Zephyr Surgical Implants (ZSI) were created specifically for people who have had gender-affirming phalloplasty. The goal was to design implants that fit the neophallus better than traditional devices, with features like a wide base for anchoring, a firm glans, and a pump shaped like a testicle. Early studies suggested that these implants were safe and had high patient satisfaction. However, as more patients received these implants and follow-up periods lengthened, the picture became more complex. Continue reading »
Phalloplasty Explained
Phalloplasty is a gender-affirming surgery that creates a penis using tissue from another part of the body. It can result in a sensate penis, with erogenous and/or tactile sensation, as well as rigidity for sexual intercourse and the ability to urinate while standing.
How Phalloplasty Works: Phalloplasty surgeons construct the penis using tissue taken from a donor site such as the forearm, thigh, back, abdomen, or hip/groin. FTM Phalloplasty may also include procedures like vaginectomy, urethral lengthening, scrotoplasty, glansplasty, and penile implant surgery. Outcomes today are often exceptional, with significant improvements in both appearance and function thanks to decades of surgical advancement.
Learn more about Phalloplasty:
Latest Resources:
Patients' Guide to Pre-Operative Hair Removal for Phalloplasty
Hair removal prior to Phalloplasty is a medical necessity but there's a lot to understand about it before starting treatment. This guide addresses the critical aspects of hair removal as it relates to Phalloplasty and offers tips to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Phalloplasty Shopping & Packing Checklist
Getting ready for your Phalloplasty surgery? This handy checklist of medical supplies, convenience items, supplements and more will help you get organized for your recovery.
Find Phalloplasty Surgeons »
Flaps vs. Grafts:
What's the Difference?
Phalloplasty comes with a lot of unfamiliar terminology. Understanding these terms can help you feel more informed and communicate more clearly with your surgeon. One of the most important distinctions is the difference between flaps and grafts.
Aesthetic Refinements of Phalloplasty: Glansplasty
Glansplasty is the procedure that creates a circumcised-looking penis for those who have had Phalloplasty. Learn more about how Glansplasty is performed.
Non-Binary Options For Phalloplasty
Historically, gender-affirming bottom surgery has been binary in nature: Female to Male or Male to Female. However, there's an increasing number of Phalloplasty Surgeons who offer an individualized approach to Phalloplasty for non-binary people seeking bottom surgery.
Phalloplasty Staging:
What to Expect and Why It Matters
Just as there are several different Phalloplasty techniques, there are also multiple ways the surgery can be staged over time. Understanding how and why staging varies is an important part of choosing a surgeon and preparing for your surgical journey. This article explores the various staging approaches and what they mean for patients.
How Penile Implants Work
Penile implants for erectile dysfunction have been been continually improved on over the last 40 years, and implants designed specifically for post-phalloplasty transgender men are in active development. Learn more about how penile implants work here.
Types of FTM Phalloplasty
Pedicled Flap Phalloplasty uses a skin flap that remains partially attached to the donor site, preserving its blood supply through the "pedicle" as it's transposed to create the penis. These techniques typically do not involve microsurgical nerve connection—with the exception of Pedicled ALT Phalloplasty—so sensation is usually limited.
Abdominal Flap Phalloplasty
Groin Flap Phalloplasty
Pedicled ALT Phalloplasty
Free Flap Phalloplasty uses a skin flap that is completely detached from the donor site—along with its blood vessels, nerves, and sometimes muscle (as in MLD) or bone (as in Fibula)—and transferred to the recipient site. These techniques include microsurgical nerve connection (anastomosis), allowing for the possibility of both erogenous and tactile sensation in the penis.
Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty
ALT Phalloplasty
Combined ALT/Forearm Phalloplasty
MLD Phalloplasty
Fibula Free Flap Phalloplasty
Dr. Safa is a highly experienced Phalloplasty Surgeon and the Medical Director of the San Francisco Transgender Institute, a multi-disciplinary center that provides comprehensive, gender-affirming surgical care. He and his team have performed more than 800 Phalloplasty surgeries since 2012, making him one of the most experienced Phalloplasty surgeons in the world. More »
World renowned Microsurgeon for RFF & ALT - 800+ Phalloplasties completed.
Dr. Bluebond-Langner is a nationally recognized expert in phalloplasty, performing advanced gender-affirming procedures at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Dr. Bluebond-Langner offers both Radial Forearm Flap (RFF) and Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) phalloplasty techniques. She collaborates with reconstructive urologist Dr. Lee Zhao to optimize urological outcomes. More »
Highly experienced, internationally recognized expert in Phalloplasty based in NYC.
Dr. Crane is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas who is one of the most experienced Phalloplasty surgeons in the world. Since 2012, Dr. Crane and his team have performed more than 600 Phalloplasty surgeries, including RFF, ALT and MLD. More »
One of the most experienced Phalloplasty surgeons in the world. Austin, Texas.
Dr. Marano is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose practice focuses on Phalloplasty and other gender-affirming surgeries. Known for his meticulous surgical technique and collaborative approach, he is an excellent choice for patients pursuing Phalloplasty throughout the New York metro area and northern New Jersey. More »
Fellowship-trained Phalloplasty Surgeon in New York City and New Jersey.