Gender-affirming surgery: reconstruction planned around your priorities
Assessment starts with the person's goals: what they wish to change, what they consider essential to preserve, and which functions matter most. Appearance, sensation, sexual function, the way of urinating, preservation of structures and recovery may carry different weights for people with similar anatomy.
What to discuss at the first consultation
Health history, ongoing treatment, previous surgery, reproductive goals and functional priorities help shape the plan. The consultation should also clarify tests, preparation, involvement of other professionals and possible stages.
Reconstructive options
In masculinizing reconstruction, metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are distinct pathways. In feminizing reconstruction, planning depends on the available tissues, the desired structures and functions, and clinical assessment.
TCM in trans men
TCM may be discussed in the context of metoidioplasty and genital reconstruction in trans men. It is not synonymous with metoidioplasty, and its indication is not automatic.
Planning for people who live far away
Time away, travel, support during recovery, follow-up visits and access to the team if complications arise should be arranged before surgery, especially for patients from another city or country.
Safety, limitations and decision-making
All surgery involves risks, and individual results cannot be guaranteed. The indication depends on diagnosis, anatomy, health conditions, previous treatment, goals and the ability to complete the necessary follow-up. The consultation should compare expected benefits, risks, alternatives and the possibility of not having surgery at that time.
The information on this website is educational and does not replace individual medical assessment. In an emergency, seek immediate medical care.