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Dr. Nicholas Bene
Comprehensive Gender-Affirming Surgery at Stanford Medicine
Dr. Nicholas Bene, MD is a fellowship-trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and the Director of Gender Affirmation Surgery at Stanford Medicine. His practice offers the full range of masculinizing procedures, including top surgery, body sculpting, facial surgery, and genital surgeries.
A graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Bene completed residency in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Lahey Clinic in Boston and advanced fellowship training in Gender Affirmation Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). At OHSU, one of the nation’s most experienced centers for gender surgery, he trained with leading surgeons in both plastic and urologic techniques, gaining deep expertise in metoidioplasty and phalloplasty.
Dr. Bene's full credentials and surgical offerings are available on his TransHealthCare.org surgeon profile.
As Director of Gender Affirmation Surgery at Stanford, Dr. Bene leads a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive surgical care for transgender and gender-diverse patients. His approach emphasizes:
- Evidence-based techniques developed through high-volume fellowship training
- Nerve preservation and sensory optimization to support sexual function
- Collaborative surgical planning aligned with each patient’s goals
All surgeries are performed within Stanford’s comprehensive gender-affirming care program, which integrates urology, anesthesia, physical therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation to ensure the safest possible outcomes.
Choosing Between Metoidioplasty and Phalloplasty
For many transmasculine individuals, metoidioplasty or phalloplasty can improve comfort in one’s body. The “best” procedure depends on anatomy, goals for appearance and function, and personal priorities such as standing urination or tactile sensation. Dr. Bene spends significant time during consultations discussing these factors to ensure that each patient makes a fully informed decision.
Below is a general overview of how the two procedures differ:
| Aspect | Metoidioplasty | Phalloplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tissue Used | Enlarged clitoral tissue (released and repositioned) | Tissue from donor site (forearm, thigh, or abdomen) |
| Goal | Create a small phallus using existing genital tissue | Create a larger phallus using transferred tissue |
| Sensation | High erogenous sensation (uses native nerve supply) | Erogenous sensation through nerve connections (2–3 sensory nerves) |
| Urination Standing Up | Possible with urethral lengthening | Possible with urethral construction |
| Hospital Stay & Recovery | Shorter (typically 2–4 days) | Longer, with multiple stages (typically 3–5 days for each of stage 1 and 2) |
| Implants (Testicular/Penile) | Optional, placed later | Optional, placed later |
| Aesthetic Result | Smaller phallus | Larger phallus |
| Future Revisions | May require minor refinements | Often involves staged reconstruction and/or refinements |
Consultation and Scheduling
Dr. Bene’s philosophy is centered on individualized surgical planning. During consultation, he reviews your options in detail, including the expected recovery, potential risks, and what you can realistically expect from each procedure. Every decision is made collaboratively, with your goals guiding the process.
- Consultation wait time: 1–2 months
- Surgery scheduling: 3–6 months
Insurance: Dr. Bene accepts most major insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Surgery requirements:
- Minimum age: 19 years
- Letter of support from a qualified mental health provider
- No required cessation of hormones before surgery
- Smoking/vaping cessation at least 2 months before and after surgery
- BMI guideline: <35