Overall satisfaction?Poll:
You do not have permission to vote in this poll.
Thumbs up!
3 (75.00%)
Thumbs down!
0 (0%)
So-so.
0 (0%)
Too early to tell. (Will update later)
1 (25.00%)
Total 4 vote(s) 100%
I wanted to open another topic concerning phalloplasty patients and their satisfaction with results.
Who did your phalloplasty? When did you have the procedure and which did you choose?
What was the estimated cost? Did you have help from insurance?
Where did you stay? What did it cost?
How (and how long) has recovery time been? Any complications? Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
What stage are you on/how many left? Which stages are you planning?
How is sensation/erotic sensation? How much time did it take to regain? Are orgasms different?
How are your aesthetics?
Are you happy? Has dysphoria lessened? Any regrets?
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
Thought these were a good set of questions that might not take too long to answer. All feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Who did your phalloplasty? When did you have the procedure and which did you choose?
What was the estimated cost? Did you have help from insurance?
Where did you stay? What did it cost?
How (and how long) has recovery time been? Any complications? Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
What stage are you on/how many left? Which stages are you planning?
How is sensation/erotic sensation? How much time did it take to regain? Are orgasms different?
How are your aesthetics?
Are you happy? Has dysphoria lessened? Any regrets?
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
Thought these were a good set of questions that might not take too long to answer. All feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank you.
If you're going through hell, keep going.
Who did your phalloplasty?
- Dr. Crane and Dr Safa/Dr Watt of the Bunke Clinic did stage one, Dr crane did stage 2, Dr Chen did stage 3 & 4, and he will be doing my last stage.
When did you have the procedure and which did you choose?
- Sept 10, 2014; ALT Phalloplasty using the right thigh
What was the estimated cost?
- $200K+ number is still up in the air I haven't actually added all the bills yet since I am not finished with surgery.
Did you have help from insurance?
- Yes, I live in California. Here the state mandates all insurance carriers in the state to cover transgender health care. I applied through the marketplace, due to my income level I was placed on Medi-Cal (California's medicaid) managed care program with primary provider of Kaiser Permenante of Northern California. My out of pocket cost was $0, as a Medi-Cal member I have no co-pays for my medical care.
Where did you stay?
- At home
What did it cost?
- $0
How (and how long) has recovery time been?
- This is one of those questions that really can not be answered in a straight forward answer as every stage has a different recovery to it lol. In total recovery has been up and down but totally worth it and I'd do it all again to gain the same results I have at this point. In hindsight I would say the longer time in between the stages you give your body the better your healing in this surgery will be. Do not rush things in hurry to be done or in rush to have sex or things like that you will only live to regret it as it sets back your progress in the long run. Not to mention leaves you pretty damn miserable laying in bed while you have to let your junk heal and mellow out. Healing has a pretty horrible way of reminding our asses to chill out when we dont want to lol. But seriously, I would say after about 18 months post op things have mellowed out pretty well for myself. With proper care and time I am glad to be at this point in recovery and to almost be done with this process.
Any complications?
- Yes, during stage one I had necrosis at the tip and UL issues. Dr Crane and Dr Safa corrected this issue immediately within the first month. During stage 2 I had a buccual mucosa graft inlayed to the tip of my phallus to prepare for future UL repair and he did some lipo to my phallus. At the moment my urethral opening is slightly to the right at the tip about an inch under where the actual tip is. Something similar to how hypospadias condition is. This will be fixed during the last stage to the tip thus far it has been no issue other than looking aesthetically different.
-Fistulas, 2 of them within a month. I treated both with Medihoney, and within 3 weeks of proper usage and wound care they closed on their own without surgical intervention.
Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
- explained above
What stage are you on/how many left?
- I just have to have my urethra re-centered to the tip and my glans re-detailed to my specifications as discussed previously with Dr Chen during my penile implant stage.
Which stages are you planning?
How is sensation/erotic sensation?
- Perfect!!!! thanks to microsurgery I am at 100% base to tip still amazed every day about the sensation and very puzzled by the claims in research out there. I really wish there were more studies so I could participate and help update statistics for us as I really think what they are doing for us now a days is changing what they used to know about phalloplasty in general! I just have a really hard time believing I am the only one having success
How much time did it take to regain?
- I started getting sensation almost immediately which was very odd even Crane noted this. However the first sensations were NOT good feeling it was more electric feeling pins and needles type of sensation. Then it began to dull out a bit around 3-4 months and start to feel a bit more pleasurable. Then from there it began to grow increasingly stronger and along the sides. I choose to not have any surgery between stage 1 and 2 for 10 months I believe this gave my body its own time to regenerate without being messed with. During this time i fed my system with all the fuel it needed to recoup and regenerate its nerves and cells at top speeds naturally. After each stage my sensation seemed to increase a bit also I reported this to Crane and Chen also. By my year mark I had full sensation base to tip, the one sensation that I still am getting back slowly is hot/cold its very spotty but slowly its coming in.
Are orgasms different?
- My orgasms are EXTREMELY different. They are totally more intense now and I like that a lot. I feel everything in my penis not just at the base but when i stroke I feel every touch, grip, etc on my phallus as if its always been there especially at the tip. This is one thing I can say that is continuously growing as time goes on. I am very interested in seeing how things progress over the years I may have to keep track of this for my own records.
How are your aesthetics?
- Things are great thus far, I am just waiting for my glans to be re-detailed thing things will be settled down and healed for good. I need a little bit more hair removed but its nothing that will kill me if it doesnt happen today lol.
Are you happy?
- Hell YES!
Has dysphoria lessened?
-The moment I woke up the dysphoria was gone!
Any regrets?
- Yea, that I didn't have this option when I was 18 so that I could've had surgery then lol
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
-Yes, however make sure you do your research and make sure you are a good fit physically for this surgery. Be realistic and have realistic goals, not everything is for everyone and we all have to take this into consideration at all costs it is for all of our safety and well being.
- Dr. Crane and Dr Safa/Dr Watt of the Bunke Clinic did stage one, Dr crane did stage 2, Dr Chen did stage 3 & 4, and he will be doing my last stage.
When did you have the procedure and which did you choose?
- Sept 10, 2014; ALT Phalloplasty using the right thigh
What was the estimated cost?
- $200K+ number is still up in the air I haven't actually added all the bills yet since I am not finished with surgery.
Did you have help from insurance?
- Yes, I live in California. Here the state mandates all insurance carriers in the state to cover transgender health care. I applied through the marketplace, due to my income level I was placed on Medi-Cal (California's medicaid) managed care program with primary provider of Kaiser Permenante of Northern California. My out of pocket cost was $0, as a Medi-Cal member I have no co-pays for my medical care.
Where did you stay?
- At home
What did it cost?
- $0
How (and how long) has recovery time been?
- This is one of those questions that really can not be answered in a straight forward answer as every stage has a different recovery to it lol. In total recovery has been up and down but totally worth it and I'd do it all again to gain the same results I have at this point. In hindsight I would say the longer time in between the stages you give your body the better your healing in this surgery will be. Do not rush things in hurry to be done or in rush to have sex or things like that you will only live to regret it as it sets back your progress in the long run. Not to mention leaves you pretty damn miserable laying in bed while you have to let your junk heal and mellow out. Healing has a pretty horrible way of reminding our asses to chill out when we dont want to lol. But seriously, I would say after about 18 months post op things have mellowed out pretty well for myself. With proper care and time I am glad to be at this point in recovery and to almost be done with this process.
Any complications?
- Yes, during stage one I had necrosis at the tip and UL issues. Dr Crane and Dr Safa corrected this issue immediately within the first month. During stage 2 I had a buccual mucosa graft inlayed to the tip of my phallus to prepare for future UL repair and he did some lipo to my phallus. At the moment my urethral opening is slightly to the right at the tip about an inch under where the actual tip is. Something similar to how hypospadias condition is. This will be fixed during the last stage to the tip thus far it has been no issue other than looking aesthetically different.
-Fistulas, 2 of them within a month. I treated both with Medihoney, and within 3 weeks of proper usage and wound care they closed on their own without surgical intervention.
Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
- explained above
What stage are you on/how many left?
- I just have to have my urethra re-centered to the tip and my glans re-detailed to my specifications as discussed previously with Dr Chen during my penile implant stage.
Which stages are you planning?
How is sensation/erotic sensation?
- Perfect!!!! thanks to microsurgery I am at 100% base to tip still amazed every day about the sensation and very puzzled by the claims in research out there. I really wish there were more studies so I could participate and help update statistics for us as I really think what they are doing for us now a days is changing what they used to know about phalloplasty in general! I just have a really hard time believing I am the only one having success
How much time did it take to regain?
- I started getting sensation almost immediately which was very odd even Crane noted this. However the first sensations were NOT good feeling it was more electric feeling pins and needles type of sensation. Then it began to dull out a bit around 3-4 months and start to feel a bit more pleasurable. Then from there it began to grow increasingly stronger and along the sides. I choose to not have any surgery between stage 1 and 2 for 10 months I believe this gave my body its own time to regenerate without being messed with. During this time i fed my system with all the fuel it needed to recoup and regenerate its nerves and cells at top speeds naturally. After each stage my sensation seemed to increase a bit also I reported this to Crane and Chen also. By my year mark I had full sensation base to tip, the one sensation that I still am getting back slowly is hot/cold its very spotty but slowly its coming in.
Are orgasms different?
- My orgasms are EXTREMELY different. They are totally more intense now and I like that a lot. I feel everything in my penis not just at the base but when i stroke I feel every touch, grip, etc on my phallus as if its always been there especially at the tip. This is one thing I can say that is continuously growing as time goes on. I am very interested in seeing how things progress over the years I may have to keep track of this for my own records.
How are your aesthetics?
- Things are great thus far, I am just waiting for my glans to be re-detailed thing things will be settled down and healed for good. I need a little bit more hair removed but its nothing that will kill me if it doesnt happen today lol.
Are you happy?
- Hell YES!
Has dysphoria lessened?
-The moment I woke up the dysphoria was gone!
Any regrets?
- Yea, that I didn't have this option when I was 18 so that I could've had surgery then lol
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
-Yes, however make sure you do your research and make sure you are a good fit physically for this surgery. Be realistic and have realistic goals, not everything is for everyone and we all have to take this into consideration at all costs it is for all of our safety and well being.
This post was last modified: 07-04-2016, 06:29 PM by notyouraveragejoe.
[/u]Sorry about the bold intermittency, tried to get it right but finally gave up.
[b]Dan Greenwald MD FACS...
When did you have the procedure and which did you choose?
[/b]1995-6(?) Radical Forearm Phalloplasty
What was the estimated cost?
$30,000+/-
Did you have help from insurance?
no[b]
Where did you stay?
Hospital Tampa General, after in my own home[/b]
What did it cost?
Hospital included, home is home
How (and how long) has recovery time been?
[/b]6-8 weeks
Any complications?
[b]Had allergy to catheter, "latex allergy" once changed, all was fine
Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
[/b]Resolved by silicon catheter
What stage are you on/how many left? Which stages are you planning?
[b]Finished. Was a 1 stage surgery I had urethral hook-up, and conjoining nerves during the procedure. About 12-13 hours in surgery theater.
How is sensation/erotic sensation?
Was sensate approximately 1 month after surgery. Erotic sensation is different from before, but not lessened..[b]
How much time did it take to regain?
Full sensation took about 3 months. Then after 1 year had a penile implant, took about 6 weeks after that before use.[/b]
Are orgasms different?
[/b]Yes and no. They are different because the focus seems to have changed.
How are your aesthetics?
[b]About as good as one can expect from a prosthetic..have had no problems in restrooms using urinal where other men are present. Did a show and tell at couple of conferences with FTM's and cus-males with surprising outcome.
Are you happy?
[/b]Yes
Has dysphoria lessened?
[b]Without a doubt
Any regrets?
With all limitations considered, no.[b]
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
Definitely[/b]
Thought these were a good set of questions that might not take too long to answer. All feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Good questions.
(05-15-2016, 10:30 AM)ZopiloteMachine Wrote: I wanted to open another topic concerning phalloplasty patients and their satisfaction with results.
[u]Who did your phalloplasty?
[b]Dan Greenwald MD FACS...
When did you have the procedure and which did you choose?
[/b]1995-6(?) Radical Forearm Phalloplasty
What was the estimated cost?
$30,000+/-
Did you have help from insurance?
no[b]
Where did you stay?
Hospital Tampa General, after in my own home[/b]
What did it cost?
Hospital included, home is home
How (and how long) has recovery time been?
[/b]6-8 weeks
Any complications?
[b]Had allergy to catheter, "latex allergy" once changed, all was fine
Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
[/b]Resolved by silicon catheter
What stage are you on/how many left? Which stages are you planning?
[b]Finished. Was a 1 stage surgery I had urethral hook-up, and conjoining nerves during the procedure. About 12-13 hours in surgery theater.
How is sensation/erotic sensation?
Was sensate approximately 1 month after surgery. Erotic sensation is different from before, but not lessened..[b]
How much time did it take to regain?
Full sensation took about 3 months. Then after 1 year had a penile implant, took about 6 weeks after that before use.[/b]
Are orgasms different?
[/b]Yes and no. They are different because the focus seems to have changed.
How are your aesthetics?
[b]About as good as one can expect from a prosthetic..have had no problems in restrooms using urinal where other men are present. Did a show and tell at couple of conferences with FTM's and cus-males with surprising outcome.
Are you happy?
[/b]Yes
Has dysphoria lessened?
[b]Without a doubt
Any regrets?
With all limitations considered, no.[b]
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
Definitely[/b]
Thought these were a good set of questions that might not take too long to answer. All feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Good questions.
tbn3
If you don't wake up every morning
willing to die for what you believe in
then you don't believe in anything.
Who did your phalloplasty? When did you have the procedure and which did you choose?
Dr Chen of Brownstein&Crane Surgical Services performed rff phalloplasty in August 2016 with the new micro team, including Drs Perrett and Chang.
What was the estimated cost? Did you have help from insurance?
I do not know the cost as I am a Kaiser patient through medi-cal. I did not have to pay a co-payment.
Where did you stay? What did it cost?
I stayed at an air bnb about 30minutes from the Brownstein&Crane office in Greenbrae. It was just under $1500 for a 30-day stay. I am in the process of being reimbursed by my insurance for this stay.
How (and how long) has recovery time been? Any complications? Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
I am still recovering and will be for a significant amount of time. I began to feel a bit back to normal around weeks 4 and 5 though am still easily worn out, do not do too much and am very attentive to my body's reactions to my daily tasks. I have encountered a fistula (which I hope will heal on its own) and an aesthetic issue with my scrotum that will be revised surgically in my next stage.
What stage are you on/how many left? Which stages are you planning?
I am out of stage 1. I plan to have 2 more - next for glansplasty and the scrotum revision, fistula repair if it does not heal on its own. The third stage will be for my testicular implants and the erectile device.
How is sensation/erotic sensation? How much time did it take to regain? Are orgasms different?
I can feel pressure in many places throughout the shaft. That began around week 3. I have felt what was my "clitoris" from the day of surgery in the base area. I feel soreness in my scrotum. I cannot feel heat/coolness yet. I do not have erotic sensation throughout the shaft yet but definitely can reach orgasm from stimulating the base and my scrotum. Orgasming was possible since week 5 or so and feel much better with having the right equipment.
How are your aesthetics?
I love how it all looks so far. already I am excited to see how it comes together with the scrotum revision and glansplasty.
Are you happy? Has dysphoria lessened? Any regrets?
I wish I could have gotten it earlier haha. I will be 25 soon. I am very happy, very content, very satisfied. I have no dysphoria surrounding my physical body. Of course this does not mean I dont struggle with matters such as not being able to impregnate a woman or have a penis with natural erections..but hey, I am at a truce with what technology has allowed me to have and am extremely grateful for that
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
Definitely, without a doubt! Dr Chen is extremely positive but practical and straight forward. He is patient with all my worries and concerns and thorough ensuring I understand all he is doing to get the best results for what I'm looking for. As for my procedure, I have the closest thing to the penis I should have been born with, a sac that will soon have testicular implants, can void while standing, have penetrative sex eventually, am gaining more sensation as the days go by and still can reach orgasm (from what I hear talking to post op guys, this isn't rare anymore as some people claim based upon outdated info...). Couldn't ask for a better situation given the cards I was dealt
Dr Chen of Brownstein&Crane Surgical Services performed rff phalloplasty in August 2016 with the new micro team, including Drs Perrett and Chang.
What was the estimated cost? Did you have help from insurance?
I do not know the cost as I am a Kaiser patient through medi-cal. I did not have to pay a co-payment.
Where did you stay? What did it cost?
I stayed at an air bnb about 30minutes from the Brownstein&Crane office in Greenbrae. It was just under $1500 for a 30-day stay. I am in the process of being reimbursed by my insurance for this stay.
How (and how long) has recovery time been? Any complications? Were they resolved on their own or did they require further surgery/revisions?
I am still recovering and will be for a significant amount of time. I began to feel a bit back to normal around weeks 4 and 5 though am still easily worn out, do not do too much and am very attentive to my body's reactions to my daily tasks. I have encountered a fistula (which I hope will heal on its own) and an aesthetic issue with my scrotum that will be revised surgically in my next stage.
What stage are you on/how many left? Which stages are you planning?
I am out of stage 1. I plan to have 2 more - next for glansplasty and the scrotum revision, fistula repair if it does not heal on its own. The third stage will be for my testicular implants and the erectile device.
How is sensation/erotic sensation? How much time did it take to regain? Are orgasms different?
I can feel pressure in many places throughout the shaft. That began around week 3. I have felt what was my "clitoris" from the day of surgery in the base area. I feel soreness in my scrotum. I cannot feel heat/coolness yet. I do not have erotic sensation throughout the shaft yet but definitely can reach orgasm from stimulating the base and my scrotum. Orgasming was possible since week 5 or so and feel much better with having the right equipment.
How are your aesthetics?
I love how it all looks so far. already I am excited to see how it comes together with the scrotum revision and glansplasty.
Are you happy? Has dysphoria lessened? Any regrets?
I wish I could have gotten it earlier haha. I will be 25 soon. I am very happy, very content, very satisfied. I have no dysphoria surrounding my physical body. Of course this does not mean I dont struggle with matters such as not being able to impregnate a woman or have a penis with natural erections..but hey, I am at a truce with what technology has allowed me to have and am extremely grateful for that
Would you recommend your surgeon and procedure to others seeking bottom surgery?
Definitely, without a doubt! Dr Chen is extremely positive but practical and straight forward. He is patient with all my worries and concerns and thorough ensuring I understand all he is doing to get the best results for what I'm looking for. As for my procedure, I have the closest thing to the penis I should have been born with, a sac that will soon have testicular implants, can void while standing, have penetrative sex eventually, am gaining more sensation as the days go by and still can reach orgasm (from what I hear talking to post op guys, this isn't rare anymore as some people claim based upon outdated info...). Couldn't ask for a better situation given the cards I was dealt