Questions and Answers

The main reason i went to Dr. Meltzer was because of his clitoral technique. Based on my research, and conversation with post-op's, I think his is the best as the world. What can I say? It was fully sensate from day one, and I haven't lost any sensitivity, what could be better than that?

Another reason I went to Dr. Meltzer is that I think his vaginas look pretty damned good.

Dr. Meltzer has a huge waiting list. If you want to see him, book your appointment now. Possibly even before you transition. He has over a year's waiting list for SRS. Book your labiaplasty when you book your SRS. I'd recommend you do your labiaplasty 4-5 months after surgery. Three months is a bit too long, six months is the longest I'd wait (I'm having electrolysis so I am waiting a little longer). His labiaplasty waiting list is about seven months long, so if you don't book before, you'll have to wait at least that long.

If you're thinking about having surgery soon, in North America, and you can afford him, go to Schrang. While I prefer Meltzer, it's not worth waiting more than an extra three months or so to go see him. Schrang does great surgeries too.

In North America, the only two other surgeons worth mentioning are Schrang and Menard. Schrang is an excellent surgeon. His appearance is the best in the world in my opinion, but his sensation is (in my opinion) less consistant than Meltzer. He's about $2,000 more than Meltzer for the first part of the surgery, and another $2,000 more for the labiaplasty. My only concern with Schrang is that he does multiple surgeries each day (up to three). Meltzer only does one SRS per day, and perhaps a minor procedure like labiaplasty. If you go to Schrang, ask nicely prior to the operation to be the first surgery he does. If you are second (or third) and their are complications your surgery will be pushed back. Apparently Schrang can be a bit of a dick some time, and he tends to give the first surgeries of the day to slight femme types (like me =) so if that doesn't fit your description, you'll probably have to poor on the sugar. Schrang also apparently treats overweight persons not so great. But, ultimately, who cares about his personality, he does good work. You' don't have to date him =)

I used to be strongly opposed to Menard, two friends of mine have had serious complications from his surgeries (one recto-vaginal fistula, one prolapsed vagina). Both those were three or more years ago. I have heard good things about Menard lately, and he's certainly considerably less expensive than Schrang or Meltzer. Certainly, not everyone can afford Schrang or Meltzer, and Menard is a great choice given that situation.

Biber and Seghers are also popular (Seghers is in Brussles, but is cheap). Schrang and Meltzer are both considerably better than Biber (Biber is old). Menard is in my opinion better than Seghers and costs about the same, so if you're in North America go to Menard if you need a less expensive surgery. Similarly, Biber costs about the same as Schrang/Meltzer, so go to Schrang or Meltzer instead.

I have heard mixed things about Royal and Dalymple in the UK. First, I'm convinced Royal is generally better than Dalymple. Second, I'm convinced that Royal is at best approaching the quality of Schrang/Meltzer for appearance and sensititvity. I'd probably rate him above Menard though, but I believe he's also more expensive. I've heard he doesn't get many complications, which is good. If you're in the UK, he's probably a good choice.

There are also numerous other surgeons in the USA, some who offer really expensive complicated procedures that simply aren't better. Some specialize in operating on infants, but also do adults. What can I say -- this is the most important operation in your life, don't go to an amature. If your surgeon does less than one SRS a week, he is an amature. So much of SRS is getting lots of experience. Don't sell yourself short, go to a professional.

Genital electrolysis is an interesting area. It appears to be little spoken of, probably because the idea of having genital electrolysis is abhorrent to most TSs (and electrolysists).

Both Schrang and Meltzer use scrotal skin grafts. This means that skin from your scrotum is used if your penile skin is insufficient. Scrotums are not hairless, so it's best to get electrolysis on the area. Contact your surgeon for details on exactly where to get electrolysis. Meltzer is pretty vague, I recommend you pay for your zapper to call him personally. Like most TSs, you probably don't know if you need a graft, but really hope you don't. My personal opinion is that you should get the area cleared. If your surgeon has extra skin to work with it can't hurt. I did not have a graft, but I think I was borderline, and that probably is why I've had to dialate extra hard. A friend of mine had a graft, and she seems to have had a much easier time than me with dialating. It may seem trivial to you to dialate extra hard, but trust me, dialating has a serious impact on your life, and you will want to minimize that as much as possible.

If you're seing a surgeon other than Schrang/Meltzer, I'd recommend you contact your surgeon personally. I have heard from Biber and Royal post-ops who have visible hair inside their vaginal canal, which really sucks. Don't end up with unsightly hair.

Additionally, genital electrolysis can help you achieve a more natural hair line for your vagina. To put it flatly, I doubt that anyone who has SRS and has had no genital electrolysis has a natural appearing genital hair line. On the other hand...many people just don't care. Even if you're being eaten out, probably your partner will not bother to examine and comment on your hair line. I'm having genital electrolysis, and I honestly don't know if it's going to be worth it in the long run.

Genital electrolysis to achieve a natural hairline can be performed post-operatively or pre-operatively. I chose to do it post-operatively. If I were doing it over again, I'd probably have a little pre-op zapping, specificly in the area that comes near the clitoris. I don't know pre-operatively where this area is. Basicly, in constructing the clitoris, the surgeon takes a section of skin, snips a little hole for the clit to poke out of and pokes it through. I guess this is penile skin. In order to avoid hair inside of the labia after labiaplasty, Meltzer recommends clearing 2cm of hair above and around the clitoris. Suffice it to say this is uncomfortable (I use lots of emla), though I don't want to scare you, it's not like having a needle stuck in your clitoris or anything (owww!!!). But, the current in an area so close to the clit is uncomfortable. So I'd recommend at least getting this area done pre-operatively. You'll have to contact your surgeon to find out where to get zapped. If you contact Meltzer, talk to him, or have your zapper talk to him. His zapping instructions are very vague.

Once you've had the op, you have to clear the area around your clit prior to labiaplasty or you won't ever get it cleared (it gets covered). If you didn't clear it when you're pre-op, you'll have to get it cleared now. The rest of your zapping can wait until labiaplasty if you want.

Lastly, remember that electrolysis takes time. You should give yourself a minimum of six months electrolysis prior to surgery if you want to have permanent results. I recommend the blend for the electrolysis method.