Dr. Sarah Eidelson
Expert in Gender-Affirming Feminizing Surgery – Washington, D.C.
Dr. Sarah Eidelson, MD, is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialized expertise in gender-affirming surgery for transfeminine patients. One of the few surgeons in the U.S. to complete a dedicated gender surgery fellowship, Dr. Eidelson brings more than a decade of intensive surgical training to her work. She offers a comprehensive range of feminizing procedures, including facial, chest, body, and genital surgeries, all tailored to support each patient’s goals and identity. In 2025, she joined Dr. Praful Ramineni in Washington, D.C., where she continues to provide affirming, high-quality care in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Education and Surgical Training
Dr. Eidelson completed her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2014. She then entered a 7-year General Surgery residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the largest public hospitals in the United States. During this time, she gained comprehensive experience in trauma surgery, oncology, transplant, colorectal, endocrine, bariatric, and burn care, including intensive training at Ryder Trauma Center, one of the country’s most active trauma centers.
Following general surgery, she was accepted into the independent Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC)—one of the most competitive programs nationwide. There, she trained across major plastic surgery disciplines, including microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, breast reconstruction, and gender-affirming procedures. She also studied aesthetic surgery with top cosmetic surgeons in Beverly Hills, refining techniques in facelift, rhinoplasty, body contouring, and breast augmentation.
She later completed a prestigious fellowship in Gender-Affirming Surgery at GRS Montréal, under the mentorship of Dr. Pierre Brassard. During this fellowship, Dr. Eidelson performed more than 500 gender-affirming procedures, including vaginoplasty, facial feminization, and chest surgery.
Research and Recognition
In addition to clinical work, Dr. Eidelson has a robust academic background. She completed a 2-year research fellowship in Trauma and Critical Care while simultaneously earning a Master of Science in Public Health. Her contributions include over 30 peer-reviewed publications and 75 scientific abstracts presented nationally.
She has been recognized with numerous awards, including:
- The Elinor T. Christiansen Altruism Award from the American Medical Women's Association
- First place in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Skills Competition
- A Department of Defense Teaching Award for her work in disaster preparedness and mass casualty training
Feminizing Surgery Procedures
Dr. Eidelson offers a full spectrum of MTF (male-to-female) and transfeminine procedures, using her multidisciplinary background to achieve harmonious, natural, and affirming results. Each surgery is customized based on anatomy, aesthetic goals, and safety considerations.
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
- Forehead recontouring (reduction of brow bossing)
- Hairline advancement
- Brow lift
- Rhinoplasty
- Cheek augmentation with implants or fat grafting
- Lip lift
- Chin and jaw reduction
- Tracheal shave (Adam’s apple reduction)
Breast Augmentation
Dr. Eidelson offers breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants, tailored to each patient’s chest anatomy and desired aesthetic.
Body Feminization and Buttock Augmentation
- Liposuction to contour the waist and torso
- Fat grafting to hips, thighs, or buttocks
- Buttock augmentation using implants or fat transfer
Orchiectomy
This outpatient procedure removes the testicles and can be done alone or before vaginoplasty. It reduces testosterone and may be preferred by nonbinary patients or those not pursuing full reconstruction.
Vulvoplasty
Constructs the external genitalia without a vaginal canal. This procedure provides aesthetic and functional results with shorter recovery and no dilation requirement.
Vaginoplasty (Penile Inversion and Peritoneal)
Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: Uses penile and scrotal skin to create a neovagina with natural external genitalia. Offers both depth and sexual sensation.
Peritoneal Vaginoplasty: Uses the peritoneum (abdominal lining) to construct the vaginal canal. Dr. Eidelson performs this technique through an open approach, rather than robotic.
Surgery Eligibility Requirements
Dr. Eidelson follows WPATH guidelines. Patients must be at least 19 years old and provide at least one letter from a qualified mental health provider. Insurance may require two letters and other documentation.
Financing and Insurance
- Cash, check, and major credit cards
- Medical financing (e.g., CareCredit)
- Insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and CareFirst Community Plan
Consultations
Consultations with Dr. Eidelson are available in-person, by phone, or via telehealth. Most are covered by insurance copays. Her practice serves a majority transgender patient base, with a strong commitment to cultural competency, inclusive intake processes, and respectful, affirming care.
For those traveling from outside the Washington, D.C. area, her staff can provide lodging and recovery recommendations.
Why Choose Dr. Sarah Eidelson
Dr. Eidelson offers a rare combination of trauma-tested surgical skill, aesthetic artistry, and deep dedication to trans healthcare. Whether you're seeking facial feminization, breast augmentation, or advanced vaginoplasty, you’ll find in her a knowledgeable and compassionate surgeon who centers your goals at every step.
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