Phalloplasty is the first and largest step of penis or phallus reconstruction. It is often performed with or without:

• Urethral lengthening (UL)

• Vaginectomy

• Scrotoplasty/perineal reconstruction

The most common surgery is phalloplasty with urethral lengthening, vaginectomy, scrotoplasty, perineal reconstruction, and associated procedures (skin graft harvest, suprapubic tube insertion, etc). However, some patients do not need or want UL, and some do not need or want vaginectomy. Others may not want a pouchlike scrotum. We recognize that surgical goals vary from patient to patient and there are resultant combinations that better meet a patient's individualized surgical goals. Consultations with the surgeon are required to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each unique combination. 

​

Further reconstruction of the penis is sometimes required due to variations in anatomy and healing. Examples include:​

• Monsplasty (for prominent prepubic skin leading to perineal or inferior positioning of the phallus/scrotum)

• Scrotoplasty or neoscrotal revisions

• Glansplasty (for glans atrophy/flattening or penises that do not have a glans)

• Penis liposuction/plication (for penises with too much girth)

• Penis reposition (for asymmetric scarring) 

• Penile length reduction (for penises that are too long)

• Penile Implants

​

The two most common donor sites used for phalloplasty are the radial forearm (RF) and the anterolateral thigh (ALT). These donor sites have a reliable blood supply and offer a high chance of tactile and erotic sensation over time. 

​

"Staged" Phalloplasty: 

• For phalloplasty, there are two main options: single stage vs staged phalloplasty.

• Stage is a complex concept because it means different things to different people.

• "Single stage" phalloplasty involves the creation of a neophallus, UL, vaginectomy, scrotoplasty, and perineal reconstruction.

  • Benefit: one major recovery, aesthetic male genitalia and UL for standing micturition​

  • Disadvantage: potential for more complications 

• Staged phalloplasty is the general separation of the urologic surgical components of the operation from the microsurgery/donor site components. Therefore, stage 1 of staged phalloplasty may be similar to a metoidioplasty.  Alternatively, phalloplasty can be performed first followed by the metoidioplasty related procedures (vaginectomy, UL, scrotoplasty, and perineal reconstruction).

  • Benefit: less major surgery with potential for fewer complications per surgery​

  • Disadvantage: two major recoveries

• Staging details should be reviewed with your surgeon during a consultation.

​

NOTE: you must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult guardian or parent to view the photos on the following links. By clicking on the links below, you are verifying that you are in compliance.