Q&A with Dr Mendelsohn: Vocal Feminization Surgery

To learn more about Dr. Mendelsohn and vocal feminization surgery, visit our website at www.laent.com/
Skip to each question:
00:10 What is VFS?
00:38 Who is a good candidate for VFS?
00:58 What makes your approach to VFS unique?
01:17 Can you walk us through the procedure of VFS?
02:15 What are the major risks during VFS?
02:36 What is the recovery process after VFS?
03:35 Will my voice sound natural after VFS?
04:08 Is VFS covered by insurance?
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[@msgn8i11s2]

Can you go thru surgery to get a better less nasal singing voice?

[@Laentdoctors]

Addressing the nasality of the voice is something that is only achieved through voice therapy, and not surgery.

[@alysonmosby4237]

Do you have anyone that you can refer in the Midwest?

[@Laentdoctors]

Currently, we don't have doctors within our network in the Midwest. However, if you ever find yourself in California, we would be more than happy to provide you with our specialized care at one of our Los Angeles locations.

[@AngelinaDeSarno]

I just had my procedure done with Andrew Phillip Stein at Northwestern Memorial Hospital here in Chicago. I am 2 days post-op and I have little to no pain whatsoever so far. He does the same thing with the Botox to help the healing process. I highly recommend him!

[@alysonmosby4237]

@@AngelinaDeSarno thanks so much!

[@monicadaniels784]

After two voice therapists, I'm considering surgery, but tend to gag with dental work. Is the process ever impossible for a potential patient due to someone not being able to do inspection procedures at times other than the surgery (when one is asleep?) I mean such as an initial inspection.

[@Laentdoctors]

A strong gag reflex does not affect the process of the surgery.

[@monicadaniels784]

@@Laentdoctors Just to be clear, I'm not worried about the surgery itself. I just wonder if I could do the inspection procedures that happen when I would be awake. You do use a camera through the mouth or nose I assume.

[@Laentdoctors]

​@@monicadaniels784 Hi Monica, the evaluation you're referring to is called an endoscopy. This procedure is performed using a local, topical anesthetic. Having a gag reflex will not affect this procedure.

[@monicadaniels784]

@@Laentdoctors This is a relief. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer.

[@aumi2416]

​@monicadaniels784 worse case you can probably use medication to stop the gag reflex I've heard about it before because some people can't take pills without puking or have a situation like you that even dental work can cause gaging I'm not sure what it can help when in your situation but I'd recommend bringing it up to your doctor it might not be viable for what you need it for and a doctor would know more than me but if it's an option it may help for those types of situations I've only seen it a few times when people are unable to take pills or other oral medication and not sure what it does exactly but it seems to turn off the gag reflex at least temporarily

[@pernilladomander7648]

Can you help detransitioners in any way?

[@cujo4397]

i’d like to know this too. i’ve been trying to train my voice back for a long time now and i don’t think i’m going to be able to sound female again without surgery

[@Laentdoctors]

While we have very rarely had the opportunity to assist individuals through a “detransitioning” process, there are plenty of options available to pursue ongoing gender affirming care for the voice after VFS.

[@theeperson3764]

The testosterone exposure from your HRT has the same effects on the larynx as the one from a trans-woman’s puberty so yeah it should be the exact same easy process to help raise the pitch up.

[@PheePheeTV]

Would preexisting vocal nodules affect the results of this procedure?

[@Laentdoctors]

Preexisting vocal nodules are a sign that there has been vocal damage from overuse or poor vocal posture. As such, it would be absolutely critical to first address any vocal re-training (voice therapy) prior to considering gender affirming vocal surgery.

[@PheePheeTV]

@@Laentdoctors Do you have suggestions on how to properly address those nodules prior to your procedures?

[@Laentdoctors]

@@PheePheeTV Undergoing vocal evaluation by a laryngologist likely followed by a course of voice therapy with a licensed speech language pathologist is recommended.