Dr. Ellie Zara Ley
Fellowship-Trained Phalloplasty Surgeon in San Francisco
Dr. Ellie Zara Ley, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon who had more than 15 years of specialized training in plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery and microsurgery before learning Phalloplasty techniques through her training in Gender Surgery. Dr. Ley's unique combination of skills are ideal for Phalloplasty and allow her to provide superb surgical care.
Training and Experience
- Undergraduate: BA (Spanish Literature) and BSc (Biochemistry), University of Arizona
- Medical Degree, Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
- Residency, General Surgery, University of Arizona
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, University of Utah
- Hand and Microsurgery Fellowship, University of Southern California
- Craniofacial/Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship, Primary Children's Medical Center
- Served as Assistant Clinical Instructor, University of Utah, Dept. of Plastic Surgery
- Private Practices: LEY Institute of Plastic & Hand Surgery, LLC; Arizona Craniofacial & Pediatric Plastic Surgery.
- Member of WPATH
Dr. Ley developed a clinical interest in Gender Surgery while working at the University of Utah. Five years later, Dr. Ley transitioned herself. She subsequently completed a year in Gender Surgery and practiced as a Gender Surgeon for several years in Scottsdale and Portland. In 2022, Dr. Ley joined Dr. Scott Mosser's Gender Confirmation Center in San Francisco where she now offers Phalloplasty.
"I highly recommend that anyone searching for a gender reassignment surgeon consult with Dr. Ellie Zara Ley. I cannot say enough positive comments about my personal experience with her and her commitment to quality healthcare and gender reassignment surgery. I think it helps that she is an out trans woman who "gets it" and who cares about trans men and our success with surgery. " - Phalloplasty patient
Dr. Ley offers three types of Phalloplasty:
- Pedicled Groin Flap Phalloplasty: The creation of a phallus by using skin harvested from the groin and forming a tube that is slowly released from the patient's body. This is a staged procedure that creates a penis of adequate size but without erogenous sensation.
- Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) Phalloplasty: The creation of a phallus by using skin, nerves and vessels from the forearm. This is a microsurgical procedure that creates a sensate penis of adequate size for intercourse.
- Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Phalloplasty: The creation of a phallus by using skin, nerves and vessels from the thigh. This is a microsurgical procedure that creates a sensate penis that's typically on the larger size and suitable for intercourse.
Dr. Ley uses Implantech testicular implants and Boston Scientific penile implants (Ambicor, AMS 700.)
Surgery Requirements
- Dr. Ley follows WPATH guidelines for genital surgery. You will need to provide two referrals from qualified mental health professionals, plus a letter from your hormone specialist stating you have been on 12 months of continuous hormones, unless clinically contraindicated.
Financing & Insurance
Dr. Ley accepts cash, credit cards, medical financing and insurance from a large number of insurance companies.
Booking a Consultation
Dr. Ley offers FREE virtual and in-person consultations in San Francisco. Her current waitlist for a consultation is 2 months.
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