So who is the best SRS surgeon in Thailand?

[CharleneT]

I don't really know if any input from me is helpful, take it or leave it. I guess the reason I feel that I can perhaps provide some input is that I do perform surgery on animals (you know, veterinarian) on a daily basis, not just your usual spays and castrates but complicated orthopaedic, soft tissue and yes at times reconstructive surgery, I know and have operated with or seen operate many of the top veterinary surgeons in Australia and my mother was head of radiology at Prince of Wales hospital Sydney for over 5 years as well as working at St Vincents Public Hospital Sydney on a post surgical ward for another 5 years. So I've seen and done a hell of a lot of cutting.
Here are my tips for picking the very best surgeon (in just about anything):
1. Surgery time for the same or similar procedure is almost a direct indicator of a good surgeon. The better the surgeon, the faster they are. This is because they know the anatomy, they are decisive and precise in their actions.
2. A good surgeon despises scars and so, particularly for an "elective" procedure, will use the smallest incisions possible to achieve the desired outcome. Have a look at what the surgery site looks like 3-5 days post op and you will get an idea what you will expect once it all heals.
3. A good surgeon ALWAYS discusses expected outcomes AND adverse outcomes. Whether they have had them happen or not.
4. Related to 3, a good surgeon always has a plan B, and plan C, and plan D if something doesn't go the way they wan't it to.
Unfortunately a good surgeon is not always the nicest person. Some of them (OK, a lot of them) are as arrogant as all hell, with the possible notable exception of south east asian surgeons (yes, I know that is stereotyping) who almost universally seem to be really nice, humble sort of people, at least the ones I've met.

As an aside Melody, what happens if you have a delayed complication with your surgery once you return to Australia? Does Medicare and your private health insurance cover it? E.g. the recent issue with the french silicone breast implant material?

Good points all !!

Dr. Chettawut must be good then, as I have almost no scaring ( I had 4 different surgeries at the same time ). Under one arm, there is still a small scar from where the breast implant was placed. There are two lines that are still a little visible on the outside of my labia majora. The color and texture of them is still a little different: this takes time to change in all patients. Things are decent enough that no one I've had sex with knew I had had surgery - and these are women (men are often not very, shall we say, observant about such things).

ps Many years ago, I used to do a lot of surgery on animals too. I worked in medical research on rats, rabbits and full grown pigs ( for cardiac studies, their hearts are very similar to a human heart).

ppss Cardiac surgeons are really often very arrogant!! At least those I trained with were !!

[Melody Moore]

Well here is something to be aware of and I found very interesting... A friend of mine who is aged in her
30s was turned down by Doctor Suporn for SRS and not because of any weight issues, it was because
she had Factor 5 Leiden. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is a type of Thrombophila.
The only place she could get her SRS in Thailand was through the Preecha Aesthetics Institute (PAI)
and the Piyavate Private Hospital

Factor 5 Leiden apparently affects about 5% of the caucasian population so about 5% of trans women could
also be affected by this condition or another Thrombophila. This friend also works as a pathologist in a hospital
and she also advises trans women who are on oestrogen to be tested for Thrombophila especially before surgery.

[Raquel June]

Do people go for the prices, or because the surgeons and techniques are the best available? If you want fine dining you go to France, for fine opera you go to Italy, and for fine SRS, it seems like Thailand is the place people talk about.

Melody, thank you for your insights!

I've never known anyone to fly from the US to Thailand where price wasn't the primary reason.

Everybody I've talked to personally who is considering Thailand has heard that the "finest" SRS in Thailand is from Suporn. But they choose someone cheaper. Which shows that they're going for the price, not for the finest.

I'm not arguing about who is actually the best SRS surgeon in the world. I'm just saying the people I've talked to in the US have always sounded like if they had unlimited funds they would be getting SRS in the US, but they don't want to wait that long so they're considering Thailand. Most trans girls I hung out with in Phoenix wanted to go to Meltzer, but he costs $24,000, so they considered other places because they wanted to get it done sooner.

I've known people to spend over $40,000 on FFS from Dr. O and then shop around for the cheapest SRS they could. Not many people are that worried about complications. They just want to get it done. If there are minor differences, it's not like people are going to be seeing your hoo-hoo all day like they do your face.

But I guess it's all pretty competitive these days. Suporn is $17,500 US. Brassard in Montreal is $18,000. McGinn is right between Philly and NYC and she charges $18,500. So Suporn is more expensive than Brassard or McGinn when you consider the cost of a plane ticket. But maybe he is the "finest."

[CorrieK]

So based on Sarans background he might be a good option at a lower cost? Certainly open to this, kind of exciting really to be affordable. His website seemed to give the impression you would still have good if not better sensations afterwards.

[CharleneT]

I've never known anyone to fly from the US to Thailand where price wasn't the primary reason.

Everybody I've talked to personally who is considering Thailand has heard that the "finest" SRS in Thailand is from Suporn. But they choose someone cheaper. Which shows that they're going for the price, not for the finest.

Guess you don't know me, because I chose to go to Thailand specifically because I prefer their technique and believe the results are better. I also feel their health care in general is better. I have friends here who have traveled to Thailand for surgeries other than SRS, because they wanted the skills of the docs there. In particular musicians and jewelers ( hand surgeries). I've heard that Dr. Supporn is the best, but I don't believe it. He has quite the operation and a very effective marketing machine. He is also a top knotch surgeon - of that there is no doubt. Personally I think Dr. Chettawut is better.

I'm not arguing about who is actually the best SRS surgeon in the world. I'm just saying the people I've talked to in the US have always sounded like if they had unlimited funds they would be getting SRS in the US, but they don't want to wait that long so they're considering Thailand. Most trans girls I hung out with in Phoenix wanted to go to Meltzer, but he costs $24,000, so they considered other places because they wanted to get it done sooner.

I don't know who the best is either I do know that choosing a surgeon for SRS involves many different things to combine/resolve.
Last I heard (from the office manager) Dr. Meltzer is charging around $29,000 - if you include the second stage. I could have had my surgery faster in the US or Canada than Thailand. Dr. Meltzer had openings quite a bit sooner. His prices keep down the wait list. When discussing SRS everyone mentions the travel cost to Thailand. They never mention the travel cost to anywhere in North America. I could not have traveled to either of my NA choices for less than $500. I paid $1200 to go to Thailand, so yes it was more, but not that much. Especially when you consider that my doc will do any revisions necessary for free. I spent extra time in the clinic - at no charge. If it had been the hospital, the story would have been the same.

I've known people to spend over $40,000 on FFS from Dr. O and then shop around for the cheapest SRS they could. Not many people are that worried about complications. They just want to get it done. If there are minor differences, it's not like people are going to be seeing your hoo-hoo all day like they do your face.

I agree, although I believe that people spend more $$ on FFS because: it is more expensive in general and the top SRS surgeons are all very similar in quality - whereas that doesn't seem to be the case with FFS surgeons.

But I guess it's all pretty competitive these days. Suporn is $17,500 US. Brassard in Montreal is $18,000. McGinn is right between Philly and NYC and she charges $18,500. So Suporn is more expensive than Brassard or McGinn when you consider the cost of a plane ticket. But maybe he is the "finest."

I do not think too many folks end up lumping Dr. McGinn in with Drs. Supporn, Chettawut, Brassard or Meltzer. You didn't mention Dr. Bowers, she sure is popular with folks who want to stay here, does good work and lands somewhere between all those and Dr. Meltzer.

If you find yourself at that point of picking a SRS surgeon you'll have a lot of questions to answer. One of the biggies is cost - no doubt about it. You will also be thinking down the road about FFS etc... you'll worry about quality and many things. It all gets very complicated really.

[Nicki S]

While i feel that Charlene is correct about the cost of flying is not added in when people think of SRS here in the States. Since your surgery was over a year ago, i do have to mention that you are a bit low on your airfare prices. Personally speaking, my recently purchased ticket to Bangkok cost me $1700.

Another point Charlene mentioned is Dr Bowers. About 5 months ago, I received a price from her and for SRS it was $23,500. In comparison, Dr Chett, who i booked my surgery with, is at $10,500. What makes Dr Bowers 13k better? If you add in the $1700 to Dr Chett, it is still $11,300 cheaper. And i believe the level of care in Thailand is far more personal. He is more about quality then quantity.

[Traci Elizabeth]

While i feel that Charlene is correct about the cost of flying is not added in when people think of SRS here in the States. Since your surgery was over a year ago, i do have to mention that you are a bit low on your airfare prices. Personally speaking, my recently purchased ticket to Bangkok cost me $1700.

Another point Charlene mentioned is Dr Bowers. About 5 months ago, I received a price from her and for SRS it was $23,500. In comparison, Dr Chett, who i booked my surgery with, is at $10,500. What makes Dr Bowers 13k better? If you add in the $1700 to Dr Chett, it is still $11,300 cheaper. And i believe the level of care in Thailand is far more personal. He is more about quality then quantity.

My airline ticket to Bangkok cost me $1,700 as well. Which has already been bought and paid for. And when is Dr. C. doing your SRS?

[Nicki S]

April 5, and i cant wait!

[Melody Moore]

I've never known anyone to fly from the US to Thailand where price wasn't the primary reason.

It is not just price why people choose to go to Thailand, because some of the surgeons over there are
the most experienced surgeons using some of the best techniques in the world. Many other doctors &
surgeons also go there to train through the PAI. Recently I met an Australian doctor who lives and works
in Bangkok through Facebook who is an associate of the doctor who run my gender clinic. This doctor I
got to meet in person at the conference I was part of recently. So don't think that Thai surgeons are not
well respected and looked up to by other surgeons around the world, because many medical professionals
were in awe & really impressed with Dr Sanguan Kunaporn's presentation at the Qld Transgender conference.

When you really research SRS and it's background, then you will understand the real reasons why some of us
go to Thailand. Sure it's cheaper, but it is also better as far as I am concerned, and the reports on service and
how well they look after you is absolutely outstanding. I have heard some surgeons and their wives have taken
some girls out to dinner and given them personal tours around Thailand. Now would a western surgeon do that?

On the topic of airfares and accommodation. Some airlines in Australia have return flights on sale at times for as
low as $350 AU ($360US) return. 21 nights accommodation in a lovely hotel in Bangkok costs only $18AU ($20US)
per night INCLUDING breakfast! So the cost of accommodation in US dollars is only about $420US for 21 days! My
surgery is going to cost $8000 US ($7900AU) with a top surgeon like Dr. Saran. So do the math & also weigh
everything else up I just said. A 21 day holiday in Thailand with a little bit of pain & getting pampered & well looked
after sounds awesome to me! But don't care about what I think, get your surgery where ever you want but I am
going to Thailand next month regardless and I cannot wait!

[Bree-asaurus]

It is not just price why people choose to go to Thailand, because some of the surgeons over there are
the most experienced surgeons using some of the best techniques in the world.

Yuppers... I'll probably go to Thailand if I'm being budget conscious OR if I'm looking for the best. Of course, we'll see when I actually have the cash.

I mean heck, going to Thailand would a friggin amazing if only for the culture! If I go there, I'll definitely go a week or so early so I can enjoy the country pre-surgery.

[Melody Moore]

Bree, there are many other reasons to go to Thailand for SRS other than price. Sure it is cheap over there for us
but like you say there is also the cultural experience of Thailand. This country is known as "the land of smiles" and
all the reports I have had seem to indicate this claim to be very true. Thailand has the biggest transgender population
in the world. Thai surgery has become very important to Thailand and it's economy, so Thai surgeons are very astute
because they cannot afford to get a bad reputation if they ever want to work to work with people from overseas.

If you are prepared to stay in a Thai Hospital, and not the Piyavate Private Hospital you can get SRS for as low as
$6000 with Dr. Saran with the same surgical team and standards of health care, the difference is that not everyone
will speak English. The Piyavate Private Hospital employs all English speaking staff. I know one girl who took this option
and she said it was great, the language barrier wasn't really a problem because Dr Saran and his English speaking staff
still came to deliver your primary care, while non-English speaking nurses took care of the dressings etc. This girl also
said that the staff seemed really grateful to have her as a patient and treated her like a queen & the whole staff all came
together and gave her a gift on her departure from the hospital. Now would that ever happen in a western hospital?

[Traci Elizabeth]

The only gift I want Dr. C to give ME is a successful surgery without complications or infections!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Melody Moore]

I am thinking I would really like to visit this place while I am in Bangkok.
http://www.tigertemplethailand.com/



Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTxQU...feature=relmfu

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtzs5...feature=relmfu

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Z4g...feature=relmfu

[CharleneT]

I just went and did a quick ticket search, wowza! The prices have gone up! I found $1537 flights, but on US carriers ( which by the by I do not recommend you take for international travel!!!). $1700-ish was the norm on Korean Air - which I recommend for travel to Thailand. Zowie !!

To echo a little of what Melody and others have mentioned ... when I was in Bangkok I stayed in a hotel where other patients of Dr. C were also staying. One day while talking to another patient, she said something that really summed it up for me. " I came to Thailand and I was all about my surgery, it was the only thing I could think of or cared about. I came to Thailand for a life changing experience and now after two weeks I know I have had that - and oh yeah, I also had some surgery"

That is exactly how I felt. I know I will go back there - as soon as I can. Not for more surgery, but so I can revisit that incredible place. I've told many friends here that I would gladly move to Thailand to retire. Maybe I will - that is far in the future though.

[Nicki S]

I am pleased to hear that Korean Air is your recommendation. That is who has my $1700

[CharleneT]

I am pleased to hear that Korean Air is your recommendation. That is who has my $1700

OH, you are going to love flying with these folks for sure ! Expect that a lot of the cabin will be asians of various nationalities ... you'll be hearing a lot of language that won't make sense BUT, every stewardess speaks at least 3 (more likely 4 or 5) languages. They'll make the trip as easy as it can be ....

A suggestion, there is this pillow - pricey thingy. A friend of mine who flies internationally a lot recommended it to me. It really helped with comfort, especially on the way back !!! That return trip is your own personal gauntlet, sorry.... The pillow I got is from Magellan, there may be other sources. The trick is the shape, and that you can inflate and deflate easily and air goes slowly ( so you get a lot of control ). The cutout goes under your tail bone.

Good luck !! !!

[Melody Moore]

There is currently 3 people I know of from Australia (2 are friends) that arrived in Thailand yesterday
to have SRS with Dr. Saran. The first girl would almost be out of surgery as I speak, and the other
two girls will have their SRS over the next two days. So how hard working is Dr. Saran & his team?

[Melody Moore]

I know there are some trans women who cannot stand the term 'Ladyboy', but please don't
be offended by the name of this video because this is a really good video looking at Sex/gender
reassignment in Thailand and what that all means to Thai and western women.

This video also examines why some trans women prefer to remain non-op
and a male partner of one such Thai ladyboy gives his opinion on the subject.

But a real feature of this video many people will be interested in is Dr. Saran, as well as caregiver,
Mai who look after a trans woman from the US who has her SRS in Thailand. This video also looks
at some of the real bargain basement surgical options in Thailand. Some surgeons will perform SRS
in Thailand for under $2000 US but the entire operation is performed under local anaesthetic!!!

Part 1:

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX2vz5sCdsc
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8pqGRM4O3A

[Bree-asaurus]

I know there are some trans women who cannot stand the term 'Ladyboy', but please don't
be offended by the name of this video because this is a really good video looking at Sex/gender
reassignment in Thailand and what that all means to Thai and western women.

This video also examines why some trans women prefer to remain non-op
and a male partner of one such Thai ladyboy gives his opinion on the subject.

But a real feature of this video many people will be interested in is Dr. Saran, as well as caregiver,
Mai who look after a trans woman from the US who has her SRS in Thailand. This video also looks
at some of the real bargain basement surgical options in Thailand. Some surgeons will perform SRS
in Thailand for under $2000 US but the entire operation is performed under local anaesthetic!!!

Thanks for the links! That was pretty good.

[kellycan27]

Under 2k? They must give you a stick to bite on. LOL Plus one might possibly find a tramp streamer on which to work their way over to Thailand.

[Bree-asaurus]

Under 2k? They must give you a stick to bite on. LOL Plus one might possibly find a tramp streamer on which to work their way over to Thailand.

For under 2k, you gotta bring your own stick, or wait until the surgery is halfway done

[kellycan27]

For under 2k, you gotta bring your own stick, or wait until the surgery is halfway done

And assist the surgeon... sponge, clamp, suction!

[KateConnors]

For under 2k, you gotta bring your own stick, or wait until the surgery is halfway done

That just made my day.

[Jorja]

I watched the video links Melody posted. Sign me up! I would do it all over again, if I had too.

[Melody Moore]

I watched the video links Melody posted. Sign me up! I would do it all over again, if I had too.

I was especially impressed with what I seen in this video about Dr. Saran and the Piyavate Hospital.
At $8000US, Saran's medical services are touted in the video as being 5 star services and when you
see the hospital facilities and surgical team, there is no doubt that his services are amongst the best
in Thailand. My bet is that Dr. Saran will become one of the most popular SRS surgeons in Thailand
as more western people find out about this highly qualified, and really generous quiet achiever. There
is so much talk right now about Dr. Saran in the Australian transsexual community, that nobody hardly
even mentions Dr. Suporn or any other surgeon now. I know at least a dozen other girls who are now
planning to have their surgery with Dr. Saran over the next 12 months and you can guarantee there will
be a lot more! So far this year alone I know 8 girls who have gone to Thailand & had SRS with Dr. Saran.

So Jorga, if by any chance it does happen to grow back, then you want to get in quick to secure a booking.