Sex Reassignment Surgery in Thailand

Why Thailand for Gender-Affirming Surgery

1. ‍Surgical expertise unmatched elsewhere. Thailand has specialized in gender-affirming care since the 1970s. Surgeons like Dr. Kamol (5,000+ procedures), Dr. Theerapong (3,000+), and Dr. Suthat (2,500+) focus exclusively on transgender surgery. They've refined techniques like penile-peritoneal vaginoplasty (PPV) and multi-stage phalloplasty that many Western surgeons don't offer. High volume means confidence, expertise and perfected aesthetics.‍
2. Cost savings that fund your entire transition. Complete MTF bottom surgery in Thailand: $12,000-$18,000 all-inclusive. In the US this often costs $50,000-$80,000 for surgery alone. You save $30,000-$60,000. That's money for voice training, laser hair removal, wardrobe, legal name change, and building your post-transition life.‍
3. Advanced techniques not widely available. Kamol Hospital pioneered penile-peritoneal vaginoplasty (PPV) for MTF patients—self-lubricating, elastic tissue, minimal scarring. Only a handful of surgeons worldwide offer this. For FTM patients, multi-stage phalloplasty with urethral lengthening and erectile implants requires specialized training most Western surgeons don't have. Thailand's high volume allows technique specialization.‍
4. Immediate availability, no gatekeeping delays. Book consultation this month, fly to Bangkok in 4-6 weeks. Compare to Western systems: 12-18 month waiting lists in UK NHS, 6-12 months for US gender clinics, endless insurance pre-authorization battles. Thailand's WPATH-compliant requirements (12 months HRT, psychiatric evaluation, real-life experience) can be fulfilled at home or in Thailand, no arbitrary delays.‍
5. JCI accreditation means real standards. Joint Commission International evaluates operating room sterility, medication management, emergency protocols, patient rights. Kamol and Yanhee both hold JCI accreditation—same standards as top US hospitals. Your surgery happens in facilities meeting criteria used globally.

MTF (Male-to-Female) Procedures

Bottom Surgery (Vaginoplasty)
The cornerstone of MTF transition. Creates a functional vagina with depth, sensation, and appearance indistinguishable from cisgender anatomy. Read complete MTF bottom surgery guide →

Techniques include:

• Penile inversion vaginoplasty ($12,000-$14,500): Uses penile and scrotal skin to create vaginal canal. Standard approach, 5-6 inch depth.
• Penile-peritoneal vaginoplasty (PPV) ($20,000-$25,000): Combines penile tissue with peritoneal lining (abdominal cavity tissue). Self-lubricating, elastic, 6-7 inch depth. Advanced laparoscopic technique.
• Colon vaginoplasty ($16,000-$25,000): Uses sigmoid colon segment. Self-lubricating, 7-9 inch depth. For patients with insufficient penile tissue or seeking "upgrade" from previous surgery.

All include clitoroplasty (sensate clitoris), labiaplasty (inner/outer labia), and urethral repositioning.

Top Surgery (Breast Augmentation)
Breast implants sized and positioned for feminine chest contour. Often done separately from bottom surgery. Cost: $4,000-$9,000. See breast augmentation page for details.

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
Comprehensive facial reshaping: forehead reduction, brow lift, rhinoplasty, jaw/chin contouring, tracheal shave, hairline advancement. Complete FFS guide →

Cost: $5,000-$15,000 depending on procedures combined.

Voice Feminization Surgery (VFS)
Surgical vocal cord adjustment for higher pitch and feminine resonance. Cost: $2,500-$4,500. See voice feminization page.

Tracheal Shave (Adam's Apple Reduction)
Reduces thyroid cartilage prominence for smoother neck contour. Often combined with FFS. Cost: $1,200-$2,500. See tracheal shave page.

Orchiectomy (Testicular Removal)
Standalone procedure often done before full vaginoplasty. Eliminates testosterone production, allows lower estrogen doses, simplifies genital tucking. Cost: $2,500-$5,000. See orchiectomy page.

Buttock implants or Brazilian butt lift

To create a more feminine butt contour, there are options to use buttock implants or move body fat to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks and create a more feminine appearance.

FTM (Female-to-Male) Procedures

Bottom Surgery (Phalloplasty/Metoidioplasty)
Creates male genitalia with function (urination standing, potential for penetrative intercourse). Multi-stage process over 12-18 months. Read complete FTM bottom surgery guide →

Options:

• Phalloplasty ($10,000-$15,000 per stage): Uses forearm, thigh, or abdominal tissue to construct penis. Average 4-6 inch length. Requires 2-3 stages: phallus construction, urethral lengthening, glansplasty, erectile implant.
• Metoidioplasty ($8,000-$12,000): Releases testosterone-enlarged clitoris to create small phallus (2-3 inches). Single-stage procedure. Retains full erogenous sensation.
• Scrotoplasty ($3,000-$4,500): Creates scrotum with testicular implants.

Top Surgery (Mastectomy)
Removes breast tissue and reshapes chest for masculine contour. Most common FTM procedure. Read complete FTM top surgery guide →

Techniques:

• Double incision ($3,000-$4,500): For larger chests, creates masculine chest with nipple grafts.
• Peri-areolar ($3,500-$5,000): For smaller chests, incision around areola, less scarring.
• Keyhole ($3,500-$5,000): Minimal scarring for very small chests with good skin elasticity.

Hysterectomy & Oophorectomy
Removes uterus and ovaries. Eliminates menstruation, reduces dysphoria, allows lower testosterone doses. Often done before bottom surgery. Cost: $2,800-$4,000 (TAHBSO - total abdominal hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).

Vaginectomy
Removes vaginal canal, performed before phalloplasty. Cost: $5,000-$6,500.

Facial Masculinization
Jaw augmentation, forehead contouring, rhinoplasty for masculine features. Less common than FFS but available. Pricing varies by procedure combination. Read facial masculinization guide →

Partner Hospitals & Surgeons

Kamol Cosmetic Hospital

JCI-accredited since 2015. World leader in gender-affirming surgery, especially MTF procedures.

Dr. Kamol Pansritum, M.D. - 5,000+ SRS surgeries since 1997, 10,000+ total gender-affirming procedures. Pioneered PPV technique in Thailand. Double board-certified (General Surgery, Plastic Surgery). Performs 200+ MTF vaginoplasties annually.

Specializations:

• All MTF bottom surgery techniques (penile inversion, PPV, colon vaginoplasty)
• FTM phalloplasty (one of few Thai surgeons offering this)
• Revision vaginoplasty (corrects previous surgeries)
• Facial feminization

What makes Kamol stand out: Luxury on-site recovery apartments (7th floor), specialized abdominal surgeons for PPV/colon techniques, comprehensive team (plastic surgeons, urologists, gynecologists, colorectal surgeons).

Location: Central Bangkok, 20 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Yanhee International Hospital

JCI-accredited since 2000. 72% of international patients seek cosmetic/gender-affirming procedures here. Treats patients from 162 countries.

Dr. Theerapong Poonyakariyagorn, M.D. - 3,000+ SRS surgeries, extensive international training. Board-certified, specializes in MTF vaginoplasty and FFS.

Dr. Suthat Pattanaporn, M.D. - 2,500+ gender-affirming procedures. Double board-certified. Known for natural aesthetic results.

Specializations:

• MTF vaginoplasty (penile inversion, scrotal graft)
• FTM top surgery (all techniques)
• Facial feminization
• Comprehensive pre/post-op transgender care programs

What makes Yanhee stand out: High patient volume (economies of scale), affordable packages, VIP recovery rooms, free airport transfers for surgical patients.

Location: Nonthaburi (15 minutes from central Bangkok).

Cost Comparison: Thailand vs. Other Countries

MTF Bottom Surgery (Vaginoplasty)

Thailand: $12,000-$25,000

• What's included: Surgery, anesthesia, 7-14 day hospital stay, medications, follow-ups, airport transfer
• All-inclusive pricing - no hidden fees or surprise bills

United States: $50,000-$80,000

• Surgery only - then add:
  • Anesthesia: $5,000-$8,000 (billed separately)
  • Facility fees: $10,000-$15,000 (billed separately)
  • Follow-up visits: $500-$1,000 each (billed separately)
• Total actual cost: Often exceeds $90,000-$100,000

Australia: $50,000-$80,000 AUD

• Surgery and hospital stay included
• Public system: 12-18 month waiting lists
• Private: Faster but expensive

Singapore: $50,000-$60,000

• Surgery and hospital stay
• Higher costs, less specialization than Thailand

💰 You save: $30,000-$60,000 choosing Thailand even after flights, accommodation, and 4-week stay.

FTM Bottom Surgery (Phalloplasty)

Thailand: $10,000-$15,000 per stage

• 2-3 stages over 12-18 months
• Comprehensive surgical team included

United States: $20,000-$40,000 per stage

• 2-4 stages, often 24+ months
• Each stage billed separately

Europe: €25,000-€45,000 per stage

• 2-3 stages required
• Long public wait lists (12-24 months)

💰 You save: $20,000-$60,000 total for complete phalloplasty.

FTM Top Surgery (Mastectomy)

Thailand: $3,000-$5,000
United States: $8,000-$15,000
Australia: $10,000-$18,000 AUD
UK (Private): £6,000-£9,000

💰 You save: $5,000-$12,000

Your Journey Timeline

Pre-Arrival (4-8 Weeks Before)

Virtual consultation through Konkai Health. Submit photos, medical history, HRT timeline, psychiatric evaluation. Receive surgeon recommendations, detailed pricing, procedure explanation.

Requirements:

• 12 months continuous hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Psychiatric evaluation diagnosing gender dysphoria (can be from home country)
• Lived full-time in gender identity minimum 1 year
• Age 20+ (18-19 requires parental consent)
• Good general health, BMI under 30 for most procedures

Thailand follows standards set by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

Preparation:

• Stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery (critical for healing)
• Discontinue blood thinners, aspirin, vitamin E
• Genital hair removal for MTF vaginoplasty (electrolysis, not laser)
• Arrange 4-6 week absence from work/school
• Book flexible return flights

In Thailand: Week 1-2

Days 1-2: Arrival in Bangkok. Adjust to time zone and climate.

Day 3: Pre-op consultation with surgeon. Physical examination, finalize surgical plan, sign consents. Blood work, chest X-ray, EKG (if over 40).

Days 4-7: Surgery. Operating time varies:

• MTF vaginoplasty: 4-6 hours
• FTM phalloplasty (stage 1): 8-10 hours
• FTM top surgery: 2-4 hours

Hospital stay post-op:

• MTF vaginoplasty: 7-14 days
• FTM phalloplasty: 7-10 days
• FTM top surgery: 1-2 days

In Thailand: Week 3-4

Recovery phase. Hotel stay near hospital for daily wound checks, dressing changes, learning dilation routine (MTF), catheter management (FTM phalloplasty).

Activities: Light walking encouraged. NO strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or sexual activity. Follow medication schedule strictly (antibiotics, pain management, stool softeners).

Follow-up appointments: Days 7, 10, 14, 21, 28. Suture removal around day 10-14. Final clearance for travel day 28-30.

Post-Return Home (Months 3-12)

Continued healing. Swelling fully resolves 3-6 months. Scars fade over 12-18 months. Sensation gradually returns (can take 12+ months for full nerve regeneration).

MTF dilation: Daily routine first 3 months (3-4 times/day), then gradually reducing frequency. Lifelong maintenance required for penile inversion (prevents vaginal narrowing). PPV/colon techniques require less frequent dilation long-term.

FTM follow-up: Second stage phalloplasty scheduled 6-12 months post-stage 1. Erectile implant (if desired) placed 12-18 months after initial surgery.

Local follow-up: Regular check-ins with home physician or telemedicine with Thai surgeon. Most complications (infection, poor healing) apparent within first 4 weeks while still in Thailand.

Ready to Plan Your Journey?

Navigating Thailand's medical system alone means dealing with overwhelming amounts of information and choice, communication barriers across timezones and languages and little support apart from what the hospital provides.

We solve this by:

Free personalized quotes from your preferred surgeon. Get an accurate cost indication, recommendation on which surgery techniques are the best option and get any questions answered.

Complete journey coordination at no extra cost: Virtual consultations, surgery scheduling and hotel recommendations near hospitals. See us as a local friend who helps you through it all.

Support during your stay. English-speaking team available via WhatsApp, phone and email.

Honest guidance, not sales pressure. We do not push you towards certain hospitals, surgeons or procedures. We provide the information for you to make an informed choice and assist with scheduling and coordinating your travel and care.