It is important to note that most phalloplasty procedures require multiple surgical visits as well as some revisions, can be quite painful, require significant recovery time, and often leave large areas of visible scarring. Because of the nature of using skin grafts, there is always a risk of tissue death and loss of part or all of the penis. Other potential complications include the extrusion of testicular implants, the formation of a stricture (an abnormal narrowing; blockage) or fistula (an abnormal connection; leakage) in the newly constructed urethral passage, and infection. There may also be damage to the nerves of the donor area, resulting in numbness or loss of function. Erotic sensation may be changed or diminished. And the results may not be as aesthetically pleasing as one might like them to be. Also, one must consider the usual risks of any surgery, including bleeding, infection, problems from anesthesia, blood clots, or death (rare).
Phalloplasty procedures also tend to be very expensive (between $50,000 to $150,000) and are not typically covered by insurance.
However, if one desires an average-sized penis that looks acceptable in the locker room, through which he can urinate, and with which he can engage in penetrative sex, a phalloplasty is certainly a way to achieve that end. Additionally, many trans men do not feel complete without a penis, and so may pursue a phalloplasty with that in mind. It is often reported by trans men that the forearm free flap phalloplasty provides the most realistic-looking penis of the options currently available, if you are willing to accept the surgical risks and the forearm scarring.
Phalloplasty procedures also tend to be very expensive (between $50,000 to $150,000) and are not typically covered by insurance.
However, if one desires an average-sized penis that looks acceptable in the locker room, through which he can urinate, and with which he can engage in penetrative sex, a phalloplasty is certainly a way to achieve that end. Additionally, many trans men do not feel complete without a penis, and so may pursue a phalloplasty with that in mind. It is often reported by trans men that the forearm free flap phalloplasty provides the most realistic-looking penis of the options currently available, if you are willing to accept the surgical risks and the forearm scarring.
