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A guide to lower surgery for trans men - Gender Identity Research ...

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Creating the glans<br />

Penis with sculpted glans and<br />

testicular prostheses.<br />

Penis made erect with penile<br />

prosthesis. The glans-shaping<br />

in this example is not entirely<br />

satisfac<strong>to</strong>ry but variation must<br />

be expected.<br />

TR TR<br />

Either at the time of the initial operation, or when the first stage of creating the<br />

phallus has healed, the head of the penis (glans) can be sculpted <strong>to</strong> give a realistic<br />

looking appearance. The coronal sulcus (slight groove where the shaft of the penis<br />

meets the glans) is fashioned <strong>to</strong> create the ‘pinched in’ appearance. Colour can be<br />

added with medical tat<strong>to</strong>oing of the glans as the male phallus is usually a different<br />

colour <strong>to</strong> the shaft. This may be done in the months following <strong>surgery</strong> when the<br />

penis is still without skin sensation. The appearance of the glans can be improved<br />

in this way, whether or not you have other refine<strong>men</strong>ts such as an extended<br />

urethra or erectile implants. Approximately 50% of those undergoing phalloplasty in<br />

the UK have chosen <strong>to</strong> have the glans shaped.<br />

15 In the UK the more expensive three-part prosthesis (£5,200) is used as it simulates more closely<br />

the rigidity and flaccidity of a natural penis. It requires an extra stage of <strong>surgery</strong>, but is covered<br />

by warranty. The two-part prosthesis is used in Belgium; it can be implanted in one operation<br />

and is less expensive (£2,500). Prices may change over time.<br />

© GIRES A GUIDE TO LOWER SURGERY FOR TRANS MEN<br />

33

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