Phalloplasty with Dr. Curtis Crane

[kenton_07]

So a while ago I made a post in regards to my mother encouraging me to get bottom surgery. My family really thinks I should transition 110% and to do it as soon as possible.

I started inquiring about bottom surgery when my parents first brought it to my attention how they would support my decision if I decided to "go all the way" and I have come across some pretty amazing results. Dr. Curtis Crane has now created a practice with Dr. Michael Brownstein. Dr. Brownstein is very well known for his amazing top surgery results and Dr. Crane is going to take over the practice when Dr. Brownstein retires (which I'm not sure when that is).

Dr. Crane has done all of his surgeries at this point during fellowships and abroad, such as operating with Dr. Monstrey's team in Ghent or with Dr. Miro in Serbia. He performed 90% of the surgery in some cases while the rest of the team did the other 10%. The thing I really like about Dr. Crane is that he is also a Urologist. I don't think there is any other bottom surgeon in the U.S that is also a Urologist.

Anyway, I have set up a phone consultation with Dr. Crane and he is booking into June 2014 for phalloplasty. The results I've seen and the manner in which he cares for his patients, from what I've heard, are amazing. I never thought I was going to even do this but since having top surgery done, I just feel like I really want to go through with the entire process. I know it is risky, but after all, someone has to do it and I think it would not only be beneficial to me, but I can share the experience with FTM's who are contemplating whether to go the whole nine yards or not.

The cost ranges from $50,000-$75,000 and is performed in San Francisco, CA. It covers a 5-day hospital stay, surgery, anesthesia and other fees. Also, I believe my insurance covers this procedure but I will be finding out later for sure this week as my insurance company sent me a letter in regards to the benefits for transgender policy holders.

[Simon]

Very interesting and thanks for the info. I know it is a long ways off but I'd be interested in hearing your experience and results. Also, what insurance has a plan that covers SRS?

[supremecatoverlord]

Also, what insurance has a plan that covers SRS?

This.
And could you possibly share some pictures of his results?
I can't find any from searching his name on google.
I definitely want a phallo in the future, but am not really sure what surgeon to go to.
If I'm really impressed with his results, I'd definitely consider him.

[kenton_07]

I have CDPHP Insurance which also paid for my top surgery.

I don't have the pictures to post but he is emailing me some of his work after the phalloplasty procedures he is performing within the next few months. But here is a link for his work with Dr. Miro in Serbia: http://www.genitalsurgerybelgrade.com/ftm_surgery_detail.php?Phalloplasty-2

Also, just a quick note, Dr. Crane does the surgery in one stage in order to cut costs and for better overall results. In some cases, more than one stage is needed depending on the patient's body weight.

[supremecatoverlord]

I don't have the pictures to post but he is emailing me some of his work after the phalloplasty procedures he is performing within the next few months. But here is a link for his work with Dr. Miro in Serbia: http://www.genitalsurgerybelgrade.com/ftm_surgery_detail.php?Phalloplasty-2

Also, just a quick note, Dr. Crane does the surgery in one stage in order to cut costs and for better overall results. In some cases, more than one stage is needed depending on the patient's body weight.

I clicked that link and I still don't see any pictures. =/

[aleon515]

It's much harder to get bottom surgery paid for from insurance, for one thing the cost is crazy higher and the other is that it is considered experimental. I think there are few plans in the US covering it. I suppose if you lived in a very trans friendly state and had a very trans friendly policy working for a very trans friendly company.

He's got one base covered being in CA.

I have not heard of this done in one step. I thought that the urethral lengthening actually could NOT be done at the same time.


--Jay

[Aussie Jay]

I clicked that link and I still don't see any pictures. =/

There's a box towards the bottom mate that says "Photo gallery for over 18s" or something in red font. Click it and it should open the gallery..

[Aussie Jay]

I have not heard of this done in one step. I thought that the urethral lengthening actually could NOT be done at the same time.


--Jay

I only recently heard of doing it in one op too - Monstrey does it (obviously because Crane studied under him as stated by the OP).. Worth a look - results are looking good. Yahoo groups for FTM and phallo etc have some good recent pics if you're a member...

[Zerro]

The results are pretty nice for an all-in-one deal. I have to admit, I'm most impressed with the results that were phalloplasty procedures performed after the patient had a metoidioplasty. I'll add Dr. Crane to my list of surgeons to contact and watch while I get the rest of my issues squared away. I like the technique he uses, and would ultimately prefer it to having the skin of my forearm taken.

[Simon]

http://www.genitalsurgerybelgrade.com/ftm_surgery_detail.php?Phalloplasty-2

I have definitely seen better. Those things look like somebody stuffed half a pita pocket and slapped it on. Good Lord I hope bottom surgery techniques progress beyond what is available now.

[supremecatoverlord]

I have definitely seen better. Those things look like somebody stuffed half a pita pocket and slapped it on. Good Lord I hope bottom surgery techniques progress beyond what is available now.

Finally figured out how to see pictures, and I have to say that I've seen a lot better as well. That doesn't look like a penis to me, sadly. Actually, I'm not really sure what that looks like.

However, it is Kenton's body and he can do what he likes with it. I won't be adding this surgeon to my list unless much better results are seen though.

[Nero]

http://www.genitalsurgerybelgrade.com/ftm_surgery_detail.php?Phalloplasty-2

Hmm Are they trying to go for an un-cut appearance?

Some of the pics looked like they might be leaving the clit/'little guy' underneath. Is that common?

Anyone else find it odd there were two 'ftm reversals' in the mix?

[kenton_07]

Some of the pics looked like they might be leaving the clit/'little guy' underneath. Is that common?

Some surgeons do not perform a full vaginectomy which I believe is closure of down there. Some of them leave it  partially open but Dr.Crane performs a full vaginectomy. From what Dr. Crane has told me, he will not be leaving anything down there besides the created phallus.

I will post the pictures of Dr.Crane's work when he emails me the pictures of his very own procedures so that everyone can see the work that is just his.

[wheat thins are delicious]

You guys do realize that there are ways to say you don't like a surgeon's results without saying such crappy things about those guys surgical results.  Please keep in mind the results shown on the Belgrade website are photos that are taken right after or very soon after the initial surgery and not all the surgical stages have taken place yet. 

Hmm Are they trying to go for an un-cut appearance?

There are later procedures to define the glans and such, most of those photos are just from the initial surgery.

[CursedFireDean]

I only recently heard of doing it in one op too - Monstrey does it (obviously because Crane studied under him as stated by the OP).. Worth a look - results are looking good. Yahoo groups for FTM and phallo etc have some good recent pics if you're a member...

From what I saw on the site, it said 2 steps for most people

[FullThrottleMalehem]

I have to agree with other posters, it looks far too large and rounded off. Even with an uncut look, that still looks off to me. No offense meant. I really wish they could get FtM surgery to the same level of functionality and appearance of well done MTF surgeries.

[Zerro]

You guys do realize that there are ways to say you don't like a surgeon's results without saying such crappy things about those guys surgical results.  Please keep in mind the results shown on the Belgrade website are photos that are taken right after or very soon after the initial surgery and not all the surgical stages have taken place yet. 

There are later procedures to define the glans and such, most of those photos are just from the initial surgery.

This. And not many of the photos have the glans put in just yet, and they look pretty decent for what he's doing. Given time to heal, along with a few more touch ups, they'd look better.

[aleon515]

I have to agree with other posters, it looks far too large and rounded off. Even with an uncut look, that still looks off to me. No offense meant. I really wish they could get FtM surgery to the same level of functionality and appearance of well done MTF surgeries.

In all fairness, it is harder to do. It's much easier to make an innie into an outie than an outie into an innie. It's easier to subtract tissue than add it.

--Jay

[Aussie Jay]

From what I saw on the site, it said 2 steps for most people

FWIW, if you were to read one of the personal accounts in the yahoo groups (FTM Phallo or The Deciding Line, can't remember which sorry) he flew to Belgium for surgery with Monstrey and had RFF phallo with vaginectomy, urethral hook up, scrotoplasty with fused sac and glansplasty all in the one operation. But yes I imagine everyone is different.

The results on the link in this thread are for Miro not Crane or Monstrey. I like the idea of a combination between meta and phallo - be good wouldn't it.. Again FWIW Monstrey does a combo RFF and thigh - where he takes the majority of tissue from your thigh and the nerves, vessels etc from your forearm - I wonder if Crane is the same...? Means less scarring on your arm.

Hmm Are they trying to go for an un-cut appearance?

Some of the pics looked like they might be leaving the clit/'little guy' underneath. Is that common?

Anyone else find it odd there were two 'ftm reversals' in the mix?

I think they appear somewhat "uncut" because it is only the first stage and the glans (head) hasn't been formed yet. I remember reading somewhere that the reversals were persons AMAB transitioned to female (MTF) and then have transitioned back the male (FTM*) if that makes sense..

And yes it is somewhat common for the little guy to be underneath, however some surgeons will incorporate into the new phallus allowing for stimulation etc. So yeah some will attach nerves from the little guy to the flap (and hence phallus) others leave him as is buried at the base of the phallus.

[kenton_07]

Dr. Crane has three different options for the donor site: forearm, thigh, and the area on the side of your upper body beneath your arm pit. Dr. Crane does do the surgery in one step and I'm still waiting for my phone consultation so that I can hear about it in more detail. Overall, I'm impressed by the way he has been serving me thus far and the description of the procedure on his website and what we have discussed in emails, sounds like what I would want for the surgery.