What better way to achieve your dream body while relaxing in a majestic island paradise? Get a high-quality Sex Reassignment Surgery in Phuket, Thailand - and save up to 70% of the cost back home. 

Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) is a life-changing procedure many individuals undergo to physically transform from their biologically assigned gender to the gender they identify with. Thousands of transgender and non-binary individuals have undergone this procedure and are now living a much higher quality of life. SRS procedure is sometimes referred to as Gender Reassignment Surgery or Gender Affirmation Surgery. Keep reading to find out how much money you can save and discover why so many patients from around the globe are having SRS at world-famous facilities in Phuket, Thailand - and the reason goes beyond the comparatively low cost of surgery.

Thailand has been pioneering SRS since 1975 when the first penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) was successfully performed, leading to the country’s emergence as an SRS hub. Thanks to the monumental advancement of surgical techniques and the experts who perfected them over the years, SRS has become a phenomenal success and is highly sought after by individuals who are ready to make the ultimate change. This universally accessible procedure is becoming commonplace that’s leading to growing social acceptability. Top Phuket hospitals are offering SRS by highly experienced surgeons - trained in Bangkok and abroad - who have many years of SRS experience behind them. 

SRS is a viable option for those suffering from gender dysphoria, a condition that negatively affects all aspects of the daily life of individuals who are dissatisfied with their assigned gender - often leading to depression and anxiety. Gender dysphoria is correctable with help from experienced medical professionals. The success rate of SRS is generally high - depending on the type of SRS procedure, 94% to 100% of people report being satisfied with their surgery results.

Phuket has long been attracting throngs of international medical tourists for its beautiful coastline and high-quality and comparatively low-cost medical care. This tropical paradise is home to some of the finest private hospitals and clinics. The warm hospitality and the quality of SRS are compelling thousands of tourists from the US, UK and Australia to undergo the procedure in Phuket rather than back home. 

Let’s look at some of the main reasons why SRS is tremendously popular in Phuket: 

Advanced Medical Facilities

Our partner SRS facilities in Phuket are of world-class standard. Patients don’t have to worry about some squalid back-alley clinics with unlicensed practitioners as those places won’t make it on our list. Top hospitals in Phuket utilise modern technology with state-of-the-art equipment, high-tech ICUs and infection control technology - as well as adhere to strict international sanitization standards to provide patients with ultimate safety and comfort.

Highly Experienced Surgeons

Thai surgeons have played a prominent role in leading the world with SRS advancements. Our partner doctors in Phuket are trained from top universities in Bangkok and most have done international fellowships in countries like the US, UK and Australia. With expert teams of surgeons, Phuket doctors are specialists in producing highly functional and aesthetically pleasing reassignments that have improved the lives of so many patients.

A Chance to Combine Leisure Time Treatment

Whether you want to have fun before the surgery or take it easy during post-op recovery, there’re all sorts of activities to suit your needs. Before you start treatment, take an island hopping tour to experience the pristine turquoise-coloured water - so clear you can see bustling marine life from the boat. Stop by the iconic James Bond Island to witness a spectacular limestone tower that emerged out of the sea - for the die-hard fans, it’s where the movie Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. 

Too much sun? Head over to Old-Town Phuket and experience the unique local culture, history and deliciously diverse local cuisine - a mixture of Chinese, Malay, Portuguese and Thai. It’s so good you’d want to sign up for a  cooking class! Visit the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket, Chalong Temple (Wat Chalong), which was believed to be built in 1837. The temple is highly revered by locals and tourists, a must-see attraction.  

Phuket's nightlife is legendary, excellent for those looking to take the edge off before any surgical treatment.  You will find a wide variety of bars and nightclubs in the Patong area ranging from mild, and wild to extreme. Enjoy a cabaret show featuring transgender showgirls performing hit musical routines. Or, you can opt for more laid-back beach clubs and sunset bars - however, it’s best to avoid alcohol at least 48 hours before your surgery as it can lead to serious complications during and after the procedure. After the post-op care, you can relax by the beach or the pool, but be sure to stay out of the sun. 

English is Widely Spoken

Phuket welcomes millions of foreign visitors annually from many parts of the world making English widely spoken. International patients won’t have trouble getting around as basic English is used in hospitality, retail, healthcare and tourism. Private medical facilities employ a large number of foreign workers, therefore English the common language spoken at top hospitals and clinics in Phuket.

Social acceptance

Thailand’s relaxed attitude and tolerance towards transgenders and the LGBTQ community - often make foreign patients feel safe and comfortable. Patients coming to Phuket for SRS will be in good care and well looked after by a highly-trained team of expert transgender healthcare nurses who are compassionate and caring. 

Phuket is well-known for having luxurious healthcare facilities and offering some of the best SRS procedures in the world. 

At Medical Departures, we follow strict verification guidelines to ensure patients receive the best medical care possible. We personally visit these clinics and hospitals for verification and check doctors’ backgrounds and accreditations, we even verify patient reviews. We only list on our website medical facilities that passed our verification process - if they don’t pass or if we don’t feel right about them, they will not be listed.

Below is our highly recommended facility for SRS in Phuket:

Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute

Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute is a premier hospital located in the centre of town within the JCI-accredited Phuket International Hospital. The director and head surgeon for SRS is Dr. Sanguan Kunaporn MD, who is board certified with over 40 years of practising experience and over 30 years as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. 

Dr. Sanguan’s Associations:

 - The Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Thailand

 - International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) Member

 - Member of The Thai Medical Council

 - The Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Thailand

This ultra-luxurious facility aims to accommodate patients to the highest standard. Known for employing the most experienced team of surgeons and highly trained staff with wonderful bedside manners, SRS patients can rest assured that they’re getting the best care.  

Medical Departures’ network of leading SRS clinics is located around the world, including destinations like Bangkok and Istanbul.

SRS are typically different sets of procedures that involve transitioning from male to female (MtF) or female to male (FtM).

 - For a trans woman (MtF) top surgery includes breast augmentation/feminization - for bottom surgery, a vaginoplasty with usually a penile inversion procedure. 

 - For a trans man (FtM), top surgery includes breast masculinization - for bottom surgery, either a penile creation through a metoidioplasty or a phalloplasty surgery. 

The following are some of the popular procedures available in Phuket:

Vaginoplasty (MtF): Is a procedure that creates a neovagina (new vagina) from a penis. With penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) being the most common method, the scrotal skin is used to create a vaginal canal and labia for a more functional and natural-looking transformation while preserving sensitivity.

Breast Augmentation (MtF): is achieved by inserting implants made of saline or silicone underneath the chest muscle or breast tissue - small incisions are made at the underarm, around the nipple or underneath the breast. 

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS): FFS is a wide range of procedures performed to make the face appear more feminine. It usually involves shaving away the masculine cranial anatomy such as the forehead, jaw and chin so the patient is left looking more feminine - a rhinoplasty and browlift may be added. 

Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS): FMS is for FtM patients looking to have masculine facial features. The broad range of procedures may include Adam's apple enhancement, forehead contouring and cheek and jaw implants.

Orchiectomy: A MtF procedure to remove the testicles. This greatly reduces the production of testosterone and leaves the patient with a more desired feminine hormonal balance. 

Tracheal Shave: Also known as Adam’s apple, the surgical procedure is to reduce the size of the tracheal through a small incision on the chin. The procedure shaves off a part of the thyroid cartilage for a more feminine neck contour. 

Voice Feminization Surgery: Is a surgical procedure that creates a higher pitch and more feminine-sounding voice. There are several techniques to surgically alter the length, size and tightness of the voice box.

Successful healing with little to no complications requires proper post-op care. 

SRS is considered a major surgery and depending on the type of bottom surgery, patients may be required five to ten days of hospital stay. During post-surgery, patients will need to sleep with their legs spread out for five to seven days to protect the bandaged area. A catheter will be inserted and is usually removed around five days post-surgery. Patients will be given a soft food diet during their hospital stay. 

Depending on the rate of healing and the doctor’s recommendation, hormone therapy may be resumed after a week. Dilation is crucial for the neovaginal canal to maintain the desired depth and width - depending on the type of vaginoplasty, two to three times daily dilation is recommended for the first year. 

Every major surgery involves risks, but you can minimize risks by following the pre and post-op protocols. Major complications are rare, as long as you choose a highly-skilled surgeon and well-equipped facilities.

A few patients may experience the following symptoms:  

  - bleeding

 - infection

 - Swelling

 - trouble walking 

 - trouble emptying the bladder

 - changes to sexual sensations

You should see a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms after surgery:

 - Pain that persists after several weeks.

 - Bleeding persists after a few days.

 - Wounds that change colour or won’t heal.

Any possible risks associated with SRS will be discussed during your initial consultation.

We have gathered a list of recommendations that can help you prepare for the life-changing journey to this magnificent island.

Accommodations   

Phuket Island is a wonderful retreat for post-op recovery. The picturesque island is known for various beachfront world-class resorts and seaside 5-star hotels. If you prefer more affordable accommodations, there’s never a shortage of options. However, we recommend that you stay close to your chosen hospital as you will be making multiple visits prior to SRS for health checks and consultations. Contact our customer care team for help with choosing accommodations.

Flights

Phuket International Airport (HKT), is the busiest airport in Southern Thailand, handling almost 20 million passengers annually. It is located 32 km (20 miles) north of Phuket city centre. Non-stop flights to HKT are available from more than 30 destinations, including Singapore, Australia, China and parts of the Middle East and Europe. Several domestic flights are available daily from Bangkok (BKK and DMK airports).

How Long Will I Need to Stay in Thailand?

Prior to travelling, patients will be advised on the length of stay in Phuket - depending on the type of procedure, patients usually return home after about one to three weeks after surgery. SRS patients are required to arrive in Phuket a few days before surgery for a health check and clearance and pre-operative consultation, as well as a bowel cleansing procedure that may also take a few days.

Best time to visit Phuket

November to March is the best time to visit Phuket when the weather is dry and temperatures are cooler. Expected hotel and excursion prices to be higher during those peak-season months. The monsoon season is between late May to mid-October producing heavy rainfalls and dangerous sea conditions. Try to avoid April and May as they are the hottest months in Phuket.

Getting Around the City

Travel around Phuket is hassle-free with several public and private transport options available. 

 - Tuk-Tuks are convenient for short distances as they can get expensive and uncomfortable for longer rides. Prices should be agreed upon with the driver before getting on.

 - Metered taxis are also good for shorter rides, as for longer distances, you may get charged a flat rate. The most convenient and reliable option is to book from Grab Taxi app. 

 - Songtaew are the local open-air buses that you can hail from the main road around busy beach areas. They’re easy to spot with the blue and white stripes and names of destinations written in English on the sides.

 - Motorbike taxi is another convenient choice for short distances as they are available 24 hours a day. You can find a motorbike taxi stand at major street corners, in front of convenience and department stores and at most tourist attractions. Many tourists opt for motorbike and private car rentals - be sure to have your International driver’s license.

SRS patients are provided hotel to clinic, and airport, transportation as part of a package deal.

Legal documentation

Several official documents are required for SRS. Depending on the hospital, check with your doctor before your trip to prepare all the necessary documents.

 - Referral letters from psychiatrists

The Thai government regulates SRS procedures and under Thai law, a patient considering SRS is required to have two referral letters from licensed psychiatrists - one letter must be from the patient’s country, and the other from Thailand. The letters are to confirm the gender dysphoria diagnosis, and that both psychiatrists recommend SRS for the patient. The hospital can arrange your session with a psychiatrist in Thailand before the surgery.

 - HIV test

An HIV test is required before your SRS - this can be arranged in Thailand. While being HIV positive will not disqualify you from the surgery, however, your surgeon and hospital staff must be aware of your status to prevent any issues during surgery and post-op recovery. Some hospitals may charge an additional fee for having to use extra protective surgical equipment.

 - Proof of hormonal treatment

Thai law also requires patients to have proof that shows continuous hormonal treatment for at least one year. Depending on your hospital policy, it can be a prescription or a letter from your doctor back home. 

 - Additional health-related documents

If you are taking medications due to other health conditions, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon during the initial consultation. Also, bring any physical examination certificates given to you by a physician back home.

Insurance

Those who have private medical insurance from your home country may be able to get partial coverage for the treatment in Thailand - you should check with your insurance provider to confirm if you are eligible. Similarly, few Australian citizens may have access to their superannuation to cover parts of the SRS procedures in Thailand.

Contact our Customer Care team for help with getting additional medical insurance from our recommended independent providers who offer various affordable health plans. 

Q. Will I be able to walk after the bottom surgery?

A. Patients should not walk for the first five days after SRS, but after about a week, patients are encouraged to walk for five to ten minutes a day.

Q. Can I come on my SRS trip alone?

A. Patients can be accompanied by relatives or loved ones to help with post-op care. If a patient comes alone, a nurse or a nurse aide will be assigned to look after the patient. 

Q. How long after SRS can I have sexual intercourse?

A. Depending on the type of bottom surgery, sexual intercourse should be avoided during the first one to three months after the surgery. 

Q. What forms of payment are accepted in Phuket?

A. Check with your clinic to find out what types of payments are preferred. 

     Most clinics accept the following:

 - cash

 - Bank transfer

 - debit cards 

 - credit cards  

 - traveller's cheques

When booking through Medical Departures, patients receive the Best Price Guarantee - if you don’t get the lowest price possible, we’ll match it.

Don’t let the high cost get in the way of realizing your dream. Begin by booking with  Medical Departures and save up to 70% of the cost back home. Browse through the list of qualified SRS hospitals in Phuket and contact our Customer Care Team. Start today and live the life that’s meant for you.

Sources

94% to 100% of people report being satisfied with their surgery results.

Website accessed 17 August 2023.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21526-gender-affirmation-confirmation-or-sex-reassignment-surgery

Things to do in Phuket. Website accessed 18 August 2023.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293920-Activities-Phuket.html

Why you shouldn’t drink alcohol before surgery. Website accessed 18 August 2023.

https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-before-surgery

The Development of Sex Reassignment Surgery in Thailand: A Social Perspective. Website accessed 18 August 2023. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3977439/

Where to stay in Phuket. Website accessed 18 August 2023.

https://www.phuket101.net/where-to-stay-in-phuket/

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Website accessed 18 August 2023. https://www.isaps.org/

Getting around Phuket. Website accessed 18 August 2023.

https://www.hotels.com/go/thailand/getting-around-phuket