Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have heard of a "one stage" vaginoplasty.
Does Dr. Meltzer perform a one or two stage procedure and why?
A. Dr. Meltzer does a two stage procedure. That being said, approximately 60% of our patients want and
return for a labiaplasty to define the labia minora and for clitoral hooding.
The labiaplasty is mainly done for cosmetic reasons but for some patients it is also medically indicated.
Many patients are very happy with the first stage only.
Nonetheless, to create thin labia minora, clitoral hooding and to "fine tune" the overall aesthetics,
a good blood supply is needed as he aggressively thins the labia minora and makes a circumferential incision.
Dr. Meltzer requires that patients wait at least three months after the first stage to allow the blood supply to adequately
re-establish. Dr. Meltzer has done secondary labiaplasties on many patients that previously had "one stage"
procedures performed by other surgeons.
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Q. What do I need to do as far as hair removal? Can I use laser or do I need to do electrolysis?
When should I begin the process of hair removal?
I have heard other doctors say hair removal is not necessary is this true?
A. Hair removal is different for everyone and should be started as early as possible. Since hair removal
depends on hair type, color, and other factors there is no way for us to let you know how long your
process will take. It could be as little as a few months to as long as a year.
Although laser hair removal is a great new method it is not permanent like electrolysis.
Laser may provide sufficient hair removal for some patients but you will need to speak with a hair removal specialist
to determine if laser is right for you.
We ask that patients clear a certain portion of their genital area before surgery.
For a diagram to take to your hair removal specialist :
Please e-mail : info@tmeltzer.com
Call our office : 480-759-7006
or on our website go to:
Patient Resources > MtF > Electrolysis Information > Pre-Vaginaplasty Electrolysis Instructions & Picture
or
Patient Resources > MtF > Electrolysis Information > Pre-Labiaplasty Electrolysis Instructions & Picture
Dr. Meltzer does scrape the scrotal skin graft and cauterizes the hair follicles to augment
electrolysis and/or laser.
It is important to note that this alone is not sufficient and only acts as an overlap to any previous hair removal.
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Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. This question has been coming up a lot more with the changing coverage provided by health insurance
companies. Dr. Meltzer does not participate with any health insurance companies. Our office will not
be in your network but Greenbaum may be and it may be listed under Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn.
Some patients have been able to get portions of their surgeries covered by insurance but this is
something that you will need to discuss with your insurance and research on your own. We are very
happy to help you with insurance questions and concerns but it is a very complex situation and it is
best that you call the office with any further questions.
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Q. How many vaginoplasties/GRS procedures has Dr. Meltzer performed and how often does he do them?
A. Male to female procedures make up the majority of Dr. Meltzer's case load. For MtF's he has
performed over 2400 vaginoplasties, more than 2000 labiaplasties, and hundreds of FFS procedures.
He usually does anywhere from 2-4 vaginoplasties a week. Dr. Meltzer has also performed more than 800 FtM lower surgeries.
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Q. What about hormones? Do you need to speak with my endocrinologist?
Does Dr. Meltzer write for hormones?
A. Dr. Meltzer does not write prescriptions for hormones. You should be regularly seeing either an
endocrinologist or a doctor with experience in hormone therapy for transgender patients. We usually
do not need to speak with the doctor administering your hormones therapy. However, certain medical
conditions may require that we speak with your endocrinologist, health care specialist or primary care physician.
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Q. What about scheduling?
What do I need in order to schedule and how early should I contact the office before I want to undergo surgery?
A. Consultation: The first thing you should consider is scheduling a consultation. For the most part we
offer consultations every week on both Monday and Wednesday mornings. We try to offer some
evening and Thursday appointments but these days are limited, so please call the office
for availability and further scheduling questions.
The fee for a consultation is $100.00. We do ask for a credit card over the phone to hold a consultation date.
If you need to cancel or reschedule just give us 48 hours notice and we will refund your card or make another appointment. It is recommended that you call about two to three months ahead of time for a consultation.
Consultations are highly recommended in all cases and required in some. We feel that it is very
important both for the patient and Dr. Meltzer to get to know each other and feel comfortable with
each other prior to surgery. In your consultation you get to spend time with Dr. Meltzer asking
questions and discussing surgery specifics. You will have you current health and health history
evaluated, as well as the opportunity to get pricing quotes, schedule surgery and meet our wonderful
office staff. We find that patients who come in for consultations have a much easier time
understanding what to expect and preparing for their upcoming surgery.
GRS Surgery: Dr. Meltzer follows the WPATH standards of care
(previously known as HBIGDA standards of care). For more info go to www.wpath.org.
In order to schedule you must follow and complete all requirements set forth by WPATH.
One needs an introduction letter from one of your mental health professionals; our four standard forms
completed (to get these forms please e-mail lindat@tmeltzer.com or call our office); and a deposit to
place you on our schedule.
The deposit can only be made and/or accepted once you have completed and submitted all paperwork.
It is recommended that you call as soon as possible to secure a date for surgery. At any given time our
waiting list is about six months. We do however find that when people have flexible schedules we can
usually get them on our scheduler sooner. There may be days here or there that can open up on
relatively short notice. So please inquire with the office if you have any questions and let us know if
you would like to be on our move up list.
Cosmetic surgery/reconstructive surgery/minor procedures: It is always recommended to call and
schedule a surgery as early as possible for the best time and date options. Cosmetic/reconstructive
procedures under three hours can usually be scheduled with relative ease with a wait of three months
or less. For minor in-office procedures we can sometimes get you in the same month or in the
following month. This is just a guideline.
Please note: Certain months and/or times of the year are busier while some are lighter and easier to schedule. Please inquire with the office for specifics.
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Q. What do I need to bring to Scottsdale? What should I expect when I come for surgery?
A. We have worked long and hard at thinking of everything possible to make your experience here in
Scottsdale a pleasant one. The most important things you will need are yourself, a positive attitude and
comfortable clothing. Once surgery is scheduled you will receive a pre-op packet with a section titled
"What you need to bring". This will give you a detailed list of items to pack. For the most part
everything you will need has already been taken care of in your surgical fee. You may need extra
money for prescriptions and if you want any food other than what the hospital serves. Some of the
hospital stays can be lengthy and you may find yourself with a lot of spare time
so a computer, books and/or magazines are always nice to have around.
We do have a wonderful patient assistant who will check in on you from time to time
to see if you need anything and lend a friendly ear.
Visitors are welcome if you would like during daytime and early evening hours. The recovery rooms
are not designed for friends or family to stay. If you have guests they should have a hotel or other
arrangements for sleeping at night. There are many hotels within walking distance of the recovery
center/hospital. Click here for a list of hotels and lodging in the immediate Scottsdale area.
We have been operating out of Greenbaum for about four years and have come to know and love the
staff. The pre-op, post-op and recovery nurses are all familiar with Dr. Meltzer and his clients. We
believe you will find it a relaxing and peaceful place to recover. It is located in the heart of Old Town
Scottsdale so when you are up to moving around it is a great place to walk and explore.
Our office also offers a courtesy transportation service if you stay in the immediate Scottsdale area.
This service is for patients needing transportation to and from the airport, office, and the hospital
Monday-Friday 8:30 am -5:30 pm.
We would love to accommodate everyone's requests but due to our busy schedule we can only do so much.
To best serve you, we ask that you arrange you transportation ahead of time.
Please call our the office or e-mail us for more information at driver@tmeltzer.com.
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Q. Do you have photos of results that you can send or e-mail me?
A. We have many photos, before and after pictures that you are welcome to view while you are here for
your consultation. We do not post them or release them at this time but some can be found on other
transgender information websites. Please contact our office with any further questions.
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Q. What types of procedures does Dr. Meltzer perform?
A. Dr. Meltzer performs cosmetic, reconstructive and GRS procedures for both MTF and FTM. Listed
below are just a few of the procedures offered at our clinic:
| Breast augmentation |
| FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery ) |
| Body contouring |
| Vaginoplasty and Labiaplasty |
| Labiaplasty for patients who have had their surgery elsewhere |
| FtM lower and chest surgery |
| Facelifts |
| Labial reductions/reconstruction for genetic females |
| Revisions |
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Please e-mail us at info@tmeltzer.com for more information,
or call our office at 1-480-657-7006 or toll-free at 1-866-876-6329.
