Reconstructive Surgical Arts

The center opened its doors on January 1, 2023, and grew out of Dr. Chris McClung's experience with, and interest in, a gender-affirming practice that gives each patient close attention and builds trust. The practice is devoted to gender-affirming care, and the site describes it as a leading clinic in that field. J. Patrick Mershon, MD is set to join the surgical team in September 2026.

Larger procedures are performed at Grant Medical Center in downtown Columbus, and small same-day procedures take place at outpatient surgical centers across the Columbus metro area. Gender-affirming surgical options include metoidioplasty and simple release metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, orchiectomy, scrotectomy, full-depth vaginoplasty, and vulvaplasty (zero-depth vaginoplasty). Vaginoplasty is performed with a penile inversion technique, and peritoneal flaps are not currently performed. Scrotectomy is generally done alongside orchiectomy in patients with natal male genitalia, but it is not recommended for anyone who may later want vaginoplasty, since it removes skin that procedure uses. Permanent hair removal is required before full-depth vaginoplasty and phalloplasty, but not before zero-depth vaginoplasty. The site says penile inversion vaginoplasty is the most common type of vaginoplasty performed worldwide.

A first visit at the gender-affirming center is planned for 45 minutes and includes intake forms and a health and history discussion with the physician. Care is built around a customized plan, starting with a consultation and assessment before any surgery, and pre-surgical guidance explains what to expect and any preoperative requirements. Every patient is referred for pelvic floor physical therapy, and in-office follow-ups continue for as long as they are needed. The practice does not provide gender-affirming care to minors at this time. It states that federal rules bar anyone under 19 from gender-affirming surgery, with no upper age limit, which is assessed at consultation. Its preferred BMI range for bottom surgery is 30 to 35, though the exact weight requirement varies by individual. Letters of reference are required for bottom surgery to meet insurers' pre-certification rules; the site notes that the newest WPATH guidelines recommend one letter while many insurers still ask for three. Electrolysis is required for some people, generally those with fair blond, light red or white hair, for whom laser hair removal is often ineffective.

The cosmetic department offers injectable treatments with Botox, Jeuveau and Dysport, meant to soften wrinkles and other age-related changes. Laser services include a Lumenis Splendor X device, which the salon says is the first laser of its kind to combine two laser systems at once. Its uses include treating spider veins on the face and legs, softening fine lines and facial wrinkles, and laser hair removal, which typically needs five to eight sessions. Brown spot removal is also listed among the laser services. Hormone therapy is offered as well.

Cost depends mainly on insurance. An in-house insurance team negotiates with insurers on patients' behalf, works toward in-network status, and seeks to reduce out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network benefits; the site describes this as something most surgeons do not offer. Cost and payment are agreed with the insurer before surgery is approved, and self-pay patients can discuss cost at their appointment. The practice accepts commercially available plans, including Aetna, Anthem, UHC, Cigna, Humana and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and is in network with Ontario's OHIP. It does not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans, including Medicare Advantage, Ohio Medicaid, Molina, CareSource and Buckeye, among others. According to the site, most plans cover bottom surgery, with deductibles generally the same as for other surgery. Current wait times are six months to a year for a new consultation and about six months for bottom surgery after the first appointment.

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient, with assessment before surgery and support afterward.