgery is more common that FTM surgery. Besides the top and bottom surgery, a transsexual might also consider facial feminization surgery, tracheal shave (Adam’s apple reduction) or voice feminization surgery.

Top surgery

Following hormonal therapy, most female transsexuals will find that their breast size has increased. Yet, most patients seek breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) to enhance the effect and achieve a more feminized body. The top surgery procedure varies depending on your desired chest size, the type of implants, and the techniques that your surgeon uses.

Learn more about having breast implants in Iran: Breast augmentation in Iran

Bottom surgery

Usually, the surgeon will discuss different options for SRS bottom surgery based on your general condition and the alterations that you desire. As part of the treatment for female transsexuals, male to female sex reassignment surgery usually involves two main steps.

• Orchiectomy: Surgery to remove both testicles. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Hospital stay is usually not needed and you will recover within a couple of weeks if you don’t undergo vaginoplasty at the same time.
• Vaginoplasty: Construction of the vagina through one of the three main surgical techniques: penile inversion, rectosigmoid vaginoplasty, and non-penile inversion. Vaginoplasty is usually performed in conjunction with orchiectomy. The entire procedure can take about 4 hours. 3 to 6 days of hospitalization might also be needed.

Female to Male Transition Surgery

Also known as body masculinization, FTM surgery is part of the treatment for gender dysphoria in male transsexuals. The surgery can help the person match their physical appearance with the gender they identify with.

Top surgery

Also called man chest reconstruction, it is a surgery for transsexual men and involves a variety of procedures to remove breast tissue, offering a more masculine chest. The surgery is quite similar to mastectomy or breast reduction surgery.

Bottom surgery

You should discuss your expectations with the surgeon. Then, he or she will come up with a surgical plan that suits you best. Here are some of the main procedures involved in the FTM gender reassignment surgery:

• Hysterectomy and/or Oophorectomy: The surgical procedure to remove the uterus and/or one or both of the ovaries. This step is often required before vaginectomy.
• Vaginectomy: The surgery to remove the vaginal tissues.
• Metoidioplasty or Phalloplasty: Surgery to construct a penis for trans men. Various surgical techniques can be performed to achieve the desired results. Sometimes, skin or tissue grafting is part of the surgery.
• Scrotoplasty: The procedure to create the pouch of skin that will contain testicular implants. This surgery is often performed at the same time with Metoidioplasty or Phalloplasty.

Usually, 4 to 6 days of hospitalization is needed after FTM sex-change surgery. Complete recovery can take up to 6 weeks.

How to prepare for sex change in Iran?

Individual cases are different in terms of their condition, expectations, and surgical goals. Therefore, each person’s preparation instructions could differ from another person. You can have a free consultation with our care specialists to learn more about changing your gender in Iran. Here are some general dos and don’ts before gender reassignment surgery.

• Usually, patients need to follow a course of hormonal therapy 6 months to a year before opting for surgery.
• Obtaining a letter of recommendation from a psychiatrist attesting to your condition is required.
• Make sure you don’t have conditions such as kidney, liver, or blood problems.
• You should acknowledge the fact that it might be unlikely for you to have children after the surgery. If you wish to have babies in the future, share your decision with your psychiatrist and surgeon to find a solution such as egg/sperm frizzing.