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Masculine/Non-Binary Gender-Affirming Surgery

Temple offers a full spectrum of gender-affirming surgeries that can help more closely align your body with your inner sense of self and gender identity. 

Temple has developed criteria aligned with the WPATH Standards of Care 8 (SoC) to ensure we provide the best possible outcomes while prioritizing your safety, well-being, and post-operative care and healing. Our goal is to minimize barriers for this essential care and prepare you to have the best outcomes.

We are here to support you and help you reach your desired outcomes. There are many factors to consider, and it is important to discuss your goals and options with your surgical team. During your initial consultation, your team will provide you with additional information.

Chest Masculinization/ Top Surgery

During this procedure, surgeons remove the breast tissue and reshape the chest to appear more conventionally “masculine,” or flat, with the option of reshaping and positioning or removing the nipples. This may also be referred to as mastectomy.

Surgical Considerations

  • Masculinizing/non-binary top surgery usually takes three hours, and it is an outpatient procedure where you can go home the same day.
  • Recovery from masculinizing/non-binary top surgery usually takes about six weeks.
  • Serious complications are uncommon. You can discuss risks and benefits with your surgeon during your consult.
  • There are different surgical and incision techniques available to help you best reach your desired outcome, taking into consideration your current chest size, skin elasticity, and the importance of nipple sensation to you. Depending on your surgery type, you may have scarring and reduced or no nipple sensation.
  • It is important to continue routine mammograms, as some chest tissue will remain.
  • If you are interested in being a gestational/birthing parent, you cannot rely on chestfeeding your child(ren) after top surgery. In most cases, people will no longer have the glands and ducts responsible for milk production.

Speak with your surgeon about your options and what surgery type is best for you based on your goals.

Temple Surgical Candidacy Requirements

  • 18+ years old
  • Adequate support before and after surgery, which includes:
    • Safe, stable housing
    • Minimum of one reliable support person to help manage post-surgical care, including:
      • 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
  • Emotional preparedness for the realities of surgery (including realistic expectations of outcomes and potential complications)
  • 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 HIV, HIV must be well-controlled because this can affect your ability to heal after surgery

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 gender-affirming hormones: Gender-affirming hormones are not a requirement for top surgery.

Note on nicotine use: It has been well-documented that nicotine increases the risk of wound complications, which can have a significant impact on your surgical outcomes. You must quit ALL NICOTINE PRODUCTS (smoking, vaping, hookah, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gum, blunts, 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 marijuana: We recommend no smoking or inhaling at least four weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of breathing issues during surgery.

Insurance coverage: Typically, top surgery is covered by insurance. It is important that you check with your insurance company regarding your specific coverage. Please reach out to our patient navigator with any questions or for additional resources at [email protected].

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Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix, which can be combined with the removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and/or the removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy).

Considerations for Hysterectomy

  • Hysterectomy typically takes one to three hours
  • Hysterectomy requires a one-night stay at the hospital
  • Recovery is typically about six weeks
  • Ends breakthrough bleeding or periods/menses
  • Stops the need for some gynecological exams
  • Stops abdominal cramping (cramping sensation can be caused by shrinking of the uterus when taking testosterone)
  • Can decrease or eliminate the risk of cervical cancer
  • Can treat endometriosis
  • Hysterectomy can change your body’s hormones. You will need your hormone prescriber and surgeon to monitor your blood levels before and after surgery and to have your hormones adjusted accordingly
  • Hysterectomy can cause bladder and urinary problems
  • There is risk of infection
  • There is risk of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbance, headaches, etc.
  • Hysterectomy 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:
      • 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
  • Emotional preparedness for the realities of surgery: these are permanent, irreversible surgeries that lead to the loss of fertility if prior fertility preservation is not completed prior to 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

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 gender-affirming hormones: Before your hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy, contact your hormone prescriber to discuss how your gender-affirming hormones will need to be adjusted before and after surgery.

Note on fertility: Hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy are permanent, irreversible procedures that result 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, which can have a significant impact on your surgical outcomes. You must quit ALL NICOTINE PRODUCTS (smoking, vaping, hookah, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gum, blunts, 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 marijuana: We recommend no smoking or inhaling at least four weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of breathing issues during surgery.

Insurance coverage: Typically, gender-affirming hysterectomy is covered by insurance. It is important that you check with your insurance company regarding your specific coverage. Please reach out to our patient navigator with any questions or for additional resources at [email protected].

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Ovary Removal (Oophorectomy)

An oophorectomy removes one or both ovaries using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which can be combined with a hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removal) and/or salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal).

Considerations for Oophorectomy

  • Oophorectomy typically takes three hours
  • You have the option to remove one or both ovaries: choose unilateral (one) or bilateral (two) procedure
  • Oophorectomy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day
  • Recovery is typically two to four weeks
  • Ends breakthrough bleeding or periods/menses (with removal of both ovaries)
  • Stops the need for some gynecological exams
  • Decreases estrogen levels by removing the body’s source of estrogen
  • Decreases the risk for gynecological tumors
  • Oophorectomy can change your body’s hormones. You will need your hormone prescriber and surgeon to monitor your blood levels before and after surgery and to have your hormones adjusted accordingly
  • There is risk of infection
  • There is risk of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbance, headaches, etc.
  • There can be an increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease long term
  • Oophorectomy is permanent and irreversible and 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

  • 18+ years old
  • 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:
      • 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
    • Emotional preparedness for the realities of surgery: these are permanent, irreversible surgeries that lead to the loss of fertility if prior fertility preservation is not completed prior to 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

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 gender-affirming hormones: Before your hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy, contact your hormone prescriber to discuss how your gender-affirming hormones will need to be adjusted before and after surgery.

Note on fertility: Hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy are permanent, irreversible procedures that result 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, which can have a significant impact on your surgical outcomes. You must quit ALL NICOTINE PRODUCTS (smoking, vaping, hookah, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gum, blunts, 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 marijuana: We recommend no smoking or inhaling at least four weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of breathing issues during surgery.

Insurance coverage: Typically, gender-affirming hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy are covered by insurance. It is important that you check with your insurance company regarding your specific coverage. Please reach out to our patient navigator with any questions or for additional resources at [email protected].

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Salpingectomy

A salpingectomy is the removal of the fallopian tubes, which can be combined with a hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removal) and/or ovary removal (oophorectomy).

Considerations for Salpingectomy

  • Salpingectomy typically takes 40 to 60 minutes
  • Salpingectomy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day
  • Recovery is typically two to four weeks
  • Salpingectomy can change your body’s hormones. You will need your hormone prescriber and surgeon to monitor your blood levels before and after surgery and to have your hormones adjusted accordingly
  • There is risk of infection
  • Salpingectomy 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

  • 18+ years old
  • 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:
      • 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
    • Emotional preparedness for the realities of surgery: these are permanent, irreversible surgeries that lead to the loss of fertility if prior fertility preservation is not completed prior to 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)
      • Diabetes should be well controlled [HgA1c<7.0] (this minimizes 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

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 gender-affirming hormones: Before your hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy, contact your hormone prescriber to discuss how your gender-affirming hormones will need to be adjusted before and after surgery.

Note on fertility: Hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy are permanent, irreversible procedures that result 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, which can have a significant impact on your surgical outcomes. You must quit ALL NICOTINE PRODUCTS (smoking, vaping, hookah, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gum, blunts, 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 marijuana: We recommend no smoking or inhaling at least four weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of breathing issues during surgery.

Insurance coverage: Typically, gender-affirming hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and oophorectomy are covered by insurance. It is important that you check with your insurance company regarding your specific coverage. Please reach out to our patient navigator with any questions or for additional resources at [email protected].

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Metoidioplasty

A metoidioplasty is the surgical creation of a phallus/penis from the clitoris, typically after it has been enlarged through the use of testosterone. Urologic and reconstructive plastic surgeons separate the clitoris from the surrounding tissue, making it longer, and reposition it to match the positioning of a penis. Patients may also choose to have their urethra lengthened (urethroplasty) so that they are able to urinate while standing. The typical result is a phallus that is 410 cm in length that can become erect.

Considerations for Metoidioplasty

  • Metoidioplasty typically takes between four to six hours and may be completed in multiple stages
  • This procedure requires a one- to three-day stay at the hospital, depending on the procedures performed
  • If you undergo urethral lengthening, you will have catheters to drain urine from your bladder for three to four weeks after surgery
  • Within the first week of surgery, you should be able to walk around and engage in light activity
  • You will need to avoid strenuous activity like lifting heavy objects for six to eight weeks
  • Most patients recover as expected; however, metoidioplasty is a complex procedure with risks. The most common include:
    • Urethral/urinary problems: abnormal connection between the urinary tract and the skin (fistula) or blockage due to scar tissue (stricture)
    • Wound healing complications
    • Scarring
    • Sensitivity or pain
  • Metoidioplasty 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

  • 18+ years old
  • 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 23 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 personideally a network of peopleto help manage your post-operative care

  • Emotional preparedness for the realities of surgery (including realistic expectations of outcomes and potential complications)
  • 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 12 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 23 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. 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: We currently do not recommend stopping your gender-affirming hormones before surgery. You will need to speak with your provider about updating dosing after your gender-affirming surgery.

Note on vaginectomy: Vaginectomy (removal and closing of the front hole/vagina) is not a requirement for metoidioplasty 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: Metoidioplasty 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, which can have a significant impact on your surgical outcomes. You must quit ALL NICOTINE PRODUCTS (smoking, vaping, hookah, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gum, blunts, 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 marijuana: We recommend no smoking or inhaling at least four weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of breathing issues during surgery.

Note on pelvic floor therapy: There is emerging evidence demonstrating the benefits of pelvic floor therapy for metoidioplasty patients. You may have underlying pelvic floor dysfunction and not even know it, or it may develop after surgery. Typical symptoms include urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, and pelvic pain. 

Insurance coverage: Typically, metoidioplasty is covered by insurance. It is important that you check with your insurance company regarding your specific coverage. Please reach out to our patient navigator with any questions or for additional resources at [email protected].

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Phalloplasty

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 34 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 personideally a network of peopleto 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 12 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 23 months (with a documented negative nicotine screening test) before scheduling surgery. You should remain nicotine free for at least 23 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 accordinglyall treatments must be completed at least 23 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].

 

 

 

Ready for an Appointment?

Request an appointment, or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today. Ask to schedule for gender-affirming care.