A phalloplasty is the creation of a phallus/penis with sensation from donor skin on your own body. Phalloplasty is a complex procedure, and depending on your surgical goals, it may require multiple stages. The typical result is a phallus that is five to six inches.
Stages of Phalloplasty
Each stage of the surgical plan is unique to the individual. Some people may choose to go through the first stage—the construction of the phallus—whereas others may choose to go through multiple stages. This is a personal decision based on your gender affirmation goals and any past gender-affirming bottom surgeries you may have had.
Potential phalloplasty stages may include:
- Creation of the phallus/penile shaft
- Urethral lengthening (enabling standing urination)
- Vaginectomy (removal of front pelvic tissue and hole)
- Glansplasty (creation of a circumcised appearance on the phallus)
- Scrotoplasty (creation of a scrotum from existing genital tissue)
- Placement of testicular and/or erectile implants
Considerations for Phalloplasty
- The time required for a phalloplasty surgery and recovery is dependent on your unique plan and goals
- Phalloplasty requires tissue donation from your own body and requires hair removal at the donor site
- It is important to consider your goals for sensation and function when choosing which surgery type, sequence, and outcomes are best for you
- You will need to check in with your hormone prescriber before and after surgery to monitor blood levels and to have your hormones adjusted accordingly
- Phalloplasty procedures have varied aesthetic results. Every penis/phallus is different. Results depend on your anatomy and tissue
- There are potential risks with phalloplasty, including infection, urethral problems, scarring, lack of sensation, rejection of tissue, and more
- Phalloplasty is permanent and irreversible, and it ends the ability to be a birthing or gestational parent without prior fertility preservation and family planning. If you would like fertility planning resources, please reach out to our social worker at [email protected].
Speak with your surgeon about your options, and the risks and benefits of surgery during your consult.
Temple Surgical Candidacy Requirements
- Adequate support before and after surgery, which includes:
- Safe, stable housing
- Minimum of one reliable caregiver/support person* to help manage post-surgical care including (for a minimum of 3–4 weeks):
- Transportation: accompaniment and access to transportation
- Daily supports: may include food preparation, obtaining and administering medication, and other post-op care as directed by your surgeon
*It is recommended that you have more than one person—ideally a network of people—to help manage your post-operative care
- Emotional preparedness for the realities of surgery (including realistic expectations of outcomes and potential complications or less than ideal results)
- Testing:
- Preadmission testing with our anesthesia team (to determine that you are in good condition to undergo this major surgery)
- Drug screen and nicotine test before scheduling and 1–2 months before surgery
- Other health criteria include:
- BMI – our program does not have a defined cutoff; this will be discussed at your consult with your gender-affirming surgeon
- You must be nicotine free in order to schedule for consultation
- Active substance use needs to be accurately assessed and managed, with at least six months free of use (does not include marijuana/cannabis)
- For patients living with diabetes, diabetes should be well controlled to minimize the risk of infection and wound healing complications
- For patients living with HIV, HIV must be well-controlled because this can affect your ability to heal after surgery
- For patients living with hepatitis C, we require blood work and an ultrasound exam prior to scheduling surgery to confirm that your hepatitis C is controlled with no evidence of active liver cirrhosis
- Pelvic floor physical therapy is required before and after surgery. More information will be provided during your consult
WPATH SoC 8 Requirements
- Gender incongruence is marked and sustained
- You have the capacity to offer consent
- You understand the risks and benefits of surgery
- SoC 8 only requires 1 letter written by a credentialed gender-affirming care provider (health care or mental health care)
- Please check in with your insurance provider to confirm that they have updated to the SoC 8
Note on support person: This is a challenging surgery to recover from physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having a support person (or network) is for your safety and helps you achieve the best outcomes after your surgery. This is most important for the first four weeks after surgery when you will need the most help. This may mean your support person(s) may have to take time off work, which may require planning financially and we can assist with any paperwork (FMLA, etc.). We will provide your support person(s) with education on the expectations so that they are adequately prepared. We will also obtain consent from your support person(s) and verify that they are willing and able to assist in your recovery.
Note on gender-affirming hormones: Before your phalloplasty, please notify your hormone prescriber to schedule an appointment as your gender-affirming hormones may need to be adjusted after surgery.
Note on vaginectomy: Vaginectomy (removal and closing of the front hole/vagina) is not a requirement for phalloplasty at Temple; however, we do offer vaginectomy to those who wish to have the procedure. Speak with your surgeon about your goals.
Note on fertility: Phalloplasty is a permanent, irreversible procedure that results in the loss of fertility. Fertility preservation and family planning decisions must be completed prior to surgery.
Note on nicotine use: It has been well-documented that nicotine increases the risk of wound complications and graft failure, which can have a significant impact on your surgical outcomes. You must quit ALL NICOTINE PRODUCTS (smoking, vaping, hookah, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gum, certain rolling papers, etc.) for at least 2–3 months (with a documented negative nicotine screening test) before scheduling surgery. You should remain nicotine free for at least 2–3 months after surgery.
Note on marijuana use: Marijuana use is okay. we recommend no smoking the month before surgery to decrease the risk of breathing problems during surgery.
Note on hair removal: Hair removal is required for phalloplasty and can take months to complete. Be sure to plan accordingly—all treatments must be completed at least 2–3 weeks before surgery. Electrolysis is more effective than laser hair removal.
Insurance coverage: Typically, phalloplasty is covered by insurance. It is important that you check with your insurance company regarding your specific coverage. We will also provide you with a letter of medical necessity that you can send to your insurance company to request coverage for your hair removal. They may still refuse to cover these costs despite having this letter. Please reach out to our patient navigator with any questions or for additional resources at [email protected].