How long does a phalloplasty surgery typically take?

A phalloplasty surgery typically takes between 6 and 12 hours. The exact time will vary depending on the surgeon’s technique and the patient’s individual anatomy.

The surgery is usually performed in two stages. In the first stage, a skin flap is taken from the patient’s forearm, thigh, or abdomen. This flap is then used to create the penis. The urethra is also reconstructed during this stage.

In the second stage, which is usually performed several months later, a penile implant is inserted. This implant allows the patient to achieve an erection.

The recovery period for phalloplasty surgery is typically long and can be challenging. Patients will need to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery. They will also need to wear a compression garment on the donor site for several weeks.

The full recovery time for phalloplasty surgery can take up to a year. However, most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few months.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the length of a phalloplasty surgery:

• The surgeon’s experience and technique
• The patient’s individual anatomy
• The complexity of the surgery
• The presence of any complications

The duration of a phalloplasty surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the specific technique used, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s experience. On average, a single-stage phalloplasty surgery can take approximately 6 to 8 hours to complete. However, it’s important to note that phalloplasty is often performed in multiple stages, with each stage requiring its own surgical session.

The multiple stages of phalloplasty surgery typically include:

1. Stage 1: In this initial stage, the surgeon creates the neophallus using a chosen flap technique (e.g., radial forearm, ALT, abdominal flap). The urethra may also be constructed in this stage, depending on the surgical plan.
2. Stage 2: This stage, which usually occurs several months after the first surgery, involves additional refinements to the neophallus. The surgeon may further shape and contour the phallus, create the scrotum (scrotoplasty), and possibly insert testicular implants.
3. Stage 3 (Optional): Some individuals choose to undergo additional surgeries, such as erectile implant surgery, to enable the neophallus to achieve erections.

The total duration of the entire phalloplasty process, from the first stage to the final stage (if additional procedures are pursued), can span over a year or more. Additionally, there will be a recovery period between each stage to allow for healing and to assess the outcomes before proceeding to the next step.

The length of the surgery and the overall recovery time can vary from patient to patient, and it’s essential for individuals considering phalloplasty to discuss the specific details, including the expected timeline and potential risks, with their surgical team. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, psychologists, and endocrinologists, typically works closely with patients throughout the entire phalloplasty process to ensure the best possible outcomes and support the patient’s physical and emotional well-being.