What this category covers
Male-to-female surgery, often shortened to MTF, brings together the operations that trans women and some non-binary people choose to align the body with their gender identity. The names used in this category overlap: sex reassignment surgery, bottom surgery and male-to-female surgery are broad terms for genital surgery, while colon vaginoplasty names one specific technique and body feminisation surgery refers to procedures elsewhere on the body. Not everyone has all of them, and not everyone wants genital surgery at all. For the wider specialty, see our page on gender affirmation surgery treatments in Turkey.
Male-to-Female Surgery in Turkey
How the options differ
Genital surgery for women usually means a vaginoplasty, which creates a vagina, vulva and clitoris. There are several techniques, and your surgeon will explain which one they use and why.
- Penile inversion vaginoplasty uses the skin of the penis, and sometimes the scrotum, to line the new vaginal canal. It is the most widely performed technique.
- Colon vaginoplasty, also called sigmoid vaginoplasty, uses a short section of bowel to line the canal. It is sometimes considered when there is not enough genital skin, or for revision surgery, and it involves abdominal surgery as well, so the recovery and risks differ.
- Orchiectomy, the removal of the testicles, is a smaller operation that some people choose on its own, or as a first step.
Body feminisation procedures are separate operations. They can include breast augmentation, procedures to change the waist and hips, body contouring and hair removal, and they can be planned before, with or after genital surgery. Facial and voice procedures are covered on their own pages.
Who it is for and how to choose
Surgery is a personal and often long-considered decision. Most surgeons will want evidence that you have lived in your gender role, that any hormone treatment is established, and that you have the support of mental health and medical professionals, usually in the form of letters. The requirements vary between hospitals and countries, so ask what each one needs. You should also check what your home country requires for legal recognition and for later medical care.
Worth discussing with a surgeon: which technique suits your anatomy and how much genital skin is available; how much sensation, depth and appearance matter to you; whether hair removal is needed beforehand; how to sequence any other procedures; and how your general health, smoking and weight affect healing.
What a trip and recovery usually look like
This is major surgery, and it needs time. Most patients stay in hospital for several days and in Turkey for at least two weeks, sometimes longer, so that the team can remove the dressings and catheter, check healing and teach you aftercare. A colon vaginoplasty may need a longer hospital stay because of the bowel surgery. Expect swelling, soreness and limited movement for the first weeks. Dilation, a routine of using dilators to keep the new canal open, begins soon after surgery and continues in a schedule your surgeon will set out, and it is a long-term commitment.
Plan for a companion, comfortable travel home, time off work and follow-up with a doctor near you who understands what you have had done. Ask the hospital how it supports patients after they leave, and how complications such as bleeding, infection or narrowing of the canal would be handled.
What affects the price
The cost depends on the technique, whether one or several procedures are combined, the length of the hospital stay, the surgical team and facility, and any complications. Colon vaginoplasty, which includes abdominal surgery, differs from a penile inversion technique, and body feminisation operations are priced separately. Travel, accommodation and a companion are additional. Compare written plans that list exactly what is included, such as pre-operative tests, dilators, dressings and follow-up visits.
How to check a hospital and surgeon
Look for a team that performs these operations regularly and can tell you how many it does each year. Confirm that the hospital is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Ask to see before and after photographs of the surgeon's own patients, how long after surgery they were taken, and what the typical complications and revision rates are. Ask about anaesthesia, intensive care availability, language support and your rights to your medical records. A trustworthy team will give clear answers, will not pressure you and will put the plan in writing.
How an enquiry with us works
You can send a free quote request describing the procedures you are interested in, your hormone history and any supporting letters you already have. A licensed hospital reviews your request and replies with a written plan that names the surgeon, the technique proposed, the expected length of stay and the full price. If more information or preparation is needed first, it tells you. Asking for a plan is free and does not commit you to travel, and your enquiry is handled privately. A coordinator can then help with appointments, transfers and questions.
Other Gender Affirmation Surgery categories
Frequently asked questions
They are broad terms for genital surgery that aligns the body with gender identity. For trans women this usually means a vaginoplasty, with or without other procedures. The surgeon will explain exactly what is planned.
It is a technique that lines the new vaginal canal with a short section of bowel, also called sigmoid vaginoplasty. It involves abdominal surgery, so it is usually reserved for specific situations, such as limited genital skin or revision surgery.
Usually at least two weeks, sometimes longer, so the team can remove dressings and the catheter, check healing and teach aftercare. A colon vaginoplasty may need a longer stay. Your surgeon will confirm for your plan.
Most surgeons ask for evidence that you are ready, often letters from mental health and medical professionals and an established hormone history. Requirements vary, so ask each hospital what it needs before you apply.
Often yes, for some techniques, because hair on the skin used to line the canal can cause problems later. Your surgeon will tell you whether it is needed and how many sessions to complete in advance.
Dilation means using dilators regularly to keep the new vaginal canal open and the right depth. It begins soon after surgery and continues for months, with the schedule set by your surgeon and reduced gradually.
Use the free quote form, tell us which procedures interest you and add your hormone history and any letters. A licensed hospital then replies with a written plan. Asking is free and handled privately.