How long does it take to see the final results after phalloplasty?

The final results of phalloplasty can take up to 12 months to fully appear. However, you will see significant changes in the first few months after surgery. The initial swelling and bruising will subside, and the penis will begin to take on its final shape and size. The scars will also fade over time.

In the first few weeks after surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment to help with swelling and support the penis. You will also need to take antibiotics to prevent infection. You will be able to go home from the hospital after a few days, but you will need to stay in the area for a few weeks for follow-up appointments.

After the initial recovery period, you will need to wait several months before you can have a penile prosthesis inserted. This is a device that allows you to have penetrative sex. The prosthesis can be inserted in a single surgery or in two stages.

With time and patience, you can expect to have a penis that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The final results of phalloplasty will vary from person to person, but most patients are very satisfied with their outcomes.

Here are some factors that can affect the final results of phalloplasty:

• The surgeon’s skill and experience
• The patient’s anatomy
• The patient’s personal preferences
• The type of phalloplasty performed
• The recovery process

The timeline for seeing the final results after phalloplasty can vary significantly from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including the specific surgical techniques used, individual healing rates, and any additional stages or procedures involved. Generally, it can take several months to over a year to see the final results of phalloplasty. Here’s a rough timeline:

1. Immediate Post-Operative Period (Stage 1): After the initial phalloplasty surgery (Stage 1), patients will experience swelling, bruising, and initial wound healing. The neophallus may not resemble the final result during this stage due to post-operative changes.
2. First Few Months: Over the first few months following Stage 1, the swelling and bruising gradually subside. Some refinement procedures may be performed during this time to enhance the appearance and functionality of the neophallus.
3. Scrotoplasty and Additional Procedures (Stage 2): If scrotoplasty or other secondary procedures are part of the treatment plan, they may be performed several months after the initial surgery. This can add to the overall timeline.
4. Healing and Sensation: Sensation in the neophallus may gradually improve over the first year or more, although it varies among individuals. Some individuals may regain tactile sensation, while others may have limited sensation.
5. Penile Implant (Optional, Stage 3): If an individual opts for a penile implant to achieve erections, this procedure typically occurs several months to a year after the initial phalloplasty. Full functionality of the implant may take some time to achieve.
6. Long-Term Healing: Scar maturation and tissue remodeling continue over time. Scarring will become less noticeable and more refined with time.
7. Final Results: The final appearance and functionality of the neophallus are usually more apparent after all stages of phalloplasty are complete, which can take a year or longer. This includes achieving the desired aesthetic appearance, functional outcomes, and any sensory changes.