What is Phalloplasty?
تاريخ 27/01/2026
Phalloplasty is the surgical construction of a penis (phallus) using tissue from other parts of the body to create a new genital organ. The goal is to achieve an appearance that looks like or closely resembles a natural penis, enables standing urination, and, in some cases, allows for sexual intercourse following the insertion of an erectile device.
But who is Phalloplasty suitable for? How many types are there? What are the surgical steps? How should one prepare? What are the risks and side effects? How is post-operative care managed? And why should you choose to do it in Thailand? Top Med World, a medical tourism provider, is here to guide you.
What is Phalloplasty?
Phalloplasty is a gender-affirming surgery designed to establish a male physical appearance by creating a penis that closely resembles a natural male organ in shape. This is achieved by harvesting tissue from various parts of the body—such as the abdomen, forearm, or thigh—to form the phallus.
The procedure typically involves urethral lengthening to allow for standing urination, the creation of the glans (head of the penis), scrotoplasty (creation of the scrotum), vaginectomy (closure of the vaginal canal), and the formation of the penile shaft. The specific approach to the surgery is highly customizable depending on the individual; some patients may require more or fewer steps than others.
Who is a Candidate for Phalloplasty?
Phalloplasty is suitable for Transgender Men who wish to align their physical body with their gender identity. Candidates generally must have undergone hormone replacement therapy (Testosterone) for at least one year, received a psychological evaluation and approval from qualified mental health professionals, understand the risks and outcomes, and be in good physical and mental health.
Additionally, Phalloplasty is suitable for Cisgender Men (men assigned male at birth) who have lost their penis due to trauma, or those born with conditions such as Ambiguous Genitalia or Micropenis (severely small penis).
Types of Phalloplasty
Phalloplasty techniques are categorized by the "donor site"—the area of the body from which tissue is harvested. The choice depends on the patient's body type and the surgeon's assessment.
The main types include:
- Radial Forearm Flap (RFF): Tissue from the forearm. This is the most popular method because the skin here is thin, pliable, and has excellent nerve supply, resulting in superior tactile and erotic sensation. However, it leaves a visible scar on the arm, which requires a skin graft from another area to cover.
- Anterolateral Thigh Flap (ALT): Tissue from the outer thigh. The scar is easier to hide under clothing. The skin is thicker, making it suitable for patients with thin arms. However, sensation may not be as sensitive as the forearm method, and if the patient has significant fat on the thighs, the resulting phallus may appear bulky and be difficult to sculpt.
- Musculocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi (MLD): Tissue from the back muscle. The scar is hidden on the back, and a larger size can be created. However, connecting nerves is more difficult, often resulting in less erotic sensation compared to the first two methods.
- Abdominal Flap: Tissue from the lower abdomen. This leaves the most easily hidden scar and is a less complex surgery. However, it typically lacks nerve hookups for erotic sensation and is often chosen primarily for aesthetic purposes or standing urination.
Surgical Procedure and Preparation
The steps for Phalloplasty vary depending on the surgeon’s technique, the patient's anatomy, and the chosen donor site.
Pre-operative Preparation
- Psychological Evaluation: Must be certified by psychiatrists/mental health professionals.
- Hormone Therapy: Should be on continuous testosterone therapy for at least 1 year.
- Stop Smoking: Must quit smoking for at least 3–6 months (this is crucial for tissue survival).
- Hair Removal: Laser hair removal or electrolysis at the donor site is usually required before surgery.
Surgical Steps
The process is typically a multi-stage surgery:
- Stage 1 - The Initial Construction: The surgeon harvests tissue, skin, blood vessels, and nerves from the donor site (e.g., the arm). This is rolled into a "tube-within-a-tube" (the inner tube for the urethra, the outer for the shaft) and attached to the pubic area. Microsurgery is used to connect blood vessels and nerves.
- Stage 2 - Aesthetics & Refinement: After the initial wounds have healed (approx. 6 months), the surgeon may perform Glansplasty (sculpting the head), Scrotoplasty (creating the scrotum), and Vaginectomy (if not done previously).
- Stage 3 - Penile Implant: Once full healing has occurred and sensation has returned (usually 1 year or more), a Penile Implant can be surgically inserted to allow the penis to become erect for sexual intercourse.
Side Effects and Risks of Phalloplasty
As a major surgery, Phalloplasty carries risks and potential complications. The most common issues are urinary complications, such as urethral strictures (narrowing) or fistulas (leaks). Other risks include tissue necrosis (tissue death) due to poor blood vessel connection, and delayed healing at the donor site.
Post-Operative Care
Recovery from Phalloplasty is a long process requiring strict adherence to care instructions.
- Hospital Stay: Typically 1–2 weeks in the hospital.
- Home Recovery: Resting at home or a hotel for another 4–6 weeks.
- Catheter: A urinary catheter will be in place for a period.
- Wound Care: Wounds must be kept dry and clean.
- Therapy: Physical therapy may be required, particularly for hand/arm mobility if the RFF method was used.
Phalloplasty in Thailand with Top Med World
Thailand is considered a global center for gender affirmation surgery, including Phalloplasty. The country boasts highly skilled surgeons with extensive experience and world-class hospitals, all at a cost significantly lower than in Europe or the USA.
Top Med World is a Medical Tourism provider ready to offer comprehensive services. We partner with leading hospitals and clinics, such as:
- ID Clinic
- Wansiri Hospital
- Masterpiece Hospital
- Kamol Cosmetic Hospital
- Bangkok Hospital
If you would like to know more, Top Med World offers price packages, special promotions, and surgical details from leading hospitals in Thailand and globally.
Contact us for appointments, consultations, or online doctor consultations today.
