Dr. Lee C. Zhao, MD, is a highly skilled reconstructive urologist and gender-affirming surgeon at NYU Langone Health in New York City. With expertise in robotic-assisted urologic reconstruction and complex gender-affirming procedures, Dr. Zhao provides personalized, compassionate care to transgender and nonbinary individuals seeking surgical transition. A leader in innovation within the field of gender-affirming surgery, Dr. Zhao collaborates closely with Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner to ensure the highest levels of patient safety in gender-affirming surgical care.
Dr. Zhao holds multiple leadership roles at NYU Langone Health. He serves as Co-Director of the Transgender Reconstructive Surgery Program and is a Professor in the Department of Urology and Plastic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Additionally, he is the Unit Surgical Director at Tisch Hospital and the Director of Male Reconstructive Surgery for the NYU Health System.
Robotic Peritoneal Vaginoplasty
Dr. Zhao and Dr. Bluebond-Langner pioneered the robotic-assisted peritoneal flap technique for gender-affirming vaginoplasty, improving surgical precision and reducing operating times. This approach ensures full vaginal depth regardless of presurgical anatomy while maximizing tissue for optimal vulvar aesthetics, including well-defined labia, a sensate clitoris, and genital symmetry.
During robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, Dr. Zhao and Dr. Bluebond-Langner remove the testicles and erectile tissue before sculpting the clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora. Using robotic assistance, they create a vaginal canal between the rectum and prostate, lining it with scrotal skin grafts and vascularized peritoneal flaps for enhanced healing and function.
Together, they have performed over 900 cases of peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, and have extensively reported their experience and outcomes in the medical literature. NYU Langone is one of the few programs in the U.S. offering this advanced robotic-assisted procedure.
For more information about how this procedure is performed, please see this animated video. (Note: Video is graphic and age-restricted. YouTube login required.)
Phalloplasty at NYU
Dr. Zhao and Dr. Bluebond-Langner perform the Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) and Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) methods of phalloplasty. Patient selection for ALT is based on the “pinch test.” The procedure is not offered if the pinch test is thick.
In both RFF and ALT phalloplasty, multiple branches of the dorsal clitoral nerve are connected to provide sensation. To provide further sexual function, namely erectile capability and the ability for penetration, a prosthetic device can be implanted. If standing urination is a goal, vaginectomy is required to reduce the potential of urinary complications
Insurance Accepted
- Employer/Private Insurance: A wide array of plans are accepted.
- Medicaid: NY Medicaid Plans: Amida Care only. No out-of-state Medicaid accepted.
- Medicare, Self-Pay (cash): Not accepted.
Surgery Requirements
Dr. Zhao is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and follows WPATH guidelines for gender-affirming surgery. Requirements include:
- Adult patients only
- A letter of recommendation from a qualified mental health provider
- BMI limit: 35 for vaginoplasty, 33 for phalloplasty
Consultations with Dr. Zhao are booked through Dr. Bluebond-Langner’s office. Consultations are in-person in New York City. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 646-501-4449. You can also send a request online to schedule an appointment.
