Facial Feminization and Vaginoplasty Surgeon in San Francisco
Dr. Angela Rodriguez, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco specializing in facial feminization surgery (FFS) and vaginoplasty for transgender patients. Fellowship-trained in craniofacial surgery, Dr. Rodriguez brings advanced expertise in facial bone reconstruction and gender-affirming procedures. With more than 16 years of experience in craniofacial, aesthetic, and pediatric plastic surgery prior to focusing exclusively on transgender surgical care, she offers a depth of surgical knowledge that supports precise, natural-looking results in both facial and genital gender-affirming surgery.
Patients travel to see Dr. Rodriguez from San Francisco, the Bay Area, and across Northern California for procedures such as facial feminization surgery and penile inversion vaginoplasty. Her practice focuses on delivering safe, individualized surgical care that aligns physical appearance with gender identity while maintaining a strong commitment to patient safety and recovery.
Craniofacial Training and Surgical Expertise
Dr. Rodriguez’s background in craniofacial surgery plays an important role in her approach to facial feminization procedures. Craniofacial surgery focuses on reconstructing and reshaping the bones of the skull and face, often in complex cases involving congenital differences, trauma, or deformities. This specialized training allows surgeons to safely perform delicate procedures that alter facial bone structure.
Dr. Rodriguez completed advanced craniofacial fellowship training at Stanford University, where she refined techniques used to reshape the forehead, jaw, chin, and other facial structures. This expertise directly informs her work in facial feminization surgery, where subtle changes to bone structure can significantly influence facial gender perception.
Before focusing exclusively on gender-affirming surgery, Dr. Rodriguez spent many years treating children with craniofacial conditions and facial trauma. This experience developed her skills in facial reconstruction and surgical planning, which now translate into detailed and individualized facial feminization procedures.
Facial Feminization Surgeon in San Francisco
Dr. Rodriguez has a special focus on facial feminization surgery, a collection of procedures designed to soften traditionally masculine facial features and create a more feminine facial appearance. Facial feminization often involves reshaping facial bones and soft tissues to create balanced and natural results.
Because many feminizing facial procedures require modification of the forehead, jaw, chin, and other structural features, craniofacial training provides an important foundation for performing these procedures safely and effectively.
Facial feminization procedures commonly performed by Dr. Rodriguez include:
- Hairline correction
- Forehead recontouring
- Brow lift
- Rhinoplasty
- Cheek augmentation or fat transfer
- Lip lift
- Chin recontouring
- Jaw contouring
- Tracheal shave (Adam’s apple reduction)
Depending on the patient’s goals, multiple procedures may be combined into a comprehensive facial feminization surgical plan.
Vaginoplasty Surgeon (Penile Inversion Technique)
In addition to facial surgery, Dr. Rodriguez regularly performs penile inversion vaginoplasty, one of the most commonly performed genital gender-affirming procedures for transgender women. This procedure creates a functional vaginal canal and external genital anatomy that aligns with the patient’s gender identity. Dr. Rodriguez’s surgical approach emphasizes both functional outcomes and natural aesthetic results, while prioritizing patient safety and careful postoperative care.
Patients seeking vaginoplasty often travel from across California and the United States to undergo surgery in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Other feminizing procedures performed by Dr. Rodriguez include:
- Breast augmentation
- Orchiectomy
- Vulvoplasty
In certain cases, procedures may be performed during the same surgical session depending on a patient’s goals and medical suitability. For example, breast augmentation may be performed at the same time as vaginoplasty for some patients.
Masculinizing Chest Surgery
Dr. Rodriguez also performs chest masculinization surgery for transgender men and nonbinary patients. This procedure, commonly referred to as top surgery, removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest to create a more masculine appearance. Common surgical techniques include double incision top surgery and keyhole top surgery. The most appropriate technique is determined based on the patient’s anatomy and surgical goals.
Education and Surgical Training
Dr. Rodriguez earned her medical degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. She later moved to the United States to pursue advanced surgical training. She completed her plastic surgery internship, residency, and fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, where she developed expertise in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.
Following this training, she pursued a craniofacial surgery fellowship at Stanford University. She also spent two years as a research fellow at Harvard University, contributing to research in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Rodriguez served as Plastic Surgery Director of the Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Madera, California. In this role she treated children with congenital facial differences and patients with facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery.
Professional Memberships and Credentials
Dr. Rodriguez is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Rodriguez is a SRC accredited Surgeon of Excellence in Gender Confirmation Surgery, and Greenbrae Surgery Center is the first ever Center of Excellence in Gender Confirmation Surgery. These accreditations are awarded to facilities and medical professionals that are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of excellence, improving the safety and quality of patient care.
She is also a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and follows established WPATH guidelines for gender-affirming surgical care.
Hospital Affiliations in San Francisco and the Bay Area
Dr. Rodriguez performs surgery in San Francisco and the surrounding region at the following facilities:
- Greenbrae Surgery Center
- California Pacific Medical Center
- Marin General Hospital
- St. Francis Memorial Hospital
These locations serve patients traveling from San Francisco, the Bay Area, Northern California, and beyond.
Surgery Requirements
Dr. Rodriguez follows the WPATH Standards of Care for gender-affirming surgery.
Typical requirements include:
- Two referral letters from qualified mental health professionals for genital procedures
- One referral letter for other procedures unless otherwise specified by insurance providers
- A letter from a hormone specialist confirming at least 12 months of hormone therapy for genital procedures, unless clinically contraindicated
Financing and Insurance
Dr. Rodriguez accepts several forms of payment, including:
- Credit cards and debit cards
- Cashier’s checks
- Money orders
- Wire transfers
- Medical financing through CareCredit
She also accepts insurance and some managed Medi-Cal plans. Medicare is not accepted.
Booking a Consultation
Dr. Rodriguez offers both phone and in-person consultations in San Francisco. The consultation fee is $100. An in-person consultation is not required in order to schedule a surgery date. Patients interested in booking a consultation can contact the office to receive instructions on preparing for their appointment.
Dr. Rodríguez habla español.
Current Wait Times
Consultation wait time: approximately one month
Surgery scheduling: approximately three months following consultation
Patient Experience
Patients frequently praise Dr. Rodriguez for her surgical results, clear communication, and supportive care throughout the surgical process and recovery period.
“I’ve had FFS and later SRS with Dr. Rodriguez, and I can honestly say her bedside manner and knowledge are outstanding. She answered all my questions professionally and made sure I felt prepared for recovery. The entire experience has been very positive and I highly recommend her.” — Facial Feminization Surgery and Vaginoplasty patient review
Frequently Asked Questions
What procedures does Dr. Rodriguez specialize in?
Dr. Rodriguez specializes in facial feminization surgery (FFS) and penile inversion vaginoplasty for transgender patients.
Where is Dr. Rodriguez located?
Dr. Rodriguez practices in San Francisco and performs surgery at several hospitals and surgical centers in the Bay Area.
Does Dr. Rodriguez follow WPATH guidelines?
Yes. Dr. Rodriguez follows the WPATH Standards of Care when evaluating and performing gender-affirming surgical procedures.
What procedures are included in facial feminization surgery?
Facial feminization surgery can include procedures such as forehead contouring, rhinoplasty, jaw contouring, chin reshaping, hairline correction, tracheal shave, brow lift, and cheek augmentation. Multiple procedures may be combined depending on the patient’s goals.
What type of vaginoplasty does Dr. Rodriguez perform?
Dr. Rodriguez performs penile inversion vaginoplasty, one of the most widely used techniques for genital gender-affirming surgery.
Does Dr. Rodriguez accept my insurance?
Insurance coverage for gender-affirming surgery depends on the patient’s insurance provider and the specific benefits included in their plan.
Dr. Rodriguez is in-network with:
- Blue Shield of California (many plans include transgender benefits, though not all)
- Anthem Blue Cross (many plans include transgender benefits, though not all)
- Most California managed Medi-Cal plans
The office may also work with other insurers, such as United Healthcare and Cigna, when they authorize care. For out-of-network patients, it may sometimes be possible to request a gap exception so treatment can be billed at in-network rates, though approval depends on the insurance company.
Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to confirm their coverage and specific plan requirements.
