Questions
FAQs
Q. I have heard of a "one stage" vaginoplasty. Does Dr. Meltzer perform a one or two stage procedure and why?
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.
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?
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 mikit@tmeltzer.com or call our office.)
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.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
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 there surgeries covered by insurance but this is something that you will need to discuss with your insurance and research on you 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.
Q. How many vaginoplasties/GRS procedures has Dr. Meltzer performed and how often does he do them?
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.
Q. What about hormones? Do you need to speak with my endocrinologist? Does Dr. Meltzer write for hormones?
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.
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?
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 mikit@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 waitlist 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.
Q. What do I need to bring to Scottsdale? What should I expect when I come for surgery?
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. For a list of hotels and lodging in the area please contact our office.
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 driving service if you stay in the Scottsdale area. This service is for patients needing transportation to and from the airport, office, and or hospital during certain set hours (details in pre-op packet). 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 ride(s) ahead of time with our driver Robin she can be reached at the office or at driver@tmeltzer.com.
Q. Do you have photos of results that you can send or e-mail me?
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.
Q. What types of procedures does Dr. Meltzer perform?
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
*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
Last modified: December 30, 2003 06:44 PM
Maintained by Linda Takata.
Disclaimer: Any external informational Web sites which may be reached from this Web site are neither maintained nor endorsed by Dr. Toby R. Meltzer or his staff, and their contents may be questionable or offensive to some.
All information © Toby R. Meltzer, MD PC, 1996-2004. Photographs provided are anonymous and also © Toby R. Meltzer, MD PC, 1996-2004.
Design © Wes Meltzer, 2003.