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Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner: Robotic Peritoneal Vaginoplasty in New York City

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Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner

Pioneering Robotic Peritoneal Flap Vaginoplasty

Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in gender-affirming surgery at NYU Langone in New York City. She is dedicated to achieving natural, aesthetically refined results while minimizing surgical risks. A recognized leader in robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, Dr. Bluebond-Langner employs this advanced technique to improve outcomes and reduce complications. She collaborates closely with Dr. Lee Zhao to ensure the highest standards of safety and patient-centered care.

Dr. Bluebond-Langner and Dr. Zhao pioneered the robotic-assisted peritoneal flap technique for gender-affirming vaginoplasty at NYU Langone. This innovative approach enhances surgical precision, ensures full vaginal depth regardless of a patient’s presurgical anatomy, and reduces operating time while preserving the maximum amount of tissue to create a vulva with natural contours and definition. With over 900 successful cases, Drs. Bluebond-Langner and Zhao have extensively documented their experience and surgical outcomes in medical literature, contributing to the advancement of gender-affirming surgical care.

How Does the Surgery Work?

  1. Creating the Vulva (Outer Appearance)
    • The tip of the penis is reshaped into a sensitive clitoris.
    • Skin from the penis and scrotum is used to form the inner and outer labia (labia minora and majora).
    • Extra tissue from the urethra (urine passage) helps create a natural transition between the clitoris and urethral opening.
  2. Creating the Vaginal Canal
    • A tunnel is made between the rectum and prostate, forming the space for the vagina.
    • The first part of the vaginal canal is lined with scrotal skin.
    • The deeper part is lined with tissue from the peritoneum, which naturally secretes moisture and helps prevent vaginal dryness.
  3. Using Robotic Assistance
    • A small incision is made near the belly button to insert robotic surgical tools.
    • One surgeon works externally while the robotic system assists in carefully dissecting and shaping the vaginal canal.
    • The peritoneal tissue is carefully repositioned and stitched together to form the deeper vaginal lining.
  4. Final Steps
    • The penile skin is turned inside out and connected to the peritoneal lining, ensuring a smooth transition from the vaginal opening to the deeper canal.
    • The labia are carefully sculpted and stitched.
    • A vaginal dilator is inserted to confirm depth and width.

Learn more about the benefits of Robotic-Assisted Peritoneal Vaginoplasty here. For a visual guide to how the procedure is performed at NYU, please see the animated video below. (YouTube login required.)

Robotic Peritoneal Flap Vaginoplasty - Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner

Surgery Requirements
Dr. Bluebond-Langner is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and follows WPATH guidelines for gender-affirming surgery.

  • Patients must be 19 or older.
  • A letter recommending surgery written by a qualified mental health provider is required.
  • BMI limit of 35.

Consultations with Dr. Bluebond-Langner
Dr. Bluebond-Langner is available for in-person consultations in New York City. Accepted payment is insurance only (no cash-pay clients), including Amida Care.

Insurance Not Accepted:

  • NY Medicaid other than Amida Care
  • Out-of-state Medicaid
  • Medicare

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 646-501-4449. You can also send a request onlinead to schedule an appointment.

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