Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner
Leading Expert in Gender Surgery
Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner, MD is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Dr. Bluebond-Langner has emerged as a national leader in gender-affirming surgery, known for her patient-centered approach and commitment to both safety and natural aesthetic outcomes.
Top Surgery Expertise
For patients seeking FTM Top Surgery, Dr. Bluebond-Langner offers advanced surgical options beyond the traditional double-incision and periareolar methods. While these techniques are effective for many, they may not be ideal for those with moderate breast volume, significant lower chest skin, or higher nipple positioning. In such cases, the standard approaches may result in suboptimal scar placement or inadequate skin removal.
To address this challenge, Dr. Bluebond-Langner pioneered the inferior-ellipse nipple-sparing technique—a specialized method that allows for better contouring while maintaining the natural position of the nipples. This innovative procedure has helped expand surgical options for patients who fall between the typical candidacy for double-incision and periareolar methods, offering them more balanced and natural-looking results.
Phalloplasty in New York
Dr. Bluebond-Langner performs both Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) and Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) phalloplasty two of the most established procedures for gender-affirming genital reconstruction. Sensation is a key component of her approach; multiple branches of the dorsal clitoral nerve are meticulously connected to nerves in the donor tissue to help restore tactile feeling. She collaborates closely with reconstructive urologist Dr. Lee Zhao ensuring a comprehensive surgical plan that minimizes urological risks and supports optimal functional outcomes.
Important Surgical Considerations
For individuals pursuing urethral lengthening as part of phalloplasty, a vaginectomy is required. This step significantly lowers the risk of urological complications. For those considering the ALT technique, candidacy is determined using a "pinch test" to evaluate tissue thickness. If the thigh tissue is too thick, the ALT approach may not be offered. This assessment helps ensure better functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Hospital Affiliations
Dr. Bluebond-Langner operates at NYU Langone Health, a nationally recognized institution with a dedicated gender-affirming surgery program. The hospital performs more than 800 gender-affirming procedures each year and is known for its focus on patient safety, surgical innovation, and inclusive care.
Consultations
Dr. Bluebond-Langner provides in-person consultations in New York City. She accepts insurance only—private plans and Amida Care. Unfortunately, Medicare, out-of-state Medicaid, and New York Medicaid plans other than Amida Care are not accepted. Self-pay options are not available.
Surgery Requirements
As a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), Dr. Bluebond-Langner adheres to the organization's guidelines for surgical readiness. Patients must be at least 19 years old and submit a letter of recommendation from a qualified mental health provider. Additional BMI requirements apply by procedure:
- Top Surgery: BMI must be 40 or lower
- Phalloplasty: BMI must be 33 or lower
To inquire or schedule a consultation
call 646-501-4449 or submit a request online through the NYU Langone website.
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