Dr. John L. Whitehead

Gender Surgery Specialist in Miami, Florida

Dr. John Whitehead, DO is a board-certified surgeon and gender surgery specialist at Restore Medical Center, the only practice in Miami that is 100% dedicated to gender-affirming surgery. Dr. Whitehead was trained in the art of gender reassignment surgery by Dr. Harold Reed, the now-retired urologist who performed gender surgeries for decades in Miami, at a time when gender surgeons were few and far between. Dr. Whitehead is proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Reed and to serve the needs of the transgender community. He performs gender-affirming Vaginoplasty, as well as Top Surgery and Hysterectomy.

Dr. Whitehead completed medical school and a five-year general surgery residency at Chicago College of Osteopathic medicine, followed by a fellowship in critical care at Northwestern University. Dr. Whitehead is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery in both surgery and critical care, with extensive training in vascular surgery. For many years, Dr. Whitehead focused on trauma surgery, working at one of the busiest centers in the country for penetrating trauma (for example, injuries as a result of gunshot or stab wounds.) He has also practiced as a general surgeon, performing thousands of life-saving as well as cosmetic procedures. Dr. Whitehead is double board-certified in both surgery and critical care, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

Along with his husband Dr. Alain Ramirez, a Yale-trained anesthesiologist, Dr. Whitehead founded Restore Medical Center to give back to the community. Being gay, they understand the importance of providing a safe space and compassionate and respectful care.

Dr. Whitehead is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, a professional organization devoted to the understanding and treatment of gender dysphoria.

Dr. Whitehead performs transgender surgery at his private outpatient surgical facility that is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. This endorsement assures patient safety and holds the facility and its surgeons to hospital standards. The modern and welcoming facility is equipped with the most up-to-date surgical equipment and technology. The facility is closed down to other patients on your day of surgery, so that you have total privacy, and a team focused on your care alone.

Gender-Affirming Surgery in Florida

Dr. Whitehead offers the following gender-affirming procedures:

• MTF Surgery: Breast Augmentation, Orchiectomy, Vaginoplasty (Penile Inversion) and Vulvoplasty
• FTM Surgery: Top Surgery (Double Incision, Peri-areolar, Inverted-T, Buttonhole and Keyhole

Exact pricing can only be determined following a consultation.

Unanimous 5-Star Patient Reviews!

“I’m finally ready for my full transition, but I wanted to go slow and make sure I was comfortable with the operations and my surgeon. After my Orchiectomy with Dr. Whitehead, I knew I wanted to entrust only him with my full reassignment surgery.” — Patient

“Dr. Whitehead is such a blessing to us. I give thanks every day that I had this surgery. I finally have hope for the future.” — Patient who had Penectomy, Orchiectomy, and Vaginoplasty

“I recently had my GRS surgery performed by Dr. Whitehead and Dr. Ramirez. I picked them to perform my surgery because I felt their compassion as soon as I met them. My judgment was spot-on! They are pure professionals but with that perfect amount of humanity. In other words, they have a great bedside manner. I’m thrilled with my results. As a question would arise, they were most attentive and happily responded to any all questions. I never felt like a bother. Anne, who manages their administrative process was a joy. She kept me focused on all my preparation. She’s a gem! They’ve changed my life for the better! They are terrific doctors but even better human beings.” — Laura C.

“I had my Gender Reassignment Surgery on August 26th (2019) in the office of Dr. Alain Ramirez and Dr. John Whitehead. The level of attention and compassion was second to none. They are two surgeons who are experts on what they do. Can’t thank them enough for the level of confidence they have given me and now allows me to wear many outfits and feel confident doing so. The nurses were amazing very hands on. These surgeons are angels and i am so thankful for what they do to make people feel complete. THE BEST SURGEON, COULDN’T ASK FOR ANYONE BETTER! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you changed my life ❤️” — Nezzie

“I am writing this review on behalf of my daughter, she is 22 years old and transgender. The staff at Restore Medical went above and beyond to put my fears at ease and to make this procedure as painless as possible. I can not say enough about the professionalism and passion that they have for their work and their patients. This was by far the scariest thing I’ve ever had to go through with my child and they made it so much easier than I expected. My daughter is so happy with the results and in her words for the first time she feels like a “whole person” and has hope for the future. I can’t say enough about the compassion and care that they have for the patients as well as family. Any time I needed anything they were quick to get back with me and help any way they could. They live up to their name and have RESTORED her hope for a normal life.” — Kira P.

“I had FTM Top Surgery with Dr. Whitehead and Dr. Ramirez and I literally could not be happier with my treatment and results. At 2 months out, I look and feel amazing and am finally comfortable in my own body. Dr. Whitehead and Dr. Ramirez were nothing but patient and kind with me and my family, happily answering questions, addressing concerns, and attending to any needs I had. Of all the options I had, I could not be more glad that I came to them. If you are looking for a high quality, affordable surgeon who cares about your well being and results, this is the practice for you. They are worthy of higher praise and gratitude than I can provide.” — Alexander G.

Surgery Requirements
Dr. Whitehead follows WPATH guidelines for surgery:

• You will need to provide two referrals from qualified mental health professionals for genital procedures, or one referral for Top Surgery.
• 12 months of Testosterone use before Top Surgery is preferred but not required.

Dr. Whitehead coordinates with a wider team and can recommend mental health professionals, vocal coaches and other supporting services to facilitate your transition.

Financing & Insurance
Dr. Whitehead accepts cash, credit cards, certified check, insurance, and medical financing. He does not accept Medicaid or Medicare at this time. For exact pricing, please contact Dr. Whitehead for a consultation.

Booking a Consultation
Dr. Whitehead is available for in-person and phone consultations for a fee of $250. Dr. Whitehead wants all of his patients to understand their procedures fully. At your consult, his easy manner and experience will give you peace of mind. To book a consult, contact Dr. Whitehead’s office by clicking the Send Inquiry button and you’ll hear back with more details about how to prepare for your consultation.