Dr. Aran Yoo

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Phalloplasty

Dr. Aran Yoo, MD, is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who joined The Meltzer Clinic in 2024. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, The Meltzer Clinic is a practice that is dedicated to providing gender-affirming surgery. Dr. Yoo offers the full spectrum of gender surgeries, including Phalloplasty.

Education and Training

B.S. in Biological Sciences and B.A. in English University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical degree, University of Illinois College of
One-year fellowship in gender surgery with Dr. Toby Meltzer

Phalloplasty Techniques

Dr. Yoo offers two Phalloplasty techniques:

1. Groin Flap Phalloplasty – This is a procedure that uses tissue from both the left and right groin area, brought together to form a tube that is gradually released from the body. In the first surgery of this staged procedure, the phallus is shaped like a "suitcase" handle, with both ends attached to the body. After a few weeks, a second surgery is performed to partially detach one end, letting it begin to develop its own blood supply. In the third surgery, the "suitcase" handle is completely detached, so the penis is only connected at its base and hangs freely.
If urethral lengthening is one of your goals, Dr. Yoo can use a small forearm flap to create the urethra.
Groin flap phalloplasty creates a penis of adequate size but without erogenous sensation as no nerve connection is done. Nevertheless, most people who have this surgery still experience some touch sensation in their new penis.
The main benefit of this approach is that the scars are easy to conceal.

2. Radial Forearm Free Flap (RFF) Phalloplasty – This is a well-established procedure that constructs a penis using skin, tissue, and blood vessels from the forearm. It is the most common type of phalloplasty due to its thin, supple skin, reliable nerve connections for erogenous sensation, and ability to support single-stage urethral reconstruction. While the donor site is covered with a skin graft from the thigh, this method does leave a noticeable scar on the forearm.

In addition to Phalloplasty, Dr. Yoo provides related procedures, including:

Scrotoplasty and Testicular Implants
Penile Implants
Revisions and Repairs

Having Surgery in Arizona

Dr. Yoo performs Phalloplasty at the Greenbaum Surgical Center in Scottsdale, a facility well-equipped for complex gender-affirming procedures.

Scottsdale has a warm climate with year-round sunshine that’s ideal for surgery recovery. The city is easily accessible via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making it convenient for out-of-town patients.
Due to the hot desert climate, nightly hotel rates in Scottsdale are typically lower in the summer, making recovery stays more affordable. The Meltzer Clinic staff can offer some local recommendations to those traveling to see Dr. Yoo.

Booking a Consultation

Dr. Yoo offers phone, virtual, and in-person consultations. The consultation fee is $100, with wait times typically around three months, and surgeries scheduled 3-6 months after the initial consultation.

Dr. Yoo’s practice accepts multiple payment methods, including cash, credit card, checks, and medical financing options like CareCredit. She also works with several insurance providers, including Kaiser (WA and GA), Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna. Contact The Meltzer Clinic for the most up-to-date insurance information.

Surgery Requirements

Dr. Yoo is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and follows the WPATH Standards of Care. Requirements for Phalloplasty include:

A letter of recommendation from a qualified mental health provider.
Age 18 or older.
Good physical and mental health.
Cessation of smoking.