DR. SHERMAN LEIS, PROMINENT TRANSGENDER SURGEON, DISCUSSES TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN PHALLOPLASTY AND PENILE AUGMENTATION PROCEDURES. (Bala Cynwyd, PA USA) Renown surgeon and transgender specialist, Dr. Sherman Leis recently spoke about some of the latest advancements in phalloplasty and penile augmentation. Phalloplasty is the construction or reconstruction of the penis by surgery. Said Dr. Leis, “A person will decide to undergo phalloplasty surgery for a number of reasons. For example, a man injured in an accident may have his injured penis reconstructed by means of this surgery. There are cosmetic applications where a naturally deformed or small penis can be enhanced. As well, a transgender patient transitioning from female to male will decide to have a penis constructed to complete their gender reassignment.”
Although there is documentation of phalloplasty surgery having been performed as early as the 1870’s, the results were often less than ideal due to a number of complicating factors. Even more recently, prior to about three years ago, the results from this type of surgery were inconsistent because the surgical technique of choice for penile enlargement employed a procedure that utilized body fat to add length and girth to a penis.
Over time the fat often had a tendency to develop irregularities or to be absorbed and disappear, requiring additional operations. Recent innovations in surgical techniques, such as micro surgery, the harmonic scalpel, and radio wave surgery, as well as new bio-medical materials, have made it possible to surgically create a penis that looks natural and is largely functional.
Dr. Leis said that one medical break-through that has dramatically improved augmentation phalloplasty surgery is a bio-medical product called Alloderm. Alloderm is actually a human acellular dermal matrix that has had the cells removed so that allergic reactions do not occur and also disease cannot be transmitted to the recipient. However, the collagen is still there to provide the supple natural feel of human tissue. In the surgery, Alloderm can be wrapped around the penis under the skin to create increased girth.
Penile length can be increased by transecting the suspensory ligament which holds the folded proximal portion of the penis to the bottom of the pubic bone. When this proximal portion of the penis unfolds, the penis lengthens by the same amount which was attached to the pubic bone. A natural penis can be lengthened by as much as an inch to an inch and a half and girth can be increased by a quarter to a half of an inch, said Dr. Leis.
For a female to male transgender patient undergoing gender reassignment, a penis can be constructed using either a free flap taken from the forearm or leg or from the transposition of local flaps of tissue from the abdomen, groin, or thigh. Dr. Leis prefers using a lower abdominal flap because of its superior blood supply compared to other sources of local tissue. Sensationfor sexual activity is attained mainly through the clitoris which is transposed to the base of the new penis.
A penile implant can be inserted to enable sexual penetration. There are a number of different types of prostheses available for the patient’s selection, from malleable rods to inflatable hydraulic devices.
Dr. Leis notes that previous total phalloplasty required multiple operations and months of recuperation. Today, the operation takes about five hours, is completed in one operation, and requires two to three weeks to recuperate.
Phalloplasty surgery is becoming increasingly popular these days as more and more female to male transgender individuals seek sexual reassignment. Although current literature states that it is mostly male to female trans individuals who are electing sexual reassignment, the number of female to male people who seek reassignment is actually growing dramatically. In fact, a recently released study entitled, “Growth In Observed Prevalence and Gender Balance of the Transexual Population in Continental Europe and the United Kingdom” observed that the number of female to male transgender procedures was nearly equal to the number of male to female procedures.
Observes Dr. Leis, “Most transgender surgical candidates have many questions along the way. This is normal. One does not want to have an impatient doctor, or worse, having to connect with someone half way around the world to answer a question or concern. “ It is for this reason that, in addition to his busy surgical and speaking schedule, Dr. Leis can be found working late into the night, personally answering calls and emails from those who feel challenged by their circumstance and seek comfort and information from someone who cares.
Said Dr. Leis, “Thanks to remarkable advances in technology, psychology,and aesthetics, together with the improving social acceptance for the transgender community, more and more people can live their dream freely instead of living in denial and frustration.” He said, “More resources, physicians, and institutions are needed to support this community, which is why I created The Philadelphia Center for Transgender Surgery as a complete and comprehensive resource in the United States. My vision is to provide an oasis where a transsexual contemplating the transition process, can come for information, limited or total surgery, aesthetic services, and an environment of support and compassion.” The Center also serves as a training site for plastic surgery residents interested in transgender surgery.
Dr. Sherman Leis is Board Certified in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is Professor and Chairman of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Director of Residency Training in Plastic Surgery at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. As part of his aesthetic surgery practice, Dr. Leis has performed many feminization and masculinization procedures of the face and body. He has more than 30 years of experience providing the highest quality care for the trans community.
The Philadelphia Center For Transgender Surgery is recognized as one of the premier facilities in the world for sexual reassignment because of its extensive experience and comprehensive links to Dr. Leis’ team of dedicated specialists - surgeons, psychologists, endocrinologists, aestheticians, speech therapists, legal experts, and others. The Center offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures for GLBTI individuals. Its discreet, serene headquarters is located in suburban Philadelphia at 19 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Phone:610-667-1888.
