FAQs.

1. I also wondered if the surgery will be done at the clinic or at another hospital?, and if so which doctor will perform the procedure?
The surgery will be performed in our surgical center at Yoskarn Clinic. Our team (anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgeons) are all well trained and our facility has a fully equipped operating theater and recoverr rooms. Professor Somyos Kunachak, MD. Chief Department of Otolaryngology Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University will perform the surgery along with his team.

2. Is the procedure done under local anesthesia or general, How long do the surgery take?
The surgery will be done under general anesthesia and it will take about 1½ - 2 hours. After the surgery, you will be admitted for observation for 24 hours.

3. What medications will I need after surgery?
Antibipotics, pain relievers, and anti inflammatory medications will all be provided as part of your package. 

4. Is there any particular thing or preparation that I need to prepare or do before coming to Bangkok for the surgery? (any medicines etc–or perhaps I need to stay away from some specific foods, medinces etc. in beforehand?)
You should stop taking aspirin and stop smoking for at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery. If you are hypertensive (having high blood pressure), diabetic, or asthmatic be sure to have them controlled by your physician before considering surgery, and please bring along all your current mediations.

5. I wondered how long the healing process will take (until I can speak again?), and does the voice change over time (as the healing takes place)?
The voice at the early stage of recovery may sound hoarse, and in a few cases may last as long as a few months. It is highly recommended to avoid speaking for at least 2 weeks after the surgery. Even producing unnecessary sound should be avoided therefore patients who would like to do this surgery should be fully prepared.

6. Is there a chance the voice will stay hoarse forever? and how much hz or raise of the voice can I expect?
Hoarseness is almost always temporary but there are rare cases when the voice becomes permanently hoarse. Most of the patients gain more than 80 Hz after surgery once the voice has fully recovered. The most important long-lasting benefit is losing the male tone toward female vocal tone.

7. Were any formal measurements made before or after surgery?

Acoustic analysis will be made pre and postoperative in our center to objectively evaluate the result of the procedure.

8. Have any more procedures been performed beyond the original reported patients and, if so, what were the results? 

We still perform the procedure regularly. Most of the subsequent patients were recommended by their friends who had the surgery done. Our satisfaction rate for this procedure is very high and most of our patients are really happy with the result

9. What should you know about scheduling the surgery?
To schedule this surgery in Thailand, you need 9 days of stay in Bangkok including initial laboratory work-up 2 days of hospitalization and 1 week for recovery. Other inquiries and concerns you may have may be sent to our official email at info@yoskarn.com for more information.

11. I have read your paper "Thyroid Cartilage And Vocal Fold Reduction: A New Phonosurgical Method For Male-To-Female Transsexuals" and I notice that the oldest patient was 27 years old. As I am 50 years old, I am concerned that ossification of the thyroid cartilage will make re-section difficult. Have you operated on anyone my age?
It is true that calcification is more at this age but this is not an issue for this surgery. The concern is more on the healing of cartilage which may take a longer time. The result may be is some case less favorable compare to those in younger age group due to the preexisting or subsequent bowing of vocal fold which is common in the elderly.

12. As travel is expensive I wonder if it would be possible to arrange a consultation, and then if everything is alright, to continue straight away with the operation. I am also a little concerned about "after care". Would I need to return to Bangkok at any time after the operation?
Once you confirm the personal consultation date it become possible to schedule the date of operation straight away on the following day or two. The recovery usually take 1-2 weeks, that is the period you should remain in Bangkok. There after you need not to come back unless the voice remain hoarse for more than 4 months after surgery, then you may have to come back for some surgical adjustment, this is uncommon however. We would appreciate however if you will drop by our center from time to time if you are in Bangkok.

13. About the payment, can this be done by a VISA card at the clinic?
Yes, you can pay by VISA or MASTERCARD.

14. What is the approximate cost for transporation
The cost for trasporation from airport to hotel is 1,000 Baht ($30) per one way, for the local taxi, the price will be around is only 200-300 Baht $7-10.

15. Is there a hotel near by?
Yes there are several hotels, 2-5 star located a few minute – walk from our center. We are also affiliated with Aphrodite Inn, the boutique hotel just beside our center. Most of our patients stay at Aphrodite Inn ever after they get discharged as it is conveniently located near shopping malls and is just next door to our center.