Gender-Affirming Surgery

A personalized, interdisciplinary approach to gender affirmation

Gender-affirming surgery is one of the most complex and demanding fields of modern plastic and reconstructive surgery. It is not a single procedure, but a continuous medical journey that requires precision, experience, clear planning, and absolute respect for the individual.

Each gender-affirmation pathway is unique. Needs, goals, and the pace of transition differ, which is why care must be personalized, stepwise, and fully documented.

The Approach at Dr. Athens

At Dr. Athens, gender affirmation is integrated into a structured, interdisciplinary framework designed to ensure safety, the correct sequence of interventions, and realistic expectations at every stage.

For this purpose, an interdisciplinary evaluation process has been established, during which the individual meets with:

a psychologist or psychiatrist,
an endocrinologist,
a gynecologist or urologist,
and the plastic surgeon.

The team reviews each case individually and determines the necessary medical approvals, as well as the appropriate chronological sequence of interventions. Each stage proceeds only when medical and psychological criteria are fulfilled, in accordance with international guidelines.

Gender affirmation is approached as a continuous process rather than an isolated surgical event.

My Experience

The increased demand in gender-affirming surgery at Rennes University Hospital in France, where I worked, led me to systematic involvement in the full spectrum of procedures required for both MtF (male to female) and FtM (female to male) individuals.

My surgical experience includes:

Facial feminisation and facial masculinisation surgery, with procedures such as frontoplasty, rhinoplasty, and genioplasty, based on modern techniques and aesthetic principles.
Breast surgery, either breast augmentation or chest masculinization, with emphasis on natural form and proper scar placement.
Surgical reconstruction of the lower genitalia, including vaginoplasty and phalloplasty.

In the field of phalloplasty, I have experience with five different techniques, allowing selection of the most appropriate method based on anatomy, functional needs, and each individual’s personal goals.

This clinical experience is accompanied by continuous scientific activity and collaboration with specialized international centers, ensuring the ongoing development of the techniques and protocols applied.

Goal of the Procedure

The goal of gender-affirming surgery is not merely to change external appearance, but to restore physical harmony and improve quality of life through a safe, gradual, and medically guided process.

Gender affirmation at Dr. Athens is fully integrated into the Medical Transition Program, with continuous medical support before, during, and after each stage.