Price of a sex change in Tunisia

Price of a sex change in Tunisia

The average cost of a sex change in Tunisia in Tunis is 3000 euros. Depending on your needs, the price can vary from 2800 euros to 3200 euros.

Intervention	Cost Tunisia
Sex change	3000 €

What is a sex change?

Also known as gender reassignment surgery or sex change in Tunisia, it involves the surgical procedures necessary to change a person’s sexual characteristics from one gender to another. The term “transgender” may be used to refer to such a person. The procedure can be used to change a person from male to female or from female to male.

The M to F procedure involves reshaping the male genitalia to look and function like female genitalia (including vaginoplasty), hair removal therapy, hormone replacement, facial feminisation surgery and breast augmentation.

Hormonal treatment is started a year before the operation and continued afterwards. Oestrogens help to reshape body contours and stimulate the growth of the labia majora. At least one therapist will need to assess the patient’s psychological well-being before giving the go-ahead.

The decision to undergo breast augmentation should be an informed one, taking into account the risks and potential side effects. You should also have realistic expectations about the results of breast implant surgery to avoid disappointment. Find out more about the procedure, the recovery period and possible complications – ask your doctor or surgeon if you have any doubts.

What does a sex change operation (from male to female) involve?

Clinically speaking, sex reassignment surgery in Tunisia is known as a “genitoplasty procedure”. This type of operation can be performed to change an individual from female to male or male to female.

It is very important to understand that before undergoing surgery, you will first need to make a transition. Gender transition is a long process that requires a great deal of patience and resilience. In addition, it will be a great help if you have a solid support system to help you through the difficult times. It is also essential that you have a therapist to help you not only with your emotional well-being before and after the transition, but you will also need a letter of recommendation from your therapist before your operation.

Male to female transition involves a penectomy (removal of the penis), orchiectomy (removal of the testicles), vaginoplasty (creation of a vagina) and feminising genitoplasty (creation of female genitalia). During the operation, you will be given a general anaesthetic.

You should start hormone treatment a year before your operation to help reshape the contours of your body and stimulate the growth of your labia majora. The hormone treatment will continue even after your sex reassignment operation.

There are popular MTF sex reassignment techniques to choose from, two of which are: skin graft sex reassignment surgery – the most popular SRS procedure, the depth of the vagina can be up to 13-15 cm (5-6 in). Another is sexual reassignment surgery with colon grafting – suitable for people with less scrotal skin and those who prefer a lubricated vagina and is considered the most expensive procedure.

There are other procedures you can undergo to change completely from male to female. These can include breast implants, facial feminisation surgery (FFS), another procedure to minimise the appearance of the Adam’s apple, etc. All procedures to facilitate a complete transition vary according to the individual’s needs and, of course, budget.

Prerequisites for surgery

1. Patients must be at least 20 years old or have the consent of their parents/legal guardians for those aged between 18 and 20.
   
2. At least 12 months of successful and continuous real-life experience as a woman.
3. At least 12 months of continuous hormonal treatment.
4. Must consult a psychiatrist in her country of origin and in the country where the operation will be carried out (this can be arranged at the hospital you have chosen in Tunisia).
5. Be physically fit to undergo surgery.

Popular techniques for MTF sex reassignment surgery (SRS)

1. SRS with penile skin inversion

• Aimed at patients who do not want a vagina for intercourse, particularly popular with older transgender people. The depth is approximately 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2 inches) and penile hair removal is required prior to the operation.
• Surgery: 2.5 hours
• Hospital stay: 4 nights
• Recovery time in Tunisia: 3-4 weeks

2. SRS with scrotal skin grafting

• Skin from the scrotum is used to create a vaginal depth of up to 13-15 cm (5-6 in), depending on the quality and quantity of skin (additional depth is possible using skin from the groin). This is the most popular MRS procedure.
• Surgery: 4 hours
• Hospital stay: 6 nights
• Recovery time in Tunisia: 3-4 weeks

3. SRS with the sigmoid colon by laparoscopic technique

• The sigmoid colon is used to create the vagina, allowing greater depth than is possible with SRS with scrotal skin grafting. This technique is more suitable for people with less scrotal skin or for those who prefer a lubricated vagina, like that of a biological woman. By far the most expensive technique.
• Surgery: 6 hours
• Hospital stay: 7 nights
• Recovery time in Tunisia: 3-4 weeks

How long do I have to stay in Tunisia for sex reassignment surgery (male to female)?

Many patients prefer to have the operation abroad as it is much cheaper and most countries, such as Tunisia, have a very high success rate in terms of plastic surgery and sex reassignment surgery.

Recovery from the operation will be a long and painful process. It will also require several follow-up procedures and constant monitoring. You will therefore need to stay in hospital a little longer until you are ready for discharge. In general, plan to stay in Tunisia for at least 3 weeks after your operation, which will allow time for stitches to be removed and a few weeks of follow-up visits with the surgeon.

What is the recovery time for sex reassignment surgery (male to female) in Tunisia?

Smoking is strongly discouraged before and after the operation. Smoking should be avoided for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of non-healing.

Most people are able to return to work 4 to 6 weeks after a sex reassignment operation. In addition, you can return to work and strenuous exercise after 2 months. It is essential that you strictly follow all medication instructions during your recovery period.

What kind of aftercare is needed for sex reassignment surgery (male to female) in Tunisia?

Social support is very important before and after the operation, especially support from your family and close friends. You need to be socially and emotionally stable before undergoing the operation. This is why you need appropriate counselling to help you with your emotional well-being. You need to prepare yourself mentally, before, during and after the transition, as it can be very trying and stressful.

It is also important to have regular check-ups with your local doctor to monitor the progress of your recovery and avoid complications.

What is the success rate for sex reassignment surgery (male to female) in Tunisia?

The success rate for sex reassignment surgery is very high these days, given the advances in technology and the greater experience of surgeons. Male-to-female sex reassignment surgery has a higher success rate than female-to-male, which is why more male transsexuals are opting for sex reassignment.

However, given the nature and complexity of this type of surgery, you should also be aware of its complications. For example, there is always a possible risk of infection, severe pain, given the intrusive nature of the surgery and the potential for blood clotting and scarring.

Possible side effects can also include reduced sexual sensation and orgasm, fistula (opening between the rectum and vagina), shrinkage of the vagina and hair growth in the vagina from the grafted tissue and partial death of the tissue used to create the new vagina.