Phalloplasty

Phalloplasty is a transgender genital surgery that allows the reconstruction of a functional, sensitive neopenis that will allow bipedal urination and erogenous sensitivity. This surgery is usually completed with penis and testicular prostheses.

GENDER AFFIRMATION SURGERY IN MADRID AND BARCELONA

At IM GENDER, we are experts in FTM bottom surgery and have the latest technology to ensure the best results. We know that phalloplasty is a delicate intervention that can generate many doubts and concerns in patients who undergo it. That’s why, in our gender reassignment clinic, we adapt to your needs and accompany you throughout the process.

We understand that each patient is unique, and that’s why we offer you a personalised approach in each of our interventions. Our team will guide and advise you at all times so that you feel safe throughout the process.

Request an appointment

Phalloplasty results

At IM GENDER, we know that knowing real cases of phalloplasty results is important before making any decision. In these images, you can see real cases of patients who have been treated at the clinic, so that you can get an idea and help you make a more consolidated decision.

see results

before the surgery

For some trans men, FTM bottom surgery is a natural and important step, while for others it is an unnecessary procedure. Therefore, each trans person must make personal decisions that best suit their individual needs.

Before undergoing phalloplasty, the medical team will assess the suitability of this surgery in each case, taking into account your state of health, your medical history and evaluating all possible options.

It is important to have a blood test at least 3 months before the surgery. It is essential to control your diet and clean your intestines. It is also necessary to undergo hormonal treatment that aims to increase the size of the clitoris. The surgeon, along with the medical team at IM GENDER, will advise you on how and when to undergo this treatment.

Finally, if there is a lot of hair on the inner side of the forearm, it is recommended to undergo laser hair removal on the non-dominant forearm 3 months to 1 year before the surgery. This is done to remove as much hair as possible from the forearm, because this area will become part of the urethra of the neophallus.
When you visit your doctor, everything will be explained and any doubts that may arise will be clarified.

Risks

FTM bottom surgery allows transgender persons to transform a vagina into a penis in order to recognize their authentic gender. This surgery is a big step to alleviate symptoms like gender dysphoria. Obviously, there are some risks as in all surgical procedures:

Infection: the incision area and the urethra can get infected sometimes. In these cases, patients can experience burning sensation in the urethra, discomfort, and/or hematuria.
Urinary retention: a poor blood flow can block the pass of urine or makes it harder.
Catheter complications: a catheter must be used for a few weeks after the surgery. This can become blocked or twisted in some cases.
Urine leakage through adjacent areas to the neophallus.
Fever.
Wound dehiscence.
Redness and swelling of the phallus.
Increased pain.

A member of the medical team will instruct you on how to prevent possible complications and what to do in case they happen. If you have any doubts or abnormalities after the procedure, you should consult your doctor so that they can diagnose the issue and provide a solution.

If you have any doubts or discomfort, you should consult your referring surgeon or the patient care team. A 24 hour phone line will be available for you to make your inquiries.

FAQS ABOUT PHALLOPLASTY

What is phalloplasty?

Is a surgical technique that allows the reconstruction of a phallus (penis). To achieve this, tissue from other parts of the body is used, most commonly skin and fat from the forearm, although tissue from the thigh or abdomen, among others, can also be used.

This neopenis has a very anatomical appearance, allows bipedal urination (urinating while standing up) and has tactile and erogenous sensitivity. It is important to clarify that in order to allow sexual penetration, it will require a prosthesis that will have to be implanted in a second surgical procedure.

What is FTM bottom surgery like?

The phalloplasty technique uses tissue from other parts of the body, usually skin and fat from the forearm. With this tissue, the surgeon can recreate a penis of anatomical dimensions that, once shaped, is transported to its final position. Once there, thanks to the advancement of microsurgery, the suturing of the arteries and veins, which supply blood and nerves, is performed in order to achieve tactile and erogenous sensitivity. To extend the urethra in the first few centimeters, the surgeon uses tissue from the anterior wall of the vagina (with a length of about 5 centimeters and a width of 2 to 3 centimeters) and a flap made with the skin of the labia minora. Then it is sutured with the urethra previously created in the phallus.

During the same procedure, the labia majora are mobilized dorsally and joined in the midline to form a new scrotum. Once the scrotal sac is created, silicone testicular implants are placed. The implantation of the testicular prostheses can be performed during the same surgical procedure or postponed to a second intervention depending on the surgical criteria.

Is hospital admission necessary for this procedure?

You will be admitted to IM GENDER on the same day as the surgery. During the hours before the operation, our team will carry out the necessary monitoring. This surgery is always performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 10 to 12 hours.

Is there sensitivity with phalloplasty?

To achieve erogenous sensitivity, the surgeon anastomoses a nerve from the clitoris to one of the nerves of the neopenis and also to the clitoris itself, which will remain buried under the phallus.

FAQS ABOUT PHALLOPLASTY RECOVERY

Will I have to be hospitalised after surgery?

After phalloplasty surgery, you will need to remain hospitalised for at least one week to ensure better monitoring of your progress by the medical team at the IM GENDER Gender Unit. This is also to provide both the patient and their companion with the necessary environment and comfort for a speedy recovery.

After the first 48 hours following the surgery, patient mobility will be permitted.

When will I be able to go home after the surgery?

Although you will be discharged from hospital one week after the operation, you will need to wear a bladder catheter for at least 21 days. Occasionally, at the surgeon’s discretion, a suprapubic catheter may be inserted. This allows the bladder to empty by preventing urine from flowing through the urethra, keeping it dry in the early stages of recovery.

What is recovery like?

It is important to follow the advice of the medical team at IM GENDER throughout the postoperative period, as well as attend all follow-up visits after phalloplasty and contact the medical team if there are any doubts about the recovery process. Only they can properly evaluate your recovery. Usually, once you have been discharged from the hospital, you will be given an appointment for the next postoperative check-ups and wound care. These will typically take place about one month, three months, six months, and one year after the treatment. At all times, you will have access to a support phone number during the postoperative period.

What is the result of phalloplasty?

After your recovery, you will have a penis that is functional, anatomically and aesthetically similar to that of any man. While you will have to wait a few months after surgery for a penile prosthesis to allow penetrative sex, you will have erogenous sensation.

See more FAQS

TIPS AFTER SURGERY

Diet

After the phalloplasty surgery, a normal diet can be followed, but it should be rich in fiber to avoid constipation. If it is necessary, a laxative can be taken.

Urinary catheter

The urinary catheter should be used for 4 to 6 weeks and connected to a urine collection bag. It is important to change the leg where the catheter is attached daily.

REST

You should have relative rest, meaning you can take short walks, but you should avoid exertion and not overload your legs, so that you could have a great recovery.

DON'T LEAVE WITH DOUBTS

If a microsurgical flap technique was used in your phalloplasty, you should keep the wrist of the donor arm elevated and wear a compression garment on the arm.

RETURNING TO SPORTS

It is important not to exercise without the surgeon’s permission and to follow medical recommendations on activity and sports to avoid during the full recovery.

POSTOPERATIVE VISITS

Do not to miss any visits after surgery. Wound care will be personalised according to each case and technique used. External stitches in the genital area will fall out on their own.

    
 
 
        
   Anna La Spisa 
 28 Noviembre 2023
 
 
  Esperienza positiva  chirurghi ottimi, infermiere molto preparate e dolcissime, Aida e Rosa super umane, ma la dottoressa Brandalisio ha fatto la differenza su tutti, preparata, umana, dolce, disponibile, un'amore di persona.
Una critica costruttiva devo farla tutto lussuoso ma non pensato per stendere pochi indumenti lavati
  
 
       
   Tone Vik 
 31 Julio 2023
 
 
  I had GRS in May 2023.

Here is a short summary of my experience.

When you contact the clinic, you’ll get a personal patient coordinator that will answer and support you through the whole process, both before and after the surgery. The communication is professional, personal and efficient. WhatsApp is the main communication platform, and it works very well.

The clinic is beautiful and top notch on all levels. You almost forget that you are in a clinic and might think of it more as a hotel (with surgery services). Please see the attached pictures, and you will understand what I mean.

The staff is warm and friendly and really do what they can to make you feel comfortable, from the nurses to the cleaning personnel. It is really nice to be so well looked after, and I have such good memories from my week at the clinic.

The surgeons, I was so fortunate to have Dr. Labanca, but they are all world class, which ensures that the results probably will exceed your expectations. Of course this is a very personal opinion, but for me it was like that. It’s hard to describe how happy I am now.

You can bring a friend or a family member for no extra cost the week you are at the clinic. My best friend came down on the 5th day, and that was also one important factor when I chose this clinic. The support you get from having a friend or family member present is almost priceless.

A short 5 minute walk from the clinic you’ll find apartments you can stay at for an additional week or two while you recover and heal. It was very reassuring and comforting to have the clinic so close the two weeks I stayed after checking out from the clinic.

An important part of the healing process is to just move your body, and the beautiful city of Sant Cugat is a nice 20 minute walk from the apartment, where you can enjoy shopping, restaurants and just the nice relaxing atmosphere.

The aftercare and regular follow up when you have left the clinic ensures that everything is working as it should, and if not, they will correct at no extra cost. The aftercare period lasts one year after the surgery.

To sum up, you are really in the best hands and in the best place at IM Clinic.

I highly recommend this clinic for GRS.
  
 
       
   Victoria Timoniere 
 24 Abril 2023
 
 
  Due mesi fa ho avuto la grande fortuna di affidarmi al team di IMgender , un esperienza indimenticabile che mi ha cambiata la vita facendomi rinascere finalmente nel corpo giusto . La clinica è super moderna è attrezzata ,  pulita e tutto lo staff è super gentile e accogliente .
  
 
       
   Renn Love 
 14 Abril 2023
 
 
  My experience with IM Clinic from the start to where I am today has been nothing but exceptional. From my initial contact with Aida, to my consultations with my surgeons Dr's Gómez, Herrero and Beltrán, my anaesthetist and care from the nurses. The cleaning staff were extremely discrete and the food for both myself and my wife, who was also looked after during my stay, was good.  Myself and my wife were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. On the day of my surgeries my surgeons continuously re-assured me as they could see how nervous I was and it felt like nothing was too much trouble.   My wife was also informed of my progress during surgery and reassured all was ok. I highly recommend IM Clinic and would not hesitate in returning, should I feel the need.
  
 
       
   Sun Belardinelli 
 11 Marzo 2023
 
 
  Ho aspettato qualche mese dopo l'operazione prima di scrivere questa recensione perché volevo essere sicuro dei risultati. La parola che mi viene in mente è PERFETTO, la clinica è perfetta, l'operazione è andata ancora meglio di quanto sognassi, il trattamento che ho ricevuto da TUTTI, medici, infermiere, tutto il personale, è stato impeccabile, caloroso e amichevole; mi hanno fatto sentire meglio che a casa (non solo a me, ma anche alla persona che mi accompagnava), ancora meglio di un hotel di lusso; mi hanno veramente trattato come un re, non solo come un paziente.
L'operazione in sé è stata perfetta, il pre- e post- operatorio gestiti benissimo anche a distanza; mi hanno dato istruzioni chiare e medicinali appositi per curare le ferite e il dolore. Grazie a questo sono rimasto tranquillo per tutto il tempo, sapendo di essere nelle migliori mani.
Un consiglio che mi sento di dare a chi vorrebbe operarsi da IM è: fate tutte le domande che vi vengono in mente e anche quelle che non vi vengono in mente! Soprattutto per chi viene dall'estero come ho fatto io è importante avere ben chiaro ogni dettaglio, e le persone con cui parlerete saranno felici di chiarire qualsiasi dubbio. Raramente ho trovato persone così pazienti, competenti e alla mano.
Se e quando avrò bisogno di fare un'altra operazione la farò sicuramente da IM. Ormai ho trovato il posto dei sogni e non lo lascio più!
  
 
       
   Alexa Valianatos 
 10 Agosto 2022
 
 
  Hey,
I am Alexa Valianatos and on 14th June i had my vaginoplasty surgery at IM Clinic. Here i found a greate, super friendly and profesional team which whose totally prompt answering to all my needs.
Viewing my research before surgery and my experience in the clinic and after that, i can say that IM Clinic I'd the best clinic in Europe at least regarding my surgery tipe and my needs, i can say 100% that i found the 5* clinic .
After two months from my surgery i already decide to make the next steps for next surgery in the same clinic .
Many worm thank to doctor Ivan Mañero and entire clinic team . You are the best .
  
 
       
   Aaron O'Donnell 
 19 Julio 2022
 
 
  Thank you IM Clinic!!!
I had FtM Top Surgery (double mastectomy/gender reassignment) at IM clinic in July 2021. As I was travelling from the UK I was weary about the procedure, however their standard of care goes above and beyond to accommodate their patients and ensure maximum comfort. I had surgery with Dr Herrero, who was an absolute pleasure to meet and a brilliant surgeon. The team were a delight and made me feel genuinely safe and as comfortable as possible.

The procedure I had is not very common and is somewhat hard to acquire in the UK, but the team at IM Clinic took me in with ease and listened to my worries and requests.

The care i received at IM Clinic was impeccable - between the food, the staff, the surgery and everything else - i cannot fault it. I am forever grateful to Dr Mañero, Dr Herrero and the entire care team at the clinic.

Thank you so much!! I am now one year post-op and happier than ever.
  
 
  
  
 
 
   La evaluación general en Google es 5.0 de 5, en base a 15 reseñas

IM GENDER Team

At IM GENDER we have been specialising in the care of transgender people for more than 20 years. Two decades of experience, professionalism, research and training endorse our medical team and staff.