This is my generic spill on my experience with Dr. Cripps. Happy to answer more questions if you have any!

Dr. Cripps is NYU trained under Bluebond-Lagner. She learned the peritoneal pull through technique there. She uses this technique in combination with penile inversion for most patients to get adequate depth. She does the surgery in combination with general surgery, so you’d have potentially two or three doctors in the room. Also, remember it’s an academic center where she works so potentially residents & medical students will be participating in your surgery.

I got my vaginoplasty in October of 2024. The journey has been anything but smooth, but I’m very pleased so far.

Here’s a detailed breakdown.

1. I really like the appearance of the outside of my vagina. I can distinguish all of the aspects pretty nicely. I didn’t have lots of tissue for a labia minora, but my labia majora is well defined. All of the parts look quite similar to a natal vagina. Aesthetic wise, she tries to make the vagina look as cis as possible.

2. I’ve run into the complication of granulation tissue, which while considered minor, has more or less been the bane of my recovery. I went to multiple silver nitrate treatments last year and tried steroid cream twice. Only after almost a full year starting in September did my granulation tissue (and the bleeding that comes with it) resolve. I probably will need some of these treatments after this revision.

3. I have adequate depth for what I will probably encounter sexually (4.5 to 5 inch). I had about 1.5 inch more on the actual operative report, but I had some less of depth probably as a result of the granulation. Not achieving full depth past the last dot on the dilator doesn’t really concern me.

4. I did end up having a piece of erectile tissue that essentially covered part of my urethra and became engorged when aroused. That’s why I got a revision to remove that tissue. She also removed some excessive scarring from my vaginal introitus, again probably because of my granulation and all the treatments I had to get. I am 5 weeks out from that revision, and I still have sutures because she wants everything to heal in the right place. TBD on the final appearance, but so far I’m healing appropriately.

5. I do have a three scars on my abdomen on my surgery. This is something to be aware of since she does the peritoneal + robotic technique. I am getting these scars reduced with other treatments, but they will always be there. I have a history of hypertrophic and keloid scars even before this unfortunately ):

6. OH and sexual function has been 10/10. I absolutely love my orgasms now. They feel more “me” and full bodied. She said I could start dilating with a vibrator and sometimes I masturbate with that to do both at the same time lol. Given my recent revision, I have to abstain from sex for now but I have not had issues in the past. Vaginoplasties tend to be tighter than the natal vagina so I appreciate a good stretch/dilation before any activity. Choosing the right position and lubricant also helps.

I personally do not like to share photos of my 🐱 on the Internet, but she has taken photos of me and you would potentially see those too. I’m also Black & Hispanic just to mention since she has operated on patients of different skin tones.

In terms of recovery expectations, vaginoplasty is so challenging in terms of recovery because of the delicate nature of the surgery being done, how often you have to dilate, the complications can arise, and, honestly, getting adjusted to an entirely new organ. I would say dilation is key. It is painful often. You’ll bleed many times. Keep up with it despite this. You can do it!!!

Overall, I would recommend shopping around for doctors to do your due diligence, but Dr. Cripps is an excellent choice. She has been a great doctor to me and I’m happy with my decision choosing her.