Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner, MD, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in gender-affirming procedures at NYU Langone in New York City. She is committed to minimizing surgical risks while achieving natural aesthetic outcomes for her patients. A leader in robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, Dr. Bluebond-Langner utilizes this cutting-edge technique to enhance surgical outcomes and reduce complications. She works closely with Dr. Lee Zhao to ensure the highest levels of patient safety in gender-affirming surgical care.
At the forefront of research and innovation in transgender surgery, Dr. Bluebond-Langner actively conducts studies to improve patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction. She values collaboration with transgender-identified professionals, ensuring the community’s voice remains central in this research.
Robotic Peritoneal Vaginoplasty
Dr. Bluebond-Langner and Dr. Zhao at NYU Langone developed the technique of robotic-assisted peritoneal flap for gender-affirming vaginoplasty, which enhances surgical precision and allows for full vaginal depth regardless of presurgical genital anatomy with reduced operating times and maximal tissue for optimal vulvar aesthetics.
During robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, surgeons remove the testicles and erectile tissue, then sculpt a clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora. They create a vaginal canal between the rectum and prostate using the robot and line the vaginal canal with scrotal skin grafts and vascularized peritoneal flaps.
Drs. Bluebond-Langner and Zhao have performed over 900 cases of peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, and have extensively reported their experience and outcomes in the medical literature.
For more information about how this procedure is performed, please see this animated video. (Note: Video is graphic and age-restricted. YouTube login required.)
Top Surgery Innovations
There are two common techniques for gender-affirming mastectomy: the double-incision with free nipple graft and the periareolar technique. However, not every patient is an ideal candidate for these methods. For individuals with moderate breast tissue, extra skin, and higher-positioned nipples, these techniques may not provide the best outcome. A double-incision approach might place the scar too high on the chest, while a periareolar approach may not remove enough excess skin.
To address this, Dr. Bluebond-Langner developed the nipple-preserving inferior-ellipse technique, a new approach that allows for a well-contoured chest while keeping the nipples in their natural position. For patients with moderate breast tissue, excess lower chest skin, and higher-set nipples, Dr. Bluebond-Langner’s technique provides an innovative option for achieving natural, well-proportioned results.
Phalloplasty at NYU
Dr. Bluebond-Langner performs the Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) and Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Phalloplasty. In both procedures, multiple branches of the dorsal clitoral nerve are connected to provide sensation.
Important considerations:
• Vaginectomy is required if urethral lengthening is desired.
• Patient selection for ALT is based on the “pinch test.” The procedure is not offered if the pinch test is thick.
Hospital Affiliations
Dr. Bluebond-Langner operates at NYU Langone, where she is part of a multidisciplinary team. NYU Langone is a nationally recognized leader in gender-affirming surgery, with its surgeons performing over 800 procedures annually and earning accolades for excellence in safety and patient-centered care.
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. At this time, Medicare, out-of-state Medicaid and NY Medicaid other than Amida Care are not accepted.
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 and provide a letter of recommendation from a qualified mental health provider. Additionally, there are specific BMI requirements by procedure:
- Vaginoplasty: BMI limit of 35
- Top Surgery: BMI limit of 40
- Phalloplasty: BMI limit of 33
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.
