San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
Metoidioplasty is a masculinizing gender-affirming bottom surgery that uses hormonally enlarged genital tissue to create a small phallus. This procedure may be a fit for patients who want bottom surgery that preserves natural sensation and erectile function without the complexity of phalloplasty.
At Align Surgical Associates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, we approach metoidioplasty with clear information, thoughtful planning, and recommendations grounded in your embodiment goals, anatomy, and priorities.
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VIEW PHOTOSMetoidioplasty is a surgical procedure that releases hormonally enlarged genital tissue to create a small phallus (sometimes called a neophallus). Because the tissue remains connected to its original nerves and blood supply, metoidioplasty typically preserves erotic sensation and natural erectile function.
A simple metoidioplasty is the most basic form of the surgery and focuses on releasing the tissue without additional steps such as urethral lengthening or scrotoplasty.
A full metoidioplasty may include urethral lengthening to support standing urination, scrotoplasty, and in some cases, testicular implants. Techniques such as ring metoidioplasty may be used as part of this approach, depending on your surgical plan.
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
Metoidioplasty may be a meaningful option for transmasculine, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse patients considering bottom surgery. It may be especially appealing to those who want an approach that uses existing genital tissue rather than donor tissue from another part of the body.
It may also appeal to patients who want to preserve natural sensation, prefer a smaller phallus, or are looking for a less extensive procedure than phalloplasty.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
Recovery after metoidioplasty depends on the complexity of the procedure. Patients should expect soreness, swelling, activity restrictions, and careful wound care during early healing. Recovery may be shorter after a simple metoidioplasty than after a more complex procedure that includes urethral lengthening or scrotoplasty.
Your surgeon will give you detailed guidance on postoperative care, including hygiene, activity, and when it is safe to return to work, exercise, and sexual activity.
Gender-affirming care, including metoidioplasty surgery, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through the authorization process and what to expect.
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on your surgical plan, including whether your metoidioplasty involves urethral lengthening, scrotoplasty, or other additional procedures.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
As with any surgical procedure, metoidioplasty carries risks, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, healing complications, and changes in sensation. If urethral lengthening is part of the plan, additional risks may include fistula and stricture.
It is also important to be realistic about scale and outcome. Metoidioplasty creates a smaller phallus than phalloplasty, and some patients may decide that another type of bottom surgery is a better match for their embodiment goals.
Simple metoidioplasty focuses on releasing the tissue without urethral lengthening or scrotoplasty. Full metoidioplasty may include urethral lengthening, scrotoplasty, and other added steps.
It can, if urethral lengthening is included. Your surgeon can explain whether that option is a good fit for your anatomy and priorities.
Yes, in most cases, metoidioplasty preserves erotic sensation because the tissue remains connected to its original nerves and blood supply.
We recommend booking a consultation if you’re looking for clear guidance on whether metoidioplasty aligns with your embodiment goals, how it compares with phalloplasty, and which added components may be appropriate for your surgical plan.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer metoidioplasty for San Francisco and Los Angeles patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
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