Phalloplasty is a plastic surgery on the penis that allows to increase the size of the penis or its thickness, being indicated in cases of micropenis or for men over 18 years old and with a normal penis size, but who have discomfort with the size of their penis. genital organ, helping to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the penis.
Furthermore, this surgery can also be indicated to create male genitals, in cases of sex change surgery, or due to congenital problems, such as pseudohermaphroditism, or injuries to the penis, such as penile fracture, for example.
Phalloplasty is performed by a urologist specializing in plastic surgery, performed in hospitals, and is not available through the SUS, and recovery from surgery depends on the type of procedure performed, with rest, use of medication to control pain after surgery being normally recommended, in addition avoid intimate contact for around 30 days.
When is it indicated
Phalloplasty is typically indicated for:
- Micropênis;
- Increase penis size. Check out some techniques to enlarge the penis, without surgery;
- Increase the thickness of the penis;
- Correct the lateralization of the penis, in case of Peyronie’s disease;
- Penile fracture;
- Complications of circumcision;
- Penis burns;
- Aphalia, which is the absence of the penis in the baby;
- Congenital malformations in the baby’s urethra, such as epispadias or hypospadias;
- Pseudohermaphroditism;
- Reconstruction of the penis, due to tumor.
In addition, phalloplasty may be indicated to create male genitals in cases of sex change surgery or reassignment surgery. Find out how reassignment surgery is performed.
How it is made
Phalloplasty is performed in the hospital by a urologist specializing in plastic surgery or a plastic surgeon, using general anesthesia, removing a part of the skin from another area of the body, such as the forearm, thighs or back, to reconstruct, create or increase the size of the penis. .
In addition, tissue from other parts of the body can also be used to create a urethra and scrotum in cases of congenital malformations or reassignment surgery.
The surgery time depends on the objective of the phalloplasty, and can last around 2 hours, in cases of penis enlargement, or 8 to 12 hours in the case of creation or reconstruction of male genital organs.
How to prepare for surgery
Some precautions are important to prepare for phalloplasty, and include:
- Clarify with the doctor all questions about surgery and recovery;
- Talk to your doctor about the expected results and expectations of surgery;
- Inform your doctor of all medicationsvitamins and nutritional supplements that you take frequently, as some can affect recovery;
- Inform if you have any allergies or other health problem;
- Quit smoking at least 3 months before surgery;
- Lose weightin the case of overweight or obesity, to reduce surgery complications;
- Carry out psychological counseling to ensure understanding of the procedure, risks and impact on life;
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at least the day before surgery;
- Absolute fasting at least 8 hours before surgery, as per medical advice.
Furthermore, before performing the surgery, the surgeon will request exams for planning the surgery, such as X-ray, computed tomography, surgical risk and blood tests to assess the general health status.
In the case of reassignment surgery, the doctor must also recommend the removal of the uterus and ovaries, at least 3 months before phalloplasty.
What is recovery like?
Recovery from phalloplasty in the case of penis enlargement is quick, and the man is generally discharged from hospital the day after surgery and can return to work around 4 days after surgery. However, intimate contact should be avoided for approximately 30 days, or as directed by your doctor.
In the case of penile reassignment, creation or reconstruction surgery, the recovery time is longer and the person may remain hospitalized for up to a week, depending on health conditions and the presence of complications from the surgery. After discharge from hospital, it is recommended not to perform physical activities for at least 6 weeks. Total recovery and healing time generally takes about 12 to 18 months.
Possible complications
The main complications that can arise from phalloplasty surgery are:
- Infections;
- Partial loss of the penis, if it does not have adequate blood flow;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Narrowing of the urethra canal, due to scar formation;
- Difficulty urinating or urine blockage.
Furthermore, depending on the technique used by the doctor to increase the size of the penis, a scar may form and the penis may become more retracted, giving the sensation that the size has decreased due to scar retraction.
There is still the possibility that the person will not be satisfied with the result of the surgery, due to psychological issues.
Bibliography
- SCHECHTER, L. S.; SAFA, B. Introduction to Phalloplasty. Clin Plast Surg. 45. 3; 387-389, 2018
- HESTON, AL; et al. Phalloplasty: techniques and outcomes. Transl Androl Urol. 8. 3; 254-265, 2019
- DANKER, S.; et al. “Staging” in Phalloplasty. Urol Clin North Am. 46. 4; 581-590, 2019
