Getting Real About Gender Affirming Surgeries With Dr. Cecile Ferrando - Episode 42

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Dr. Cecile Ferrando, a urogynecologist specializing in gender affirming surgery, discusses her journey into medicine and her focus on gender affirming surgeries. She explains the difference between vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty, the various procedures she performs, and the importance of revisions in achieving the desired outcome. Dr. Ferrando also highlights the poetic aspect of gender affirming surgery, where male structures that would have been female are repurposed to create female structures. In this conversation, Dr. Ferrando and Vanessa Joy discuss various aspects of gender-affirming surgeries. They address misconceptions about self-lubricating vaginas and the importance of managing expectations. They also talk about the significance of hair removal and the need for a supportive surgical team. Dr. Ferrando shares funny experiences with patients leaving post-it notes and giving gifts. The key takeaway is to choose a surgeon who is experienced, communicative, and supportive.

To learn more about Dr Ferrando's new practice at UCSD:

https://providers.ucsd.edu/details/1255592325/obstetrics-&-gynecology

Takeaways

Dr. Cecile Ferrando is a urogynecologist specializing in gender affirming surgery.

• Vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty are the main procedures performed for trans feminine patients.
• Revisions are common in gender affirming surgery, and it is important to ask surgeons about their revision rates and the types of revisions they perform.
• The surgery involves repurposing male structures that would have been female to create female structures.
• The poetic aspect of the surgery lies in the fact that the body's development is determined by chromosomes, and the surgery aligns the genitals with the individual's gender identity. Misconceptions about gender-affirming surgeries include the idea of having a self-lubricating vagina, which is not a reality.
• Hair removal is still necessary for certain areas, even in procedures like peritoneal vaginoplasty.
• Choosing a surgeon with experience, good communication skills, and a supportive team is crucial for a successful outcome.
• Patients should manage their expectations and understand that surgeries may have speed bumps and imperfections.
• Building a strong surgical team that works well together and prioritizes patient care is essential.
• Patients should ask questions, be choosy about their surgeon, and not settle for less than the results they desire.

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