For transgender people, gender reassignment surgery can be life-changing—but getting there isn’t always easy. Long waitlists, high costs, and the limited number of specialists in places like the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand can make your dream seem out of reach.
That’s why more people are looking abroad for short wait times and affordable options. Based on Bookimed’s research and internal data, this article covers the world’s best destinations, hospitals, and surgeons, plus tips on choosing where to get transgender surgery.
Quick Guide
📍 USA: $25,000–$75,000+
📍 Thailand: $8,000–$22,000
📍 Turkey: $8,000–$13,000
For details on the best hospitals and surgeons, keep reading. ⬇️
Table of Contents
- What Is the Best Country for Gender Reassignment Surgery?
- What Is the Best Hospital for Gender Reassignment Surgery?
- Best Gender Reassignment Surgeons
- How to Choose Where to Get Transgender Surgery
What Is the Best Country for Gender Reassignment Surgery?
Choosing where to get sex reassignment surgery comes down to three key factors: expertise, cost, and accessibility. Some countries lead in surgical experience, others make the procedure more affordable, and some strike a balance between the two. Here’s how the top destinations compare:
USA: High standards with difficult access
💰 Cost: $25,000-$75,000+.
The US has some of the most skilled gender reassignment surgeons. They perform over 12,000 surgeries in this field each year. This number is expected to grow since it has already tripled in 5 years.
However, costs are steep, and insurance coverage is inconsistent. Wait times range from 6 months to 7 years. 65% of patients report difficulty finding a surgeon for gender-affirming care.
Thailand: #1 destination for gender-affirming surgery
💰 Cost: $8,000-$22,000 (70% cheaper than in the US).
Thailand is the global leader in gender-affirming procedures. The country has 100+ gender reassignment surgeons who are members of:
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH);
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS);
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Thai surgical teams have pioneered modern techniques like robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty. Patients also benefit from short wait times (1–3 months) and an inclusive environment.
Unlike the US, Thailand offers all-inclusive packages that cover:
- consultations;
- hospital and hotel stays;
- tests and exams;
- anesthesia;
- full-board meals;
- medications;
- airport transfers;
- recovery essentials like dilators for vaginoplasty;
- additional perks like souvenirs and dinner cruises.
Turkey: Emerging hub with affordable options
💰 Cost: $8,000-$13,000 (70%-80% cheaper than in the US).
Turkey is a budget-friendly alternative for gender affirmation surgery, thanks to lower living expenses and government-backed medical tourism incentives. Despite the lower cost, clinics adhere to international standards of surgical care, evidenced by accreditations from JCI and ISO. Turkish surgeons train internationally in the US and Europe. They hold memberships in organizations like ISAPS and ASPS.
All-inclusive packages cover all the surgery essentials:
- consultations;
- medical tests and exams;
- medications;
- hospital stay and anesthesia;
- 4/5-star hotel stays;
- VIP city transportation;
- patient assistance for 1 year.
What Is the Best Hospital for Gender Reassignment Surgery?
In the gender affirmation process, finding the right hospital is just as important as choosing the country. Based on Bookimed’s ranking, the following hospitals and clinics rank among the best for gender confirmation surgery worldwide:
| Hospital | Location | Procedures & Specialties | All-Inclusive Cost | Why It’s a Top Choice | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Plastic Surgery | Bangkok, Thailand | Bottom surgery, chest surgery, facial surgery, body sculpting. | Bottom surgery: $9,000–$10,000. Top surgery: $4,500–$5,000. | ✦ Led by Dr. Pichet Rodchareon, Thailand’s #1 gender-affirming surgeon. ✦ Private, hotel-style rooms with 24-hour in-room attendants. | ⭐ 5 |
| Men’s Health Clinics | Istanbul, Turkey | Bottom surgery, body contouring, hair restoration, facial feminization. | $8,500–$13,000 | ✦ Dr. Baris Nuhoglu, 27+ years of experience, 2,000+ surgeries. ✦ Urology and sexology specialists. | ⭐ 4.9 |
| Wansiri Hospital | Bangkok, Thailand | Bottom and top surgery. | $10,000–$21,000 | ✦ 99% success rate for MTF surgical procedures. ✦ Famous patient: Fuschia Anne Ravena (Miss International Queen 2022). | ⭐ 4.8 |
| Asia Cosmetic Hospital | Bangkok, Thailand | Bottom surgery, facial feminization, top surgery (mastectomy/breast augmentation). | Bottom surgery: $6,900–$12,500. Top surgery: $4,500. | ✦ ISO and JCI-accredited. ✦ Dr. Akkrasash Vongjirad and Dr. Tanongsak Panyawirunroj, 25+ years of experience. ✦ Personalized VIP services. | ⭐ 4 |
| MAXi Cosmetic Surgery Clinic | Bangkok, Thailand | Bottom and top surgery. | ~$8,000 | ✦ Treats 5,000+ patients annually. ✦ Certified by ASPS, ISAPS, Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand, and JCI. ✦ Dr. Kanit Wittayavanichai, 25+ years of experience, professor at Thammasat University. | ⭐ 5 |
❗According to Bookimed’s Finance Policy, the website lists direct prices from partner clinics without markups or hidden fees.
Take a closer look at each of these top-ranking hospitals for gender reassignment surgery:
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Bangkok Plastic Surgery is the clinic under the direction of board-certified surgeon Dr. Pichet Rodchareon. As one of Thailand’s top experts in aesthetic surgical operations and sex reassignment surgery, he and the highly skilled team provide optimal care for all patient´s needs. He has performed over 3,000 procedures with beautiful and functional results and remarkable patient satisfaction. He has dedicated his practice to the unique enhancement and preservation of each patient’s unique identity and approaches every patient differently. As an active member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), Dr. Pichet is committed to providing high-quality care for patients seeking gender-affirming surgeries.
| Sex reassignment surgery | $10000 - $13000 |
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AquaHealth Clinic is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Istanbul, Turkey. The clinic's team is dedicated to urology, sexology, and gender affirmation surgery. The clinic has over 30 years of experience and specializes in transgender surgeries such as penile inversion vaginoplasty. AquaHealth Clinic serves only adults. Every year, 50 patients choose AquaHealth for medical care. Patients from Europe and the Commonwealth visit the clinic most often.
| Sex reassignment surgery | $10000 - $11000 |
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- Achieved a 99.0% success rate for male-to-female surgery, showcasing expertise and reliability.
- Offers comprehensive aesthetic and reconstructive services, ensuring convenient one-stop care for patients.
- Utilizes global-standard medical technology and digitized operations for efficient patient care.
- Led by Dr. Saran Wannachamras, a specialist with extensive experience in sex reassignment surgery.
- Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons Thailand, ensuring high surgical standards.
| Sex reassignment surgery | $7413.17 - $23722.16 |
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- Achieved a 0% rate of patient complications post-surgery, ensuring top-notch safety for sex reassignment procedures.
- ISO and JCI accreditations confirm high international standards and quality for sex reassignment surgery.
- Comprehensive care with procedures supervised by anesthesiologists and cardiologists for optimal outcomes.
- Hospital Accreditation (HA) highlights commitment to excellence in sex reassignment surgery.
- Provides personalized care tailored to individual needs for successful sex reassignment surgery.
| Sex reassignment surgery | $9980 - $10030 |
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- Ranked among the top clinics in Thailand with a high success rate for sex reassignment surgery.
- International patients from Europe, Commonwealth countries, Asia, USA, Canada, and Australia choose this clinic annually.
- The clinic offers methods like male to female sex change, ensuring personalized care for each patient.
- Dr. Kanit Wittayavanichai brings over 20 years of experience in sex reassignment surgery.
- Accreditations include ISAPS, Royal College of Surgeons Thailand, and American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Best Gender Reassignment Surgeons
Gender affirmation surgery requires a deep understanding of transgender health, precision, and artistry. Below are some of the best gender reassignment surgeons in the world, according to Bookimed’s research and patient reviews:
Surgeon | Location | Experience | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Bangkok, Thailand | 30+ years of experience and 3,000+ successful gender affirmation surgeries. | ✦ Member of WPATH, ISAPS, ASPS. ✦ Graduated from Chulalongkorn University, 1st Thai university to teach sex reassignment surgery. | |
Bangkok, Thailand | 30 years of experience. | ✦ Trained under Thailand’s first SRS surgeon. ✦ International training in USA & Japan. | |
Bangkok, Thailand | ✦ 26+ years of experience. ✦ 10,000+ surgeries, including genital surgery, top surgery, and facial feminization/masculinization. | ✦ Studied in Taiwan, USA, Canada, and South Korea. ✦ Founder of Asia Cosmetic Hospital. | |
Istanbul, Turkey | ✦ 27+ years of experience. ✦ 2,000+ successful surgeries. | ✦ Specializes in functional urology and bottom surgery. ✦ Member of the European Association of Urology. |
How to Choose Where to Get Transgender Surgery
1️⃣ Confirm the experience
A surgeon might be board-certified, but that doesn’t mean they specialize in gender-affirming surgery. Check:
✔ How many gender confirmation surgeries they’ve performed.
✔ Their expertise in specific techniques (e.g., penile inversion, peritoneal vaginoplasty).
✔ Whether they have before-and-after photos of their patients.
2️⃣ Check memberships & training
Look for surgeons who are members of associations like WPATH, ISAPS, and ASPS. This shows:
✔ They follow global standards for plastic surgery and gender-affirming care.
✔ They update their skills with new techniques.
3️⃣ Read patient reviews
Look for:
✔ Detailed reviews about long-term results, recovery, and patient care.
✔ Mentions of complications or unexpected issues (and how they were dealt with).
4️⃣ Consider what’s included
Some clinics advertise low prices but exclude essentials like hospital stays, anesthesia, or post-op care. Ask for a detailed cost breakdown, including:
✔ Pre-op consultations & medical tests.
✔ Hospital stay & pain management.
✔ Follow-up visits & aftercare instructions.
5️⃣ Ask questions (and don’t hold back)
Before deciding where to get a sex change, schedule a consultation (in-person or virtual) and ask:
✔ What complications have you handled in the past?
✔ What’s the revision rate for your patients?
✔ How do you ensure results that look natural and function properly?
6️⃣ Location & recovery
If traveling abroad, consider:
✔ Legal & visa requirements for surgery in that country.
✔ Post-op recovery time & accessibility (Will you need to stay for weeks? Will you have local support?).
7️⃣ Consider communication (and trust your instincts)
Credentials, experience, and reviews are crucial, but so is your comfort and trust in the surgeon. If something feels off—whether it’s rushed answers, vague pricing, or bad communication—keep looking. Gender affirmation surgery is a life-changing decision, and you deserve the best possible care.
- JAMA Network Open. (2023). National Estimates of Gender-Affirming Surgery in the US. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10448302/
- Medicine (Baltimore). (2022). Transgender gender-affirming surgery consultation among patients seeking care in the Midwestern United States. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9666111/
- The Guardian. (2023). ‘They just go to Thailand’: the long and costly wait for gender-affirming surgery in Australia. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/23/they-just-go-to-thailand-the-long-and-costly-wait-for-gender-affirming-surgery-in-australia