Author Archives: Align Surgical Associates

The story of how and why I became a gender-affirming surgeon is deeply rooted in social justice advocacy, fine art photography, global health, plastic surgery, and the “American Dream.” It surprises many people to learn that I attended Catholic school until I started college. I think this is because parochial schools are not historically known for …

Previously, we discussed How to Get the Most Out of Your Surgical Consultation. But what about the actual surgery? Regardless of the gender-affirming procedure you are undergoing, being physically and mentally ready is crucial. Here’s how to ensure you’re fully prepared for your surgery and ready to begin your transformative journey: Before Your Surgery  Follow …

We're excited to kick off our Featured Patient Program this week by introducing you to Mitch, our very first featured patient! Hear from Mitch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj4UAvKjRlo Mitch underwent top surgery with Dr. Satterwhite, and his journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of gender-affirming care. From the moment Mitch and his wife met Dr. Satterwhite, …

In this week's vlog, Dr. Satterwhite sits down with SF LGBT Center's Executive Director, Rebecca Rolfe, on Instagram Live to discuss how to uplift LGBTQ+ organizations and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Watch the video on-demand:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkR64m8yeQ Dr. Satterwhite: Hi Rebecca, how are you doing? Rebecca: I'm doing well, thank you so much. Sorry about that. …

My path to performing gender-affirming surgery began when I was four years old, after I told my grandmother I wanted to become a physician. Looking back, I had a warm and caring pediatrician who made me feel safe and had an endless supply of orange lollipops. He ultimately became a powerful role model for the …

Preparing for surgery can be daunting. One of the first significant steps in your journey is the consultation with the surgeon, a conversation where you both discuss your goals and what steps can be taken to meet them. Being well-prepared and informed will not only help you feel more confident and comfortable but also feel …

Pride Month is a special time for celebration, but it also is a time to reflect on how this important month came to be. In this week’s vlog, Dr. Satterwhite and Dr. Pang share what this month means to them and how they continue to honor the spirit of Pride this month and beyond. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwhcbUaIPjE …

Surgery is a major life decision for your loved one, and being a supportive partner, friend, or parent can make all the difference in their journey leading up to and recovery after surgery. One of the best things you can do to support your loved one is to help them prepare and make any arrangements …

By: Dr. Paul Mittermiller, craniofacial plastic surgeon specializing in gender-affirming facial surgery at Align Surgical Associates What is facial feminization surgery?  Facial feminization surgery (FFS) encompasses a range of procedures designed to soften and feminize the facial features of transgender women and nonbinary and gender-diverse individuals. The goal is to enable patients to live as …

By:  Dr. Breanna Jedrzejewski, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Everyone has the right to live as their most authentic selves. For transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse patients who desire it, we offer both feminizing and masculinizing procedures for the body. We will work with you on a personalized surgical plan to tailor your surgery to your …

Dr. Satterwhite and Dr. Safir recently co-hosted an Instagram Live to discuss traditional and robotic vaginoplasty, the right candidate for each approach, and things to know about each procedure. Check out the on-demand recording below to learn more! https://youtu.be/uSrYIwgGynQ For more information about each procedural approach, visit our vaginoplasty and robotic vaginoplasty pages. Dr. Satterwhite: …

By Dr. Michael Safir, reconstructive urologist, Los Angeles office What is microvascular phalloplasty, and how does it differ from other genital reconstructive surgeries? Microvascular phalloplasty is a surgical technique used to construct a neophallus, or new penis, using tissue from the patient's body, such as the forearm, thigh, or abdomen. This approach is distinguished by: …