Dr. Ellie Zara Ley
Highly Trained Gender Surgeon in San Francisco
Dr. Ellie Zara Ley, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon who had more than 15 years of specialized training in plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery and microsurgery before completing a year of training in Gender Surgery. Dr. Ley's unique combination of skills are ideal for transgender surgery, and along with her gentle manner allow her to provide superb surgical care. Dr. Ley offers the full spectrum of FTM surgery procedures in San Francisco.
Training and Experience
- Undergraduate: BA (Spanish Literature) and BSc (Biochemistry), University of Arizona
- Medical Degree, Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
- Residency, General Surgery, University of Arizona
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, University of Utah
- Hand and Microsurgery Fellowship, University of Southern California
- Craniofacial/Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship, Primary Children's Medical Center
- Served as Assistant Clinical Instructor, University of Utah, Dept. of Plastic Surgery
- Private Practices: LEY Institute of Plastic & Hand Surgery, LLC; Arizona Craniofacial & Pediatric Plastic Surgery.
- Member of WPATH
Dr. Ley developed a clinical interest in gender surgery while working at the University of Utah. Five years later, Dr. Ley transitioned herself, and then completed one year of training in Gender Affirming Surgery with Dr. Toby Meltzer. She now offers the full spectrum of Gender Surgery procedures, including Top Surgery and RFF Phalloplasty.
"I highly recommend that anyone searching for a gender reassignment surgeon consult with Dr. Ellie Zara Ley. I cannot say enough positive comments about my personal experience with her and her commitment to quality healthcare and gender reassignment surgery. I think it helps that she is an out trans woman who "gets it" and who cares about trans men and our success with surgery." - Phalloplasty patient
Dr. Ley offers the following masculinizing surgery procedures:
- Top Surgery - Double Incision, Peri-areolar
- Metoidioplasty with or without Urethral Lengthening, Mons Resection
- Phalloplasty (Groin Flap, RFF and ALT), incl. Urethroplasty, Glansplasty
- Scrotoplasty, Scotial Tissue Expansion, Testicular and Penile Implants
- Facial Masculinization Surgery
Surgery Requirements
Dr. Ley follows WPATH guidelines for surgery:
- For bottom surgery, you will need to provide two referrals from qualified mental health professionals and a letter from your hormone specialist stating you have been on 12 months of continuous hormones, unless clinically contraindicated.
- For non-genital procedures, Dr. Ley operates on informed consent. If using insurance, letters will be required by the insurance company.
- Age 18+
Financing & Insurance
Dr. Ley accepts cash, credit cards and medical financing. She also accepts insurance from:
- Anthem BC (Anthem Blue Cross)
- Blue Shield
- Blue Cross
- Aetna
- Aetna (Student Services for University of California System)
- Cigna
- United Health Care
- Brown & Toland HMO
- Health Net
- Health Plan of San Joaquin
- Hill Physicians IPA
- Mercy Medical Group
- Meritage IPA ("WHA Medical Groups")
- Northbay Medical Group
- Western Health Advantage ("WHA")
- UC Davis Medical Group
Even if your insurance company is not listed here, Dr. Ley may still be able to get your surgery covered.
Booking a Consultation
Dr. Ley is available for virtual and in-person consultations at no cost. Her current waitlist for a consultation is 2 months.
More information about Dr. Ellie Zara Ley »
