Phalloplasty creates a phallus using a skin flap taken from another part of the body, most often the forearm or thigh. It is a staged surgery: the phallus is created first, then later operations can add urethral lengthening (to allow standing urination), shape the tip, and place an implant for rigidity. The full pathway unfolds over months, with recovery between stages.
Building the phallus: the flap
The first stage creates the phallus from a flap of the person's own skin and tissue. The radial forearm flap is widely used for its sensation and the quality of the urethra it can create; the anterolateral thigh flap is an alternative that leaves the scar on the thigh. The flap is shaped into the phallus and, where chosen, the urethra, with microsurgery to connect blood vessels and nerves so sensation can develop.
Urethral lengthening and shaping
If you want to urinate while standing, urethral lengthening extends the urethra through the new phallus. A glansplasty shapes a defined head. These may be part of the first stage or done later, depending on the surgical plan and how healing progresses.
Implants, scrotoplasty and rigidity
The phallus does not become erect on its own, so a later stage can place a penile implant (a semi-rigid or inflatable device) to allow penetrative sex. A scrotoplasty creates a scrotum, often using labial tissue, with testicular implants. Implants are typically placed only after sensation has returned, to protect the result.
Frequently asked questions
How many operations is phalloplasty?
Will I be able to urinate standing?
Will I have sensation?
Coordinating this in Thailand
We coordinate staged FTM phalloplasty at a JCI-accredited partner hospital, with one team guiding you through each stage. See the FTM surgery page and indicative pricing, or start a free consultation.
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Eligibility, surgical techniques, recovery and prices vary by individual and are confirmed only at consultation with the surgeon. Surgical outcomes are not guaranteed.