FTM Surgery » Surgeons

FTM Bottom Surgery Surgeons

FTM (female-to-male) or transmasculine bottom surgery refers to a range of procedures that create or reconstruct male genitalia. These may include phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, scrotoplasty, urethral lengthening, and related reconstructive steps. Each technique has unique benefits, limitations, and recovery considerations.

Surgical methods and outcomes can vary significantly between surgeons and centers, depending on factors such as flap type, surgical staging, and experience level. Because of this, it’s important to consult with multiple qualified surgeons, review examples of their work, and learn from previous patients’ experiences before making a decision.

This page lists select surgeons who perform FTM and transmasculine bottom surgeries worldwide. Our goal is to help you understand your options, compare techniques, and connect with providers whose approach and philosophy best align with your goals.

Understanding FTM Bottom Surgery

FTM bottom surgery encompasses several surgical options designed to create or enhance male genitalia. Each procedure has different goals, levels of complexity, and outcomes. Many patients choose one or more of these surgeries depending on their anatomy, transition goals, and desired function.

Phalloplasty

Phalloplasty is the construction of a penis using a tissue flap from another part of the body. Common donor sites include:

• Radial Forearm Free Flap (RFF) – highly detailed, thin tissue ideal for shaping and tactile sensation.
• Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) – thicker tissue, less visible donor site scar, good option for larger builds.
• Musculocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi (MLD) – larger flap with good volume but less fine sensation.
• Abdominal (Suprapubic) – simpler technique with less extensive microsurgery.

Phalloplasty may include urethral lengthening, glansplasty, scrotoplasty, and later erectile or testicular implants.

Pros: potential for full-size phallus, standing urination, and penetrative function.
Cons: multiple stages, long recovery, visible donor site scars, higher complication rates (especially urethral).

Phalloplasty Surgeons

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Metoidioplasty

Metoidioplasty uses existing genital tissue — the hormonally enlarged clitoris — to create a smaller phallus. The clitoral ligaments are released, and additional steps can include urethral lengthening (for standing urination) and scrotoplasty.

Variations include simple release, ring metoidioplasty, and full metoidioplasty (with urethral reconstruction).

Pros: shorter surgery and recovery, retains natural sensation, minimal visible scarring.
Cons: smaller phallus (usually 4–8 cm), may not be able to stand-to-pee, limited for penetrative sex.

Metoidioplasty Surgeons

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Scrotoplasty and Testicular Implants

Scrotoplasty creates a scrotum from the labia majora, often performed during phalloplasty or metoidioplasty. Silicone or saline testicular implants can be added at the same time or later.

Pros: natural external contour, low risk when staged properly.
Cons: risk of implant infection or migration, sometimes requires later revisions.

Learn more about scrotoplasty »

Optional and Staged Procedures

Many bottom surgeries are performed in multiple stages to optimize safety and outcomes. Common additional procedures include:

• Glansplasty – shaping a defined glans (head) on the phallus.
• Erectile implants – semi-rigid or inflatable prosthetics for penetrative function.
• Urethral revisions – correcting strictures or fistulas.
• Aesthetic revisions – improving contour, symmetry, or scarring.

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How to Choose a Surgeon

Selecting a surgeon for FTM bottom surgery is a deeply personal decision that deserves time, research, and multiple consultations. The right surgical team will align with your goals, communicate clearly, and offer the skill and support needed for a safe and satisfying outcome.

Key Factors to Consider

• Experience & Case Volume:
  Look for surgeons who have performed a significant number of phalloplasty or metoidioplasty procedures. Ask how many they do per year and how long they’ve been offering these surgeries. Experience doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it strongly correlates with safety and predictability.
• Techniques Offered:
  Each surgeon may specialize in specific flap types (RFF, ALT, MLD, etc.) or approaches to metoidioplasty. Confirm that their preferred technique matches your anatomical needs and aesthetic goals.
• Outcomes & Revisions:
  Inquire about complication and revision rates, and how they handle issues such as urethral strictures, fistulas, or implant problems. A transparent, experienced team will openly discuss these risks.
• Aftercare & Support:
  Postoperative care can be as critical as the surgery itself. Ask about follow-up visits, wound care guidance, and how emergencies are managed, especially if you live far away.
• Insurance & Financial Considerations:
  Confirm early whether a surgeon accepts your insurance and what documentation is required, such as referral letters, diagnosis codes, or preauthorization forms. Many surgeons who perform bottom surgery are out-of-network, so understanding how your plan handles out-of-network claims can influence your choice.

Ask each surgical team:

• Do you work with my insurance provider, and are you in-network?
• Which parts of the procedure are typically covered (hospital stay, anesthesia, implants, revisions)?
• Will your office assist with preauthorization and appeals if needed?

Even when insurance approval is granted, coverage levels can vary by stage and by component of surgery. Knowing these details up front can help you compare surgeons realistically and avoid unexpected costs.

If you’re considering an out-of-town surgeon, also ask whether your insurance will cover postoperative complications or follow-up care if it occurs locally. A clear financial picture is an important part of choosing the right team for your situation.

Questions to Ask During Consultations

• Which procedures and flap types do you perform most often?
• How many metoidioplasty/phalloplasty surgeries have you completed?
• What are your complication and revision rates?
• What is your process for managing complications or revisions?
• How many stages are typically required, and what is the timeline?
• How do you support patients traveling from out of town?
• Can you connect me with former patients who are willing to share their experiences?

Tip: Take notes during each consultation. Comparing answers side-by-side can reveal meaningful differences in experience, philosophy, and communication style.

Hearing from Previous Patients

If possible, speak with people who have had surgery with the same surgeon or team. They can share insight about bedside manner, hospital experience, and long-term results that you won’t find in a brochure. Online forums and community groups can also help inform your decision.

Travel and Recovery Planning

Many patients travel long distances — even internationally — for bottom surgery. If you do, plan for:

• Extended stay: Most surgeons recommend staying near the hospital for 2–4 weeks post-surgery.
• Support person: Having someone with you for the first week can make a major difference.
• Aftercare logistics: Identify local urgent care or wound-care options before returning home.
• Follow-up: Ask how telehealth visits are handled once you leave the area.

A thoughtful, well-organized plan for recovery and follow-up can make your surgical journey much smoother.

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Global Perspective on FTM Bottom Surgery

While many patients in the U.S. and Canada have access to experienced surgeons locally, others choose to travel abroad for bottom surgery. Countries such as Thailand, Canada, and parts of Europe (especially Serbia) are recognized for offering high-quality gender-affirming surgical care. Each location has its own systems, advantages, and considerations.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the world’s leading destinations for gender-affirming surgery. Surgeons in Bangkok and other major cities have decades of experience and often perform hundreds of gender-affirming procedures each year.

Advantages:

• Competitive pricing, often lower than in North America or Europe.
• Highly experienced surgical teams and hospitals specializing in trans care.
• Streamlined process — shorter waiting times, fewer insurance barriers.
• Comprehensive surgical packages that may include hospital stay, hotel recovery, and transportation.

Considerations:

• Travel and recovery: Long-distance travel means you’ll need to plan for several weeks abroad and possibly a travel companion for support.
• Follow-up care: Local follow-up after returning home can be more challenging; ask how complications or revisions would be handled.
• Language and communication: Most Thai surgical teams speak English fluently, but language nuances can still affect consent discussions or aftercare instructions.
• Legal aspects: Ensure you understand consent forms, insurance limitations, and how medical records are shared internationally.

Well-known Thai surgeons include:

• Dr. Kamol Pansritum – Kamol Hospital, Bangkok
• Dr. Sirachai Jindarak and colleagues – Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok

These clinics are internationally recognized and have extensive experience in phalloplasty and metoidioplasty, serving patients from around the world.

Other International Destinations

Canada:
Canadian surgeons offer high-quality gender-affirming care. GRS Montréal is one of the oldest gender surgery centers in the world and can accommodate international patients seeking metoidioplasty or phalloplasty.

Europe:
Clinics in Serbia and Turkey provide advanced reconstructive options. European standards of care are comparable to those in North America, though costs and travel requirements vary. Some countries also have different documentation or consent processes for foreign patients.

In the past, clinics in Belgium and the Netherlands were considered leading destinations for gender-affirming surgery, attracting patients from around the world. However, in recent years, many of these programs have shifted focus to meet domestic demand and now prioritize care for national or EU residents. As a result, international patients may face longer wait times and limited access compared to a decade ago.

Choosing to travel abroad for surgery can be rewarding, but it adds layers of logistics and responsibility. If you’re considering it, research each clinic’s reputation carefully, confirm what’s included in your surgical package, and make a detailed plan for aftercare once you return home.

Important: international surgeons do not accept insurance from outside their country — patients must pay out of pocket for all surgical and hospital fees. While some clinics offer package pricing, you should still budget for travel insurance, recovery lodging, meals, and potential return trips for revisions or follow-up care. These additional costs can be significant and should be factored into your overall planning.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss your unique goals, anatomy, and medical history directly with your surgical team to determine the most appropriate plan of care. Surgical techniques, outcomes, and availability can vary significantly between providers and over time.

FTMsurgery.net does not endorse or recommend any specific surgeon, clinic, or procedure. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify each surgeon’s credentials, review up-to-date patient experiences, and consult with multiple qualified surgeons before making any medical decisions.

 

Last updated: 10/04/25