What are the different types of phalloplasty procedures?

There are two main types of phalloplasty procedures: free flap phalloplasty and pedicled flap phalloplasty.

• Free flap phalloplasty is a more complex procedure that involves taking a piece of tissue from another part of the body, such as the arm, leg, or back, and transferring it to the genital area. The tissue is then connected to the blood supply and nerves in the genital area. Free flap phalloplasty is the most common type of phalloplasty and offers the best cosmetic results.
• Pedicled flap phalloplasty is a less complex procedure that involves taking a piece of tissue from the body and moving it to the genital area without severing its blood supply. The tissue is then attached to the genital area using stitches. Pedicled flap phalloplasty is a shorter procedure than free flap phalloplasty, but it does not offer the same cosmetic results.

The specific type of phalloplasty procedure that is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. Your surgeon will be able to discuss the different options with you and help you decide which one is best for you.

Here are some of the most common donor sites for free flap phalloplasty:

• Radial forearm flap: This is the most common donor site. The tissue from the forearm is thin and pliable, and it has a good blood supply.
• Anterolateral thigh flap: This donor site is also a good option. The tissue from the thigh is thicker than the tissue from the forearm, but it still has a good blood supply.
• Latissimus dorsi flap: This donor site is located on the back. The tissue from the latissimus dorsi muscle is thick and strong, and it can provide sensation to the phallus.

Here are some of the most common donor sites for pedicled flap phalloplasty:

• Scrotal flap: This flap is made from the scrotal skin. It is a good option for people who want to create a scrotum at the same time as they create a phallus.
• Penile inversion flap: This flap is made from the labia minora. It is a good option for people who want to create a phallus that is shorter and thinner than a phallus created from a free flap.

In addition to the type of flap, there are other factors that can affect the outcome of phalloplasty, such as the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s expectations.

Phalloplasty is a complex and challenging surgery, but it can be a life-changing procedure for transgender men. If you are considering phalloplasty, it is important to talk to a surgeon who is experienced in this type of surgery.

There are several different types of phalloplasty procedures, each with its own variations and techniques. The choice of procedure depends on various factors, including the patient’s goals, anatomy, and individual circumstances. Here are some of the common types of phalloplasty procedures:

1. Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty: This is one of the most common types of phalloplasty. In this procedure, a flap of skin, typically from the forearm (though sometimes the leg can be used), is used to create the neophallus (new penis). The flap includes blood vessels, nerves, and skin and is shaped into a phallic structure. The advantage of this technique is the potential for tactile sensation in the reconstructed penis.
2. Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Flap Phalloplasty: Similar to the radial forearm flap, the ALT flap technique uses a flap of skin and tissue, usually from the thigh, to construct the phallus. This technique may offer a larger and thicker neophallus compared to the forearm flap.
3. Pedicled Groin Flap Phalloplasty: In this approach, a flap of skin from the groin area is used to create the neophallus. It may be chosen when the forearm or thigh flaps are not suitable for the patient’s anatomy.
4. Musculocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi (MLD) Flap Phalloplasty: The MLD flap technique involves using a section of muscle and skin from the back (latissimus dorsi muscle) to create the phallus. This approach is less common than some other techniques.
5. Abdominal Flap Phalloplasty: In this approach, tissue from the lower abdomen is used to construct the neophallus. It can provide a good amount of tissue for a larger phallus but is a more complex procedure.
6. Composite Flap Phalloplasty: This technique involves combining different flaps or tissue sources, such as combining an ALT flap with an MLD flap, to create the neophallus. Composite flap phalloplasty may be chosen to address specific patient needs.
7. Phalloplasty with Urethroplasty: In addition to constructing the phallus, many phalloplasty procedures also involve creating a urethra (urethroplasty) to allow for urination through the neophallus. Various techniques can be used to create a functional urethra.
8. Scrotoplasty: Some patients opt to have a scrotoplasty as part of their phalloplasty, where a scrotum is created to house testicular implants.