Can phalloplasty be performed for individuals with a history of hormonal therapy?

Yes, phalloplasty can be performed for individuals with a history of hormonal therapy. In fact, it is usually required that transgender men have been on testosterone therapy for at least 12 months before undergoing phalloplasty. This is because testosterone therapy can help to masculinize the body and prepare it for surgery.

There are a few different types of phalloplasty, and the specific type that is chosen will depend on the individual’s anatomy and goals. Some of the most common types of phalloplasty include:

• Radial forearm flap phalloplasty: This is the most common type of phalloplasty. It involves using a flap of skin and tissue from the forearm to create the penis.
• Thigh flap phalloplasty: This type of phalloplasty uses a flap of skin and tissue from the thigh to create the penis.
• Iliac crest flap phalloplasty: This type of phalloplasty uses a flap of skin and tissue from the iliac crest (the hip bone) to create the penis.

No matter which type of phalloplasty is chosen, the surgery is complex and requires multiple procedures. The first procedure usually involves creating the shaft of the penis. This can be done using a skin flap from another part of the body or by using a tissue expander. The second procedure usually involves creating the urethra and attaching it to the bladder. The third procedure usually involves creating the scrotum and implanting artificial testicles.

The recovery period for phalloplasty is long and can be challenging. Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery. They will also need to wear a compression garment for several weeks. The full recovery period can take up to a year.

Despite the challenges, phalloplasty can be a life-changing surgery for transgender men. It can help to improve their physical appearance and self-confidence. If you are considering phalloplasty, it is important to talk to a qualified surgeon to learn more about the procedure and the risks and benefits.

Yes, phalloplasty can be performed for individuals with a history of hormonal therapy. In fact, many individuals who undergo phalloplasty as part of their gender-affirming journey have also undergone hormonal therapy as a separate aspect of their transition. Here are some key considerations:

1. Hormonal Therapy and Phalloplasty: Hormonal therapy, such as testosterone therapy (for transgender men or non-binary individuals), is often a part of the gender-affirming process. It can lead to physical changes, including facial hair growth, voice deepening, and body fat redistribution, among others. Phalloplasty can complement these changes by providing a neophallus that aligns with the individual’s gender identity.
2. Surgical Planning: Individuals with a history of hormonal therapy may have experienced physical changes that affect their surgical planning. For example, testosterone therapy can result in clitoral enlargement, which may be used in certain phalloplasty techniques to create the neophallus.
3. Voice Changes: Hormonal therapy can lead to voice changes. This is a separate aspect of the transition process and is not directly related to phalloplasty. However, individuals who have experienced voice changes may also seek voice therapy or surgery to further align their voice with their gender identity.
4. Consultation and Customization: Phalloplasty is highly customizable to an individual’s goals and needs. During the consultation process, individuals can discuss their history of hormonal therapy, physical changes, and their desired outcomes with the surgical team. This information helps guide the surgical plan.
5. Post-Operative Hormonal Therapy: After phalloplasty, individuals may continue or adjust their hormonal therapy as needed. It’s important for individuals to discuss their hormone regimen with their healthcare provider, as it may need to be adapted based on their surgical outcomes and goals.
6. Overall Gender-Affirming Care: Phalloplasty is often one component of a broader gender-affirming care plan that may include hormonal therapy, mental health support, voice therapy, and other aspects of transition. Coordination of care between healthcare providers is important to ensure comprehensive support for the individual.